Assistant Web and Database Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) was established to support member countries in promoting sustainable management of natural resources, enhancing security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security, and strengthening environmental governance. The organization focuses on evidence-based policies and innovative technologies to achieve these goals. The FAO operates in numerous countries worldwide, working on various projects to improve agricultural practices and food systems. The Bay of Bengal Large Marine Ecosystem (BoBLME) Project is one of its regional initiatives aimed at improving the sustainable management of coastal and marine resources in the Bay of Bengal. This project emphasizes strengthening institutional capacity, ecosystem-based management, biodiversity conservation, and enhancing regional cooperation. In Bangladesh, the project specifically supports national efforts to improve marine and coastal resource management by enhancing data systems, information sharing mechanisms, and decision-support tools for government agencies and stakeholders.

Job Overview:
The Assistant Web and Database Specialist position is located at the FAO Representation in Bangladesh under the BoBLME Project. The primary role of the incumbent is to support the design, development, administration, and maintenance of project databases, web applications, dashboards, and information management systems. This position requires close collaboration with project personnel, government counterparts, technical experts, and partner institutions to ensure efficient management of project data and digital resources. The specialist will enhance access to information for informed decision-making and sustainable marine and coastal resource management. The role demands technical leadership in database management, web systems development, and digital information management activities, ensuring that the project meets its objectives effectively.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will undertake a variety of duties and responsibilities, including:

• Database Architecture, Design and Management: Reviewing existing Forest Department database applications, preparing technical assessments, and developing system plans. Designing, optimizing, and maintaining relational database management systems (RDBMS) for forestry-related datasets. Upgrading and maintaining the Emission Factor Database (EFDB). Digitizing, standardizing, and consolidating legacy forestry records into centralized databases.
• Web Portal and Dashboard Development: Maintaining and enhancing project web portals and associated applications. Developing and deploying interactive dashboards and reporting tools. Supporting server administration and application performance optimization. Implementing role-based access control and user authentication systems.
• Data Quality Assurance and Harmonization: Developing standards for data management and metadata documentation. Harmonizing and integrating data from multiple forest inventories and forestry datasets. Monitoring database performance and troubleshooting technical issues. Ensuring consistency, quality, and integrity of project databases.
• Capacity Building and Technical Support: Conducting training sessions for Forest Department and project personnel on database and web system management. Preparing technical documentation, user manuals, SOPs, and developer guides. Coordinating with consultants, government counterparts, and project stakeholders. Performing other related duties as assigned by FAO management.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree in Computer Science and Engineering (CSE), Information Technology (IT), Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering (ETE), Electronics and Communication Engineering (ECE), or a related field. Additionally, a minimum of 7 years of relevant professional experience in web application development, database administration, information systems management, software development, database design, system architecture, or related ICT fields is required. Candidates should also have a working knowledge (Level C) of English and Bangla, and must be nationals of Bangladesh.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a university degree in a relevant field such as Computer Science and Engineering, Information Technology, Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering, or Electronics and Communication Engineering. The degree must be obtained from an institution accredited or recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED).

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 7 years of relevant professional experience. This experience should encompass web application development, database administration, information systems management, software development, database design, system architecture, or related ICT fields. Candidates with experience working with government agencies, development organizations, and projects related to forestry, environmental, or natural resource management will be considered favorably.

Languages:
The mandatory languages for this position are English and Bangla, with a working knowledge (Level C) required in both. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset but is not explicitly stated as a requirement.

Additional Notes:
The FAO does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or processing. Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted. Candidates should note that the FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from accredited institutions recognized in the WHED. The appointment will be subject to certification of medical fitness, accreditation, residency or visa requirements, and security clearances. For additional employment opportunities, candidates can visit the FAO employment website.