Web Development Consultant

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda and promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system. Established in 1972, UNEP has been at the forefront of environmental governance, advocating for sustainable practices and policies worldwide. The organization operates in over 150 countries and employs thousands of staff dedicated to various environmental initiatives. UNEP's mission is to encourage sustainable development through sound environmental practices, and it serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment, working closely with governments, civil society, and the private sector.

Job Overview:
The Web Development Consultant will play a crucial role in enhancing the functionality and user experience of the Access and Benefit-Sharing Clearing-House (ABSCH) and the Biosafety Clearing-House (BCH). This position involves front-end development tasks that are essential for the implementation of various improvements identified by the ABS Clearing-House Informal Advisory Committee. The consultant will be responsible for creating and integrating new features, such as a registration form for API use, improving search functionalities, and enhancing the overall user interface. The consultant will work under the supervision of the IT and Digital Transformation Unit and will collaborate with the Associate Information Systems Officer to ensure that the deliverables meet the needs of the users and align with the strategic goals of the organization. The role requires a solid understanding of user experience principles and the ability to implement dynamic and interactive reporting tools that provide valuable insights into the usage of the clearing-house resources.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant's duties and responsibilities include:

• Implementing a registration form for external users to access the Clearing-House API.
• Integrating the new version (v2023) of the KM API while removing the legacy v2013 version.
• Developing record maintenance functionalities to ensure that information is kept up to date and accurate.
• Creating a new legal framework overview common format that provides accessible and updatable key information from the first national report for each Party.
• Enhancing keywords and descriptions for competent national authorities, ABS procedures, and related checkpoints, including necessary changes to search filters and indexing.
• Implementing dynamic interactive reporting tools that allow users to filter and visualize published records, highlighting statistics and trends at various levels.
• Collaborating with the ABSCH Programme Officers to ensure that all developments are fit for purpose and meet user needs.
• Conducting user testing and gathering feedback to continuously improve the functionality and usability of the clearing-house resources.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a university degree in Computer Science, Information Communication Technology, or a related field. Candidates must have at least two years of experience in web development, software engineering, or information technology. Proficiency in both front-end and back-end development of web applications is essential. Candidates should possess a solid understanding of user experience (UX) and user interface design principles, as well as expert knowledge in HTML, CSS, JavaScript/Typescript, and familiarity with frameworks such as Bootstrap, jQuery, and AngularJS/Vue/React. Additionally, experience with REST API and API documentation tools like Swagger is required, along with version control skills.

Educational Background:
A university degree in Computer Science, Information Communication Technology, or a related field is required. This educational background provides the foundational knowledge necessary for understanding complex web development tasks and the technical skills needed to implement various functionalities effectively.

Experience:
Candidates must have a minimum of two years of relevant experience in web development, software engineering, or information technology. This experience should include both front-end and back-end development, demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of web applications and the ability to implement improvements based on user feedback and organizational goals.

Languages:
Fluency in oral and written English is required for this position, as English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of additional United Nations languages is desirable, as it can enhance communication and collaboration within the international context of the organization.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Montreal, Canada, and offers a hybrid work model that includes both in-office and remote work options. The expected duration of the contract is six months. Local recruitment is prioritized, meaning that applicants must be Canadian residents or citizens or have permission to work in Canada. 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.