Consultant for Application Development

Consultant for Application Development

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)

March 5, 2025March 12, 2025Home Based Online
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) About
To meet the demands posed by major global trends in agricultural development and challenges faced by member nations, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has identified key priorities on which it is best placed to intervene. A comprehensive review of the Organization’s comparative advantages was undertaken which enabled strategic objectives to be set, representing the main areas of work on which FAO will concentrate its efforts in striving to achieve its vision and global goals. An intergovernmental organization, FAO has 194 Member Nations, two associate members and one member organization, the European Union. Its employees come from various cultural backgrounds and are experts in the multiple fields of activity FAO engages in. FAO’s staff capacity allows it to support improved governance inter alia, generate, develop and adapt existing tools and guidelines and provide targeted governance support as a resource to country and regional level FAO offices. Headquartered in Rome, Italy, FAO is present in over 130 countries.
Job Description

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Position Title: Consultant for Application Development
Location: Remote Work
Country: Remote
Deadline Date:

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The Office of Emergencies and Resilience (OER) is a division within the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) that focuses on enhancing the resilience of food and agricultural systems in the face of emergencies and crises. Established to coordinate FAO's efforts in preparing for and responding to food and agricultural threats, OER plays a crucial role in ensuring that humanitarian, development, and peace initiatives are integrated into strategic programming. The organization operates globally, working with various countries to implement programs that support security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security and resilience. OER has developed corporate tools and standards to assist decentralized offices in their emergency response efforts, ensuring that national and sub-national institutions are equipped to handle crises effectively. The office collaborates with multiple partners, including the World Food Programme, to lead global initiatives aimed at improving food security and nutrition. With a focus on risk governance, anticipatory actions, and disaster risk reduction, OER is committed to enhancing the capacity of communities to withstand and recover from agricultural threats and crises.

Job Overview:
The Consultant for Application Development will be an integral part of the Office of Emergencies and Resilience, contributing to the development of the Identification, Delivery and Empowerment Application (IDEA). This digital system is designed to facilitate secure beneficiary registration, identity verification, and data reporting for humanitarian projects. The consultant will work under the supervision of the Emergency and Rehabilitation Officer and the IDEA Unit Coordinator, focusing on application development using modern technologies. The role encompasses various specializations, including frontend and backend development, quality assurance, and mobile application development. The consultant will be expected to collaborate with cross-functional teams, ensuring that applications are dynamic, scalable, and user-friendly. This position requires a strong understanding of both frontend and backend technologies, as well as the ability to integrate APIs and optimize applications for performance and security. The consultant will also engage with stakeholders from various organizations to define technical strategies and support the roll-out of IDEA in emergency contexts.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for a wide range of tasks, including collaborative development with senior developers, assisting in frontend and backend application development, and participating in code reviews to maintain quality standards. They will also be involved in mobile application development, ensuring optimal performance and user experience. Key responsibilities include bug fixing, database management, API integration, and ensuring responsive design across devices. The consultant will conduct testing and debugging, follow secure coding practices, and maintain documentation for all development work. Continuous learning and performance monitoring will be essential, as well as engaging with internal and external stakeholders to define development approaches. The consultant may also be required to travel to emergency locations to support the implementation of IDEA by FAO country offices.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field. A minimum of three years of professional experience in software development is required, with proficiency in relevant technologies such as REACTJS, PHP, and Android. Additionally, candidates should have a working knowledge of English at level C, demonstrating effective communication skills. Familiarity with cloud platforms, database management, and API integration is also essential. Candidates should exhibit strong problem-solving abilities and a commitment to following best practices in software development.

Educational Background:
The position requires a university degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a closely related field. This educational background provides the foundational knowledge necessary for understanding complex software development processes and technologies. Candidates with advanced degrees or specialized certifications in relevant areas may be preferred, as they demonstrate a deeper level of expertise and commitment to the field.

Experience:
The consultant should have at least three years of professional experience in software development, specifically working with frontend and backend technologies. This experience should include practical knowledge of application development, cloud services, and database management. Candidates with experience in humanitarian or emergency response contexts may have an advantage, as they will be familiar with the unique challenges and requirements of developing applications for such environments.

Languages:
A working knowledge of English is mandatory for this position, with a proficiency level of C. Additionally, proficiency in a second FAO language such as French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, or Russian is considered an advantage, as it enhances communication with diverse stakeholders and partners in various regions.

Additional Notes:
This position is remote, allowing for flexibility in work location. The consultant will be engaged in a full-time capacity, with the potential for international travel to support the implementation of IDEA in emergency situations. The role may involve collaboration with various UN agencies and international organizations, providing opportunities for professional development and networking within the humanitarian sector. Compensation and benefits will be aligned with FAO's policies and standards for consultancy roles.
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