Software Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is a global organization dedicated to protecting the rights and well-being of refugees and displaced persons. Established in 1950, UNHCR's mission is to ensure that everyone has the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another country. The organization operates in over 130 countries, providing assistance to millions of people who have been forced to flee their homes due to conflict, persecution, or violence. In Turkey, UNHCR has been working closely with the government and various partners to enhance the protection and support for refugees and asylum seekers, particularly in light of the ongoing humanitarian challenges. The UNHCR Representation in Turkey is based in Ankara and has several sub-offices and field units across the country, including in Gaziantep, Istanbul, and Izmir, to effectively address the needs of displaced populations and support the Turkish government's efforts in managing migration and asylum processes.

Job Overview:
The Software Specialist position is a critical role within UNHCR's efforts to support the national asylum institution in Turkey, particularly under the EU-funded project aimed at enhancing international and temporary protection processes. The specialist will be responsible for developing and maintaining software solutions that improve the capacity of the Turkish Presidency of Migration Management (PMM) and its affiliated institutions. This role involves working on the technical infrastructure of PMM's internal country of origin information database, KURE, to ensure that staff have access to relevant and up-to-date information. The Software Specialist will engage in both frontend and backend development, collaborating with various stakeholders to deliver effective technical solutions that meet the project's objectives. The position requires a strong understanding of software development practices, as well as the ability to adapt to new technologies and frameworks as needed.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Software Specialist will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including but not limited to:

• Developing and maintaining backend software solutions for the PMM's internal systems, ensuring high performance and responsiveness.
• Collaborating with PMM staff to gather requirements and translate them into technical specifications for software development.
• Integrating applications with databases such as MSSQL, Oracle, and PostgreSQL to ensure seamless data management.
• Utilizing ASP.NET, ASP.NET MVC, and related technologies to build robust web applications.
• Implementing web services and APIs to facilitate communication between different systems and applications.
• Writing and optimizing stored procedures, functions, and triggers in databases to enhance data processing capabilities.
• Participating in code reviews and ensuring adherence to best practices in software development.
• Providing technical support and troubleshooting for existing applications, addressing any issues that arise.
• Collaborating with UI/UX designers to ensure that applications are user-friendly and visually appealing. 1
• Keeping up-to-date with industry trends and emerging technologies to continuously improve software solutions.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a University Degree in relevant fields such as Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, or Computer Programming. Additionally, the following qualifications are required:

• Proven experience in backend software development, with at least two completed projects that can be referenced.
• Proficiency in developing applications integrated with major database systems (MSSQL, Oracle, PostgreSQL).
• Strong knowledge of ASP.NET technologies, including ASP.NET MVC and ASP.NET CORE MVC.
• Familiarity with web technologies such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and frameworks like JQuery and Bootstrap.
• Experience with web services (SOAP, RESTful) and Windows Services.
• Knowledge of ORM frameworks like Entity Framework and experience in writing complex database queries.
• Familiarity with version control systems (e.g., Git, Azure DevOps).
• Understanding of modern JavaScript frameworks (ReactJS, Angular, VueJS) is desirable.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, Computer Programming, or a related field is required. Advanced degrees or certifications in relevant areas may be considered an asset, particularly those that demonstrate specialized knowledge in software development or project management.

Experience:
A minimum of three years of professional experience in software development, including both frontend and backend development. Candidates should have a solid track record of working on complex software projects, demonstrating their ability to deliver high-quality solutions within set timelines. Experience in public sector IT projects or with international organizations is a plus.

Languages:
Proficiency in English and Turkish is mandatory, as effective communication with team members and stakeholders is essential. Knowledge of additional languages may be considered an advantage but is not required.

Additional Notes:
This position is a full-time role with a contract duration of 12 months, subject to renewal based on operational needs and satisfactory performance. The working hours are 40 hours per week, which may include mandatory night shifts and work on weekends or official holidays as required. The remuneration for this position is set at 3,521 USD per month, payable in Turkish Lira at the applicable United Nations exchange rate. Individual Contractors are responsible for their own medical insurance and must comply with local legal requirements, including taxation and work permits. Non-Turkish candidates must obtain clearance from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs before an offer can be made.