UNDP
Job Description
Background
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are core principles at UNDP: we value diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate, we foster inclusion as a way of ensuring all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, and we ensure equity and fairness in all our actions. Taking a ‘leave no one behind’ approach to our diversity efforts means increasing representation of underserved populations. People who identify as belonging to marginalized or excluded populations are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more about working at UNDP including our values and inspiring stories.
UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is committed to workforce diversity, encouraging applications from women, minorities, indigenous groups, and persons with disabilities, with a strict confidentiality policy. UNDP enforces zero tolerance for sexual exploitation, harassment, and discrimination, requiring thorough reference and background checks for all hires.
The Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA) of the Government of Malawi coordinates emergency responses in collaboration with the Humanitarian Country Team (HCT) and under the guidance of the National Disaster Preparedness and Relief Committee. DoDMA plays a crucial role in disaster information management, ensuring data reliability and accessibility, particularly amidst increasing shocks in Malawi. To strengthen local disaster risk management, DoDMA has decentralized its operations and is enhancing both its Disaster Information Hub (DIH) and Disaster Risk Management Information System (DRMIS). Initially implemented in select districts, these systems are now being scaled nationwide to automate disaster information for improved decision-making. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has been supporting DoDMA through a collaborative effort.
In line with efforts to enhance DoDMA’s information management capabilities, UNDP is seeking to recruit a Software Developer. This role will focus on developing and maintaining applications as required by DoDMA, and contributing to various projects from the available resource pool.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Design, develop, and support software applications such as the Disaster Information Hub (DIH) and the Disaster Risk Management Information System (DRMIS), along with other systems related to disaster information management.
- Develop and maintain an open-source dashboard in line with the Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA) and stakeholder requirements.
- Ensure the platform is adaptable, scalable, and adheres to DoDMA specifications, transforming it into a comprehensive web-based Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) dashboard for the national government.
- Ensure effective integration of the front-end code, (i.e., every functionality of the dashboard works and performs it in the most efficient and fastest way possible).
- Integrate code to automate specific functions such as notifications for new users, maintenance tasks, etc.
- Ensure robust database security features for data submitted, reported, and uploaded into the dashboard.
- Streamline the process of accessing data sets from the dashboard so that the website loads as fast as possible, and its functionality is carried out as quickly as possible.
- Report all findings that are necessary or beneficial to the improvement of the information systems on the ground.
- Deliver a live demonstration of system features/capabilities during regular meetings with UNDP CO and local and national government representatives. Ensure that the interface results in positive user interaction and usability.
Competencies
Core
- Achieve Results: LEVEL 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline.
- Think Innovatively: LEVEL 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements.
- Learn Continuously: LEVEL 1: Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback.
- Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible.
- Act with Determination: LEVEL 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident.
- Engage and Partner: LEVEL 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships.
- Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 1: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discrimination.
Cross-Functional & Technical competencies
Data engineering:
- Ability in programming languages such as SQL, Python, and R, be adept at finding warehousing solutions, and using ETL (Extract, Transfer, Load) tools, and understanding basic machine learning and algorithms.
Programming, Web and App Development:
- Ability to build websites, platforms and apps that are effective and intuitive to use.
Digital product Management:
- Ability to design and lead digital product development including testing, ongoing product iteration, product strategy and delivery.
Customer Satisfaction /Client Management:
- Ability to respond timely and appropriately with a sense of urgency, provide consistent solutions, and deliver timely and quality results and/or solutions to fulfill and understand the real customers’ needs.
System thinking:
- Ability to use objective problem analysis and judgement to understand how interrelated elements coexist within an overall process or system, and to consider how altering one element can impact on other parts of the system.
Strategic thinking:
- Ability to leverage learning from a variety of sources to anticipate and respond to future trends; to demonstrate foresight in order to model what future developments and possible ways forward look like for UNDP.
Required Skills and Experience
Education:
- Advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in Information Communication Technology, IT, Computer Science or related discipline, from a recognized institution is required, or
- A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Experience:
- Minimum of 2 years (with master’s degree) or 4 years (with bachelor’s degree) of relevant experience at the national or international level as software developer or relevant related field is required;
- Experience in designing and implementing architecture diagrams;
- Proven skills in doing system-based research;
- Experience with creating realistic job completion schedules;
- Experience in software development processes;
- Proven experience and knowledge in Programming Languages (JavaScript, C#, Java);
- Good knowledge of systems development and design principles in Microservices and Event-Driven Systems;
- Proven experience in developing software using mobile development platforms and frameworks such as, Cordova, Electron, Node, Vue, Quasar, Express, Loopback 3 and 4;
- Develop and maintain web applications using D3.js, DC.js, and Crossfilter.js to enhance data visualization and user interaction;
- Proven experience in relational database management systems such as Microsoft SQL Server, and Non-relational databases such Mongo DB;
- Proven experience in messaging brokers platforms such as RabbitMQ;
- Strong and proven understanding and practical experience in Agile software development methodologies (Scrum, Kanban) for iterative and incremental software development;
- Expertise in software testing frameworks and tools (Jest, Mocha) for ensuring high-quality, robust software solutions;
- Proven knowledge of security best practices and implementation of security measures in software development, including authentication, authorization, and data encryption techniques;
- Proven proficiency in designing, developing, and integrating RESTful and SOAP APIs, ensuring seamless communication between different software systems and components;
- Experience with web server configuration and management using Nginx, including load balancing, reverse proxy, and SSL/TLS configuration;
- Proven proficiency in implementing and optimizing Continuous Integration and Continuous Deployment (CI/CD) pipelines to automate software builds, testing, and deployment processes, ensuring rapid delivery of high-quality code changes (Git, Nagios, Jenkins, Prometheus, Grafana).
Required Languages:
- Fluency in English and Chichewa.
Disclaimer
Applicant information about UNDP rosters
Note: UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.
Non-discrimination
UNDP has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.
UNDP is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer that does not discriminate based on race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.
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