Web Development Consultant

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 194

• Its mission is to provide assistance and protection to approximately 6 million registered Palestine refugees across Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, the West Bank, and the Gaza Strip. UNRWA operates as the largest UN operation in the Middle East, employing over 30,000 staff members. The agency is primarily funded through voluntary contributions, which underscores its reliance on international support to fulfill its mandate. UNRWA's services include education, healthcare, relief and social services, camp infrastructure improvement, microfinance, and emergency assistance, all aimed at helping Palestine refugees achieve their full potential in human development while awaiting a just resolution to their situation.

Job Overview:
The position of Web Development Consultant is crucial for the Relief and Social Services Department (RSSD) at UNRWA, which is focused on enhancing the agency's capacity for research, knowledge management, and digital access to institutional information and archival materials. The consultant will be responsible for designing, developing, deploying, and maintaining a secure and user-friendly web-based platform that will serve as a central hub for research activities within UNRWA. This platform will facilitate the Research Review Board application process, provide access to essential information and resources related to UNRWA data and research, and support the coordination and dissemination of research-related materials and activities. The platform is expected to be scalable, allowing for future integration of digital archival collections and related research outputs. The consultant will work under the supervision of the Senior Research and Partnership Officer in RSSD, ensuring that the platform meets the agency's technical standards and operational needs.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will undertake a variety of tasks in accordance with UNRWA's policies and procedures, including: designing, developing, and maintaining responsive web interfaces using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript; building and maintaining server-side application logic and web application functionality using C# and ASP.NET Core; developing and integrating REST APIs for communication between frontend interfaces and backend services; implementing functionalities for managing research-related and archival data using SQL Server or Azure SQL databases; ensuring reliable and secure data exchange across the application; supporting the deployment and maintenance of the application environment on Microsoft Azure; managing source code and version control using Git, Azure DevOps, or GitHub; troubleshooting, testing, debugging, and optimizing the application; contributing to technical documentation and workflow refinement; and supporting future integration of digital archive functionalities and research resources into the platform.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Information Technology, Information Systems, Web Development, or a related field. Additionally, at least two years of progressively responsible experience in web application development, software development, or related technical work is required. Candidates should demonstrate expertise in front-end web development, including strong experience with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, as well as back-end application development using C# and ASP.NET Core. Proficiency in database management and data handling, particularly with SQL Server or Azure SQL, is also mandatory. Experience in cloud hosting and managing web applications in Microsoft Azure, along with knowledge of version control systems like Git, is essential. Familiarity with contemporary issues in the Middle East and the UN system is desirable, as is experience with TypeScript, Azure Functions, Entity Framework, and Azure Active Directory.

Educational Background:
A Master's degree in a relevant field such as Computer Science, Software Engineering, Information Technology, Information Systems, or Web Development is required for this position. This educational background ensures that candidates have the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to effectively design and implement web-based solutions that meet the needs of UNRWA and its stakeholders.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of two years of progressively responsible experience in web application development or related technical work. This experience should include a strong focus on both front-end and back-end development, demonstrating the ability to create and maintain complex web applications. Experience in managing databases and deploying applications in cloud environments is also essential, as is familiarity with version control systems and collaborative development practices.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position, as all deliverables must be submitted in English. While English proficiency is mandatory, knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly if it enhances communication with diverse stakeholders within the UN system and the communities served by UNRWA.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to be completed within three months from the start date of the contract, with the possibility of extension based on the availability of funds and satisfactory performance. The consultant will work remotely, and the total payment for the consultancy is set at USD 5,416.50, which will be disbursed in installments upon the satisfactory completion of specific deliverables. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring a fair and transparent hiring process.