Software Developer Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) was founded in 1951 and is recognized as the leading intergovernmental organization focused on migration. Its mission is to promote safe, orderly, and humane migration for the benefit of both migrants and society. IOM has been operational in Ecuador for over 60 years, collaborating with various partners in the international community to tackle the challenges of operational migration management. The organization emphasizes understanding migration issues, fostering social and economic development through migration, and ensuring respect for human dignity and the wellbeing of migrants. IOM Ecuador addresses the needs of Venezuelan migrants, Ecuadorian nationals intending to migrate, internally displaced individuals, returnees, and those in transit. The organization has identified new migration trends and is committed to contributing to national development while seeking durable solutions for migrants and host communities. IOM implements various projects related to humanitarian aid, migrant health, protection, and social and economic integration, utilizing the Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM) operations to manage beneficiary information and assistance systems. The organization is dedicated to collecting, analyzing, and reporting on migration flows and related phenomena, ensuring adherence to data protection policies and prioritizing the safety of vulnerable populations.

Job Overview:
The Software Developer Assistant will play a crucial role in maintaining and enhancing the current beneficiary registration system at IOM Ecuador. This position requires close collaboration with the Head of Partnerships, Advocacy and Communications, as well as relevant technical teams. The assistant will be responsible for modifying the existing platform based on technical requirements, supporting programs using PHP, and understanding database concepts, particularly for back-end development. The role involves conducting software testing and debugging to ensure the reliability of the system, identifying errors in collected information, and managing the registration system. Additionally, the assistant will monitor the maintenance of the digital data archive system, suggest improvements, and collaborate with Global ICT to implement Microsoft Azure best practices. The position also entails assisting in the creation of reports to meet program needs, including writing complex SQL queries and maintaining comprehensive documentation of the codebase and technical processes. The Software Developer Assistant will provide ongoing technical support and troubleshooting post-deployment, ensuring efficient management of source code using version control systems like Git, and supporting improvements in data storage and management processes at IOM.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Maintain and enhance the current beneficiary registration system, modifying the existing platform as per technical requirements.
• Support program development using PHP and demonstrate a solid understanding of database concepts, especially for back-end development.
• Conduct thorough software testing and debugging to ensure the system operates correctly and reliably.
• Assist in identifying errors in the collected information and effectively manage the registration system.
• Monitor the maintenance of the digital data archive system (both local and cloud-based) and propose improvements.
• Collaborate with Global ICT to implement system modifications that promote the use of Microsoft Azure best practices.
• Assist in generating reports to meet program needs, including writing complex SQL queries, stored procedures, functions, and common table expressions (CTEs).
• Maintain comprehensive documentation of the codebase, system logic, and technical processes, providing handover or training to internal staff as required.
• Provide ongoing technical support and troubleshooting post-deployment as needed. 1
• Utilize version control systems (e.g., Git) to manage source code efficiently and ensure consistency. 1
• Support the identification and implementation of improvements in data storage and management processes at IOM. 1
• Perform other related duties as required.

Required Qualifications:

• High school diploma with four years of relevant work experience, or a Bachelor’s degree (Licenciatura/Engineering/etc.) in Information Technology, Computer Science, or related fields with two years of relevant work experience in software development.
• Knowledge of topics related to human mobility and/or experience working with international organizations is preferred.
• Proficiency in software development using PHP programming is mandatory.
• Strong skills in HTML, jQuery, CSS, and JavaScript for designing user interfaces are mandatory.
• Excellent knowledge of Microsoft SQL Server and MySQL is mandatory.
• Understanding of MVC (Model-View-Controller) and OOP (Object-Oriented Programming) concepts is desirable.
• Knowledge of beneficiary information management and database storage is desirable.
• Experience with web security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security principles and the ability to protect applications against threats such as SQL injection and Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) is desirable.
• Familiarity with ODK (Open Data Kit) / KoBo forms is desirable. 1
• Skills in handling statistical software and data analysis tools are desirable. 1
• Experience working under agile methodologies is desirable.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess either a high school diploma with four years of relevant work experience or a Bachelor’s degree (Licenciatura/Engineering/etc.) in Information Technology, Computer Science, or related fields, accompanied by two years of relevant work experience in software development. It is important to note that accredited universities are those listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of two years of relevant work experience in software development for candidates with a Bachelor’s degree. For those with a high school diploma, a total of four years of relevant work experience is necessary. Candidates should have experience in software development using PHP programming, as well as knowledge of topics related to human mobility and/or experience working with international organizations, which is preferred but not mandatory.

Languages:
Fluency in both English and Spanish is required for this position, encompassing both oral and written communication skills. IOM’s official languages include English, French, and Spanish. The proficiency of the required languages will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments to ensure candidates meet the necessary language requirements.

Additional Notes:
The selection process for this vacancy is subject to funding confirmation. This process may also be utilized to staff similar positions across various duty stations. Recommended candidates will remain eligible for appointment in a similar position for a period of 24 months. This post is subject to local recruitment, meaning only candidates holding a valid residence and work permit for Ecuador will be considered. The appointment will be contingent upon certification of the candidate's medical fitness for appointment, verification of residency, visa, and necessary authorizations by the concerned government, where applicable. IOM maintains a zero-tolerance policy regarding conduct that contradicts the aims and objectives of the United Nations and IOM, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority, and discrimination based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background, or disabilities. IOM does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, processing, training, or any other fees. Furthermore, IOM does not request any information related to bank accounts and only accepts duly completed applications submitted through the IOM online recruitment system, which also allows candidates to track the status of their applications. Candidates are advised to include a cover letter in the 'Supporting Documents' section of their application.