Together, we build the future UNOPS – an operational arm of the United Nations – supports the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by successfully implementing its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian, and development projects around the world. Our mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve peace and sustainable development. We are proud of our people. The UNOPS family brings together approximately 160 nationalities, represented by over 5,000 UNOPS personnel as well as some 7,800 personnel recruited on behalf of our partners. Spread across 80 countries, our workforce is rich in diversity and culture – with inclusion at its core. We understand the importance of balancing professional and personal demands and offer several flexible working options.
Duration
3 months with the possibility of extension subject to business needs, satisfactory performance, and funds availability.
Duty Station(s)
Home based.
Role Purpose
The ICT Specialist - Software Development will work collaboratively with the core development team who are based remotely and also with colleagues in headquarters in New York and the UN Resident Coordinator Offices.
Within a team of front-end and back-end developers, the ICT Specialist will be working on web applications primarily using Typescript, Javascript, Express, Postgres, React JS, Docker, Kubernetes, Azure tools and environments. The project follows the Git workflow model and uses Gitlab for code management and releases. Developers are required to write comprehensive automated tests for code to ensure adequate coverage.
In addition, the incumbent will also be expected to assist with the maintenance and support of any of DCO’s other digital systems.
The incumbent of this position will be a personnel of UNOPS under its full responsibility.
Functions / Key Results Expected
Under the supervision of the ICT Senior Manager - Technology Innovation, the incumbent will be required to perform the following functions:
- New Feature Development: Design, develop, and implement new features and modules to address DCO’s identified business needs and priorities, ensuring alignment with DCO’s digital development standards.
- System Maintenance and Support: Analyze and develop solutions to issues reported by the business focal points. These prioritized issues will include both bugs and feature enhancements and changes.
- Full-Stack Development: Utilize expertise in both frontend and backend technologies (Typescript, Node.js, ReactJS, PostgreSQL) to contribute across the entire technology stack and to maintain quality through automated tests.
- API Development/Integration: Design and develop public and private APIs for the UNINFO suite as well as to facilitate integration and consumption with other systems, and provide comprehensive documentation.
- AI development: Develop AI-enabled applications (Azure AI Foundry, Copilot Studio, Rovo, etc.)
- Platform Enhancement: Analyze existing applications and identify opportunities for improvement in performance, scalability, security, and user experience.
- Data Visualization: Develop and integrate interactive data visualizations and dashboards using to effectively communicate insights from the UN INFO suite of tools.
Skills
Communication, Problem Solving, Strategic Thinking, Agility, Integrity, Results oriented.
Education Requirements
- An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) preferably in information technology, information systems, information management, web development, database, engineering, or in a field related to the post description, with 5 (five) years of relevant experience is required; OR
- A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent), preferably in information technology, information systems, information management, web development, database, engineering, or in a field related to the post description, with 7 (seven) years of relevant experience is required; OR
- A Secondary school diploma (or high school equivalent) with eleven (11) years of relevant experience is required.
Experience Requirements
Required:
- Relevant experience is defined as experience in database-driven web application development and maintenance.
- Within the above required experience, a minimum of 3 (three) years of experience in developing with object-oriented JavaScript and JavaScript-based libraries, in particular Typescript, Node.JS or ReactJS to build dynamic and data driven websites and/or applications.
- Experience in developing with Node.js, Python, or other web application frameworks.
- Experience developing with SQL-based open-source databases such as MySQL or PostgreSQL
- Experience with AI-enabled app development (Azure Foundry, MCP Servers, Copilot Studio, Rovo or others).
Desired: The following experience is optional. Candidates who do not have it are welcome to apply
- Experience in software testing, including frameworks and/or techniques such as dependency injection, Jest, Mocha, or Cypress is desirable.
- Experience in code versioning, in particular Git workflow is an asset.
- Experience in the development of web API services and their utilization is an asset.
- Experience in developing in a Linux environment is desirable.
- Experience in managing dependencies, deployment, and development workflow is desirable.
Language Requirements
- English – Fluent – Required
- Arabic – Intermediate – Desirable
- French – Intermediate – Desirable
- Spanish – Intermediate – Desirable
- Chinese (Mandarin) – Intermediate – Desirable
- Russian – Intermediate – Desirable
- Opportunities for learning and growth
- Commitment to Excellence: Our support extends to all personnel at every level of the organization.
- Ongoing Development: We provide ongoing opportunities to help our people learn, develop, and excel at their jobs.
- State-of-the-Art Learning: Access a wide range of learning through our blended learning programmes, covering Leadership development and Personal and professional development.
- Key Credentials: Opportunities to benefit from Internationally recognized technical certifications and Membership to professional associations in various areas.
- Internal Culture: We foster an environment that encourages and supports knowledge sharing and collaboration.
