Developer

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda. Established to promote the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system, UNEP serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. The organization coordinates the development of environmental policy consensus by keeping the global environment under review and bringing emerging issues to the attention of governments and the international community for action. UNEP operates globally, with a broad portfolio of initiatives and projects aimed at addressing environmental challenges.

Job Overview:
The Developer position at UNEP is crucial for the enhancement and maintenance of the corporate website and various child, campaign, and project websites. The role is part of a larger initiative to modernize UNEP's digital presence through a Digital Portfolio Overhaul. This includes the implementation of the UNEP Starter Kit, which standardizes web development practices across UNEP platforms. The Developer will focus on website migrations, Drupal development, and improving AI-supported search functionalities. The position requires collaboration with the Web Platforms team and external technical partners, ensuring that all web platforms are stable, secure, and developed according to common technical standards. The Developer will also be responsible for optimizing search and content discovery, enhancing multilingual functionality, and maintaining technical documentation to support ongoing development and maintenance.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Developer will be tasked with analyzing technical requirements and identifying appropriate implementation approaches, dependencies, and potential risks. Key responsibilities include developing, maintaining, and enhancing UNEP Drupal websites, including modules, content models, configurations, and custom functionalities. The Developer will implement and enhance reusable templates and components for the corporate website and other UNEP web platforms. They will also be responsible for the migration of child, campaign, and project websites to common UNEP templates and technical standards. The role involves developing and maintaining APIs and integrations that support content and data exchange, optimizing search and content-discovery functionalities, and ensuring compliance with security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, accessibility, performance, and maintainability standards. Additionally, the Developer will review code and technical implementations, provide technical input to vendors, and troubleshoot website functionality and deployment issues.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent) in computer science, information systems, software engineering, or a related field. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree. At least two years of professional experience in web development is required, with substantial experience in PHP and Drupal. Strong knowledge of Drupal architecture, themes, modules, templates, and custom functionality is essential. Candidates should also have experience with website migrations and modernization of enterprise web platforms, as well as proficiency in HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript, and modern JavaScript frameworks, preferably React and Next.js. Experience with relational databases, RESTful APIs, and enterprise search technologies such as Elasticsearch or OpenSearch is also required.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent) in computer science, information systems, software engineering, or a related field is required for this position. A first-level university degree, combined with two additional years of qualifying experience, may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree. This educational background ensures that candidates have the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to perform the technical tasks required in this role.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least two years of professional experience in web development, with a strong focus on PHP and Drupal. This experience should include substantial work with Drupal architecture, themes, modules, and custom functionalities. Additionally, candidates should have experience with website migrations and the modernization of enterprise web platforms, as well as a solid understanding of HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript, and modern JavaScript frameworks. Experience with developing and integrating RESTful APIs and enterprise search technologies is also essential.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position, as English is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of French is also beneficial, as it is another working language of the UN. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly in a multicultural and international environment.

Additional Notes:
The expected duration of the contract for this position is six months. The role is full-time and involves working within a multicultural and international environment. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or training. Candidates should be aware that the UN does not request information regarding applicants’ bank accounts.