Web Developer

Result of Service 2. Objective. The main objective of the consultancy is to set up a fully functioning prototype of a Data, Information and Knowledge platform for the LAC region (WESR-LAC), including a robust Content Management System (CMS) and implemented in Drupal. The WESR-LAC will be fully integrated within the existent Global UNEP WESR’s architecture, including its visual identity.

Specific Tasks Under the overall supervision of the UNEP Regional Coordinator for the Subprogramme “Environment Under Review”, Latin America and the Caribbean Office. and the technical guidance of the Big Data Unit at the Division of Science in Nairobi Head Quarters, the consultant will be responsible for the execution of the following activities: 1- Implementation of a prototypal version of a WESR-LAC web design and Drupal Content Management System (CMS). a. Fully implemented responsive layout and structure for the dynamic website capturing the latest trends for website presentations which is compatible and easily accessible to most common devices and browsers (Laptops, mobiles and other handheld devices) for 5 (five) thematic pages as defined by UNEP. b. The above implementation includes hands on training -of UNEP staff responsible for each of the 5 themes- in maintenance and updates of the respective WESR thematic pages, and development of generic Drupal CMS training material for future thematic implementations. 2- Development of a WESR-LAC data platform information architecture (IA) considering content, context and users, including a robust site map as an output. 3- Onset work on WESR-LAC data architecture in tandem with information architecture. The data architecture work will include description of data pipelines, cloud storage, APIs, IA/ML models (if necessary), data storage, Kubernetes, cloud computing (if necessary) and real-time analytics for the 5 thematic pages. 4- Development of a continuous integration and continuous deployment pipeline for the Drupal environment. 5- Ensure the full compliance of the proposed structure with the WESR visual identity, as per UNEP’s indications. 6- Liaise with all relevant UNEP staff members to understand users' needs and identify corresponding user interface requirements, workflows, and functionalities. 7- Maintain an inventory of deliverables, and always deliver all source elements to allow UNEP to maintain them.

Deliverables:

Product A: Set up of the back-end structure for WESR-LAC and 1 functional page with front-end completed. Report including main findings emerged from a hands-on training held with UNEP and recommendations and/or suggestions for further development related to workflows and functionalities of the system. Product B: A fully functional WESR-LAC section front-end completed based upon 5 thematic pages and with Drupal functionality implemented, fully integrated within the Global UNEP WESR’s architecture including its visual identity Product C: Source code and any related resources used during the development period. A detailed final report including list of all software installed on ROLAC or UNEP web resources, manual of installation and documentation of the entire exercise, detailing clearly the setup, configuration and building on custom modules.

Work Location Home-based

Expected duration 5 months

Duties and Responsibilities 1. Introduction.

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. UNEP Latin America and the Caribbean Office (ROLAC) works closely with the 33 countries of the region and its activities are integrated into the Medium-Term Strategy and the Programme of Work approved by the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA).

In February 2021, at the occasion of the XXII Forum of Ministers of Environment of Latin America and the Caribbean, (LAC) countries of the region agreed on a set of concrete decisions including to promote a regional Integrated Environmental Information System to strengthen the science-policy interface in the region and, notably, to support monitoring the implementation of the environmental dimension of the 2030 Agenda. The System, to be hosted by UNEP and fed with relevant data, assessments and reports produced by countries and supplemented by global data and information, will be based on the existing IT structure and architecture of UNEP’s World Environment Situation Room (WESR)

The WESR is a ‘Single-Entry Door to a UN Knowledge Platform on Environment’. WESR is a distributed data platform allowing users to access the best available environmental data, information, and knowledge to support decision and policy making and to accelerate action on the environment. WESR’s main objective is that of improving transparency in monitoring global progress towards our collective environmental goals as well as providing more timely feedback on the effectiveness of global environmental governance and on emerging environment and climate risks. The WESR will help to bring key environmental data, information, and knowledge into a common platform, authenticated through the technical expertise of UNEP staff and partners.

In full compliance with the XXII Forum’s decision to establish a regional Integrated Environmental Information System to support the systematic collection, processing and analysis of policy relevant environmental data and information in the region, UNEP will develop a first prototype of a bespoke version of the WESR platform for LAC countries (WESR-LAC).

The WESR-LAC platform will ensure the overall goal of harnessing actionable data and information on the environment for sustainable development, to strengthen the regional and national environmental science-policy interface through free and open access to high quality data and information.

The purpose of this consultancy is to identify a consultant to be tasked with the delivery of a fully functioning prototypal version of a free and open-source web content management system (Drupal) for the regional LAC section of the World Environment Situation Room (WESR).

The incumbent will work from home in close coordination with the Science Unit at the UNEP ROLAC, and under the supervision of UNEP Regional Coordinator for the Subprogramme “Environment Under Review”, Latin America and the Caribbean Office.

Qualifications/special skills Academic Qualifications: - Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Computer Science, Information Systems, Computational Intelligence or a related field is required. - A first-level university degree in Computer Science, Information Technology or Information Systems in combination with 5-year qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience: - 5-year experience in Content Management design and implementation as well as experience in designing visually appealing and navigation friendly web sites/applications proved through portfolio of designed products is required. - Proven experience in developing cutting edge web solutions in Drupal 8/9 and building custom Drupal modules is required. - Ability to architect enterprise Drupal solutions including integration to different data sources and information architecture. Knowledge of key Drupal APIs such as Authentication API, Cache API, Restful Web Services API among others is required. - Experience in systems’ analysis, design, and web development. Experience in the development of applications using MS SQL and relational databases and a good understanding of the latest web technologies such as HTML 5 and CSS.3 is desired. - Knowledge of current web development technologies and design tools in the field, and new software and other web programming languages and programs including use of HTML, XHTML, CSS, XML, XSLT, PHP, is desired. - Experience with PostgreSQL. - General understanding of Drupal 8/9 Search API with ElasticSearch or Solr.

Language: - Fluency in English is required, knowledge of Spanish is desirable.

Skills: - Knowledge of data architecture and architectural components of today’s data architectural world: data pipelines, cloud storage, APIs, AI & ML models, data streaming, Kubernetes, cloud computing, real-time analytics, and more. - Knowledge of and experience in data focused website architecture and in creating a logical layout of a website in line with the user and/or business requirements, including technical constraints, functional aspects, visual appearance, and security parameters. - Understanding of user experience, user-interface design principles, and conceptual design. Experience developing interactive websites that allow for user‐engagement and online donations. - Ability to provide/build prototypes (static or runnable) either for GFX design, user experience and use case. - Knowledge of recent trends in graphic design, web sites, including online video publishing, and social media networking. Demonstrate the ability to create innovative and visually appealing design. - Experience in setting up modern CI/CD Pipelines for Drupal environments. - Experience in project management.

No Fee THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.