Web and Information Technology Expert

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Position Title: Web and Information Technology Expert
Location: Nairobi, Home-Based
Country: Kenya
Deadline Date: Not specified

Job Details

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. UNEP was established in 1972 and has since been at the forefront of environmental governance, advocating for sustainable practices globally. The organization operates in over 150 countries and employs thousands of professionals dedicated to environmental protection and sustainable development. UNEP administers the Nairobi Convention for the Protection, Management and Development of the Coastal and Marine Environment of the Western Indian Ocean (WIO), which includes member states such as Comoros, France, Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, Somalia, South Africa, and the United Republic of Tanzania. UNEP's Ecosystems Division collaborates with international and national partners to provide technical assistance and advisory services aimed at enhancing environmental policy implementation and strengthening the management capacity of developing countries and those with transitioning economies.

Job Overview:
The position of Web and Information Technology Expert is crucial for the Nairobi Convention Secretariat, particularly in the context of the ongoing projects like the SAPPHIRE and the NC-SWIOFC Partnership Project. The consultant will be responsible for migrating and revamping the Convention's clearinghouse mechanism to the Microsoft Azure web platform, ensuring that it meets the latest technological standards for performance and reliability. This role involves not only technical migration but also the enhancement of user interaction through the development of secure forum pages and the integration of various data visualization tools. The consultant will work closely with project managers and stakeholders to ensure that the platforms are user-friendly, accessible, and effectively communicate the project's activities and impacts. The expected duration of this consultancy is 10 months, and it is primarily home-based, allowing for flexibility while ensuring that the consultant can effectively collaborate with the Nairobi Convention Secretariat and its partners.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will undertake a variety of duties and responsibilities, including but not limited to:

• Migrating the different web platforms (website, CHM, Community of Practice) to the Microsoft Azure web server and performing necessary system upgrades.
• Upgrading and structuring the CHM with a dashboard that includes data visualizations and categorization by country, ensuring that all visualizations are interlinked and easily accessible.
• Developing secure forum pages for topical discussions, allowing users to interact with content and provide feedback.
• Collaborating with implementing partners to migrate data from SAPPHIRE demonstration projects to the CHM and updating country pages with relevant data.
• Standardizing and optimizing the search capability of the CHM to enhance user experience.
• Integrating partner-developed platforms and creating APIs to improve visibility and searchability.
• Developing story maps for SAPPHIRE demo projects and creating dashboards for project outputs.

Required Qualifications:
The ideal candidate must possess a university degree in computer science, information technology, website design and programming, or a related field. A minimum of 4 years of professional experience in implementing interactive web-based database applications is required. The candidate should have experience with relevant programming languages and tools, including HTML, XML, ASP, ASP.NET, CSS, Drupal, Adobe Designer, Adobe Photoshop, Microsoft Azure Portal, and ArcGIS. Additionally, experience in enabling metadata interoperability standards for both spatial and non-spatial data is desirable, showcasing a well-rounded skill set in web development and data management.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have a university degree in a relevant field such as computer science, information technology, website design, or programming. This educational background is essential to ensure that the consultant has the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to effectively carry out the responsibilities of the position.

Experience:
A minimum of 4 years of professional experience is required, specifically in implementing interactive web-based database applications that support dynamic online content updates. This experience should include a strong background in relevant programming languages and web tools, ensuring that the consultant can effectively manage and upgrade the various platforms involved in the Nairobi Convention's projects.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this consultancy, as it is one of the official working languages of the United Nations. Knowledge of French is also beneficial, as it is the other official language, but the primary requirement is proficiency in English to facilitate effective communication within the organization and with stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is home-based and is expected to last for 10 months. 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. This policy ensures that the recruitment process is fair and accessible to all qualified candidates, without any financial barriers.