Javascript Developer

Contract

This is a IICA-2 contract. This kind of contract is known as International Individual Contractor Agreements. It is normally internationally recruited only. It's an external contract. It usually requires 5 years of experience, depending on education. More about IICA-2 contracts.

Background Information - Job-specific

The UN Development Coordination Office (DCO) is seeking talented and creative Javascript developers to work remotely on the development and maintenance of online applications to improve information management for the coordination of international development assistance.

UNDCO is currently improving how data around development assistance is collected, processed and made available to practitioners, decision-makers and the public. This is centered around its main data management platform, the UN INFO suite of applications, which includes Cooperation Framework, IMS and Common Premises. Additionally, there are public facing sites such as the UNSDG Data portal which provide interactive visualizations and analytical products.

The developer will join a DCO-wide team under the supervision of the DCO Information Platforms Officer and work closely with relevant project managers, data analysts as well as substantive expertise from the various branches in DCO and specifically the Policy and Programming Branch (PPB). This role includes an expectation to provide support and backup to other projects as and when necessary.

The position is home-based, and ideally should be based within a time zone that reasonably overlaps with New York as it requires close and continuous collaboration with the team. Travel to New York may be required on an as-need basis within the period of the contract.

Functional competencies

Purpose and Scope of Assignment A developer will report to the DCO Integrated RCS Platforms Officer in New York and work collaboratively with colleagues in headquarters, the UN Resident Coordinator Offices and the core development team.

Within a team of front-end and back-end developers and a lead developer, you'll be working on web applications using Node.js, Postgres, React JS, Docker and Azure/AWS tools and environments. The project follows the Git workflow model and uses Gitlab for code management and releases. Developers are required to write comprehensive tests for code. As a Javascript developer you will be required to:

• Develop and maintain online web/database applications to provide DCO with the suite of data web applications, particularly on response planning & monitoring, project planning, implementation tracking and financial tracking.
• Bring design and UI expertise to enhance the user experience on the front end of the web apps and propose creative solutions to meet complex user requirements and functional challenges.
• Design, build and maintain stable, high quality back end systems including public and private APIs, optimised code and queries, software library maintenance, server management and other relevant Dev Ops tasks. This will involve planning and designing system architecture, designing database models, implementing business logic and testing frameworks and deployment solutions.
• Undertake iterative design and functional improvements for applications once they are launched, working in an Agile manner to meet rapidly evolving user needs.
• Work closely with the current developer team to successfully deliver solutions on time and to specification. This includes planning schedules, quality assurance, brainstorming ideas and solutions, adhering to coding standards, meeting security requirements, following agreed procedures for deployments and other team related activities.
• Communicate and collaborate with business focal points and project managers on understanding problems, creating solutions and providing accurate time estimates.
• Provide technical documentation for developers and application administrators to support and maintain the system.
• Provide technical support as needed to application administrators and data managers for content creation, user/permission management, data cleansing and ad-hoc requests for customised reports.
• Work in micro-services environment, with potential mesh architecture for high security web applications.
• Have access to a computer with MAC OS X or Linux based operating system for running the necessary development tools and environments.
• Work closely with the infrastructure team for code deployments, troubleshooting and other related issues and ensure the technical standards set forth in the UN are met.
• As part of this team, completion of other tasks as assigned across DCO projects beyond DCO platforms as needed.

Monitoring and Progress Controls

• The development team follows an agile approach, Tasks assigned will be assigned and assessed during daily stand up calls and sprint review/planning sessions.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

****Female Candidates are strongly encouraged to apply****

Education

• Advanced university degree (Master's degree or military diploma equivalent) preferably in information technology, information systems, information management, web development, database, engineering or related field .
• A first-level university degree in combination with 2 years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience

Required Experience

• A minimum of five (5) years of working on software development and implementation is required.
• Experience in online database application development and implementation working experience as follows:

1. A minimum of two (2) years of developing with object-oriented JavaScript and JavaScript-based libraries on dynamic, data driven websites including D3.js
2. A minimum of two (2) years of developing with Node.js
3. A minimum of one (1) year working with REACT.js
4. A minimum of three (3) years developing with SQL-based open-source databases such as MySQL or PostgreSQL, Code versioning, in particular Git workflow
5. A minimum of one (1) year working with working with Docker
6. A minimum of two (2) years developing on a Linux environment

Desired Experience

• Experience with Azure/AWS and other cloud services
• Experience in development of web API services and their utilization
• Experience in managing dependencies, deployment and development workflow
• Demonstrated experience in web development projects in a consulting or professional services environment, working with cross-functional teams
• Experience in working on projects using an agile framework
• Experience in working both independently and in collaboration with remote, geographically diverse teams - comfortable and competent with working via e-mail, chat, audio/video conference etc.
• Experience working on both front-end and back-end
• Experience of developing web applications in other programming languages
• Some knowledge of Drupal-based websites, particularly regarding integration of database applications with Drupal front ends, and website development in PHP
• Some experience working with the public or not-for-profit sector

Language

• Fluency in English is required.
• Knowledge of any of the other UN official languages is desirable.

Competencies

Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organization. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organization.(for levels IICA-2, IICA-3, LICA Specialist- 10, LICA Specialist-11, NOC, NOD, P3, P4 and above) Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.

Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles. Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role). Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries. Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements. Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving. Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.

Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: Individual Contractor Agreement (IICA) Contract level: International Individual Contractor Agreement (I-ICA 2) Contract duration:12 months

For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link: https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements.aspx

This is a partner supervised position.

Additional Considerations

• Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
• Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
• UNOPS seeks to reasonably accommodate candidates with special needs, upon request.
• Work life harmonization - UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands. We have a progressive policy on work-life harmonization and offer several flexible working options. This policy applies to UNOPS personnel on all contract types
• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post
• For retainer contracts, you must complete a few Mandatory Courses (around 4 hours) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS.
• The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.

It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential recruits/interns. Recruitment/internship in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.

Background Information - UNOPS

UNOPS is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Our mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve sustainable development.

UNOPS areas of expertise cover infrastructure, procurement, project management, financial management and human resources.

Working with us

UNOPS offers short- and long-term work opportunities in diverse and challenging environments across the globe. We are looking for creative, results-focused professionals with skills in a range of disciplines.

Diversity

With over 4,000 UNOPS personnel and approximately 7,000 personnel recruited on behalf of UNOPS partners spread across 80 countries, our workforce represents a wide range of nationalities and cultures. We promote a balanced, diverse workforce — a strength that helps us better understand and address our partners’ needs, and continually strive to improve our gender balance through initiatives and policies that encourage recruitment of qualified female candidates.

Work life harmonization

UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands.

Background Information - Sustainable Development Cluster

Based in New York, the Sustainable Development Cluster (SDC) supports diverse partners with their peacebuilding, humanitarian and development operations.

The SDC’s services include grants management, development and special initiatives support, and technology support to the UN and UN agencies.

The SDC is part of the New York Service Cluster that supports the United Nations Secretariat, as well as a broadening community of other New York-based United Nations organizations, bilateral and multilateral partners in the delivery of UNOPS mandate in project management, infrastructure management, and procurement management.