Software Engineer (Giga)

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established in 1946, is a United Nations agency dedicated to providing humanitarian and developmental aid to children worldwide. With a presence in over 190 countries and territories, UNICEF works tirelessly to reach the most disadvantaged children, ensuring their rights are defended and their potential is fulfilled. The organization has a rich history of innovation, particularly through its Office of Innovation, which focuses on leveraging new approaches, partnerships, and technologies to improve children's lives. UNICEF's mission is to build a better world for every child, and it operates with a commitment to never give up on this goal.

Job Overview:
The Software Engineer position within the Giga initiative at UNICEF is a unique opportunity to contribute to a project aimed at connecting every school in the world to the internet. This role requires a self-motivated individual with a strong background in both frontend and backend software engineering. The candidate will be responsible for supporting data analysis tasks and collaborating with a diverse team to drive the Giga project forward. The position involves building, improving, and maintaining software engineering and data products, including custom features and products, while also testing these products to ensure they meet the needs of end users. The role is critical in actualizing Giga's ambitious goal of bridging the digital divide and providing children with access to information and opportunities.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The main responsibilities of the Software Engineer include:

• Collaborating closely with the data and mapping product team to support frontend and backend development tasks across various products.
• Assisting in the testing of products and integrations developed by the data and mapping product team.
• Contributing to the writing and reviewing of documentation for products and their processes.
• Assisting with product design for Giga's data products.
• Engaging with end users to gather feedback and improve the products based on their needs.
• Utilizing knowledge of frontend frameworks such as ReactJS and TypeScript, as well as backend technologies like Python and PostgreSQL, to develop and enhance software solutions.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for this position, candidates must possess a university degree (Bachelor's or higher) in Computer Science, Network Engineering, or a related field. They should have a minimum of 1 year of relevant professional experience in software development. Candidates must demonstrate the ability to work collaboratively, manage multiple tasks, and meet deadlines with guidance from their supervisor. Familiarity with technical areas such as frontend development (ReactJS, TypeScript, CSS), backend development (Python, FastAPI), database management (PostgreSQL), and deployment/testing processes is essential. Experience in developing countries or familiarity with emergency situations is considered an asset.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have a university degree, preferably a Bachelor's degree or higher, in Computer Science, Network Engineering, or a related field. This educational background is crucial for understanding the technical requirements and challenges associated with software development in the context of the Giga initiative.

Experience:
The position requires at least 1 year of relevant professional experience in software development. This experience should encompass both frontend and backend development, as well as familiarity with data-intensive software applications and their interaction with data processing systems. Candidates should have a proven track record of working collaboratively in a team environment and managing multiple tasks effectively.

Languages:
Fluency in written and spoken English is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in Spanish or any other UN languages (such as French, Russian, Arabic, or Chinese) is considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to communicate effectively in a diverse work environment.

Additional Notes:
This internship is expected to last for 6 months and is a full-time commitment. Interns must be at least 18 years old and demonstrate good academic performance. They must not have immediate relatives working in any UNICEF office and must provide proof of medical insurance for the duration of the internship. Interns are responsible for their own laptop and must ensure they have valid visa and health insurance as required. The selected candidate will receive a monthly stipend to assist with living expenses, and there is no expectation of employment following the internship. Additionally, selected interns must confirm their fully vaccinated status against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) with a WHO-endorsed vaccine, although this requirement does not apply to those working remotely.