Consultant/Individual Contractor

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. Its mission includes coordinating the development of environmental policy consensus, keeping the global environment under review, and bringing emerging issues to the attention of governments and the international community for action. UNEP operates in multiple countries and employs a diverse workforce dedicated to environmental sustainability and policy development.

Job Overview:
The consultant will play a crucial role in enhancing system efficiency and optimization for various tools including the Indicator Reporting Information System (IRIS) for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Global Footprint Tool. The position involves implementing early warning systems in Kenya, Tanzania, and Mozambique, aligning with the objectives and deliverables of the Nairobi Convention. The consultant will also work on Azure Active Directory for authentication for the PIR systems related to GEF Co-reporting. The expected duration of this consultancy is 8.5 months, during which the consultant will be expected to develop offline and training versions for demonstrations, improve performance and expand API infrastructure, organize workflows, update SDG indicators templates, and prepare the platform for upcoming reporting periods.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for several key tasks under the supervision of the Officer-in-Charge of the Early Warning and Data Analytics Branch. These tasks include: 1) Developing offline and training versions for demonstrations to enhance user engagement and understanding of the systems. 2) Implementing performance improvements and expanding the API infrastructure to ensure seamless integration and functionality. 3) Organizing workflows between users and the Global Footprint Tool using indicator templates to streamline processes. 4) Updating SDG indicators templates in the IRIS to reflect the latest data and requirements. 5) Preparing the platform for the next reporting period, which includes making results from the 2024 reporting period accessible and preparing the 2025 reporting form. 6) Reducing repetitive data entry by updating 2025 entries based on the results from 2024, thereby improving efficiency and accuracy in data management.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a first-level university degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Information Systems, or a related field. An advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in Computer Science or Information Systems is desirable. Additionally, candidates should have a minimum of 4 years of experience in information technology or related areas. Desirable qualifications include experience in system analysis and design, advanced programming skills in PHP, MVC Frameworks, and Docker hub, as well as experience in API integrations with Drupal CMS and the development of applications using MS SQL and relational databases. Familiarity with web technologies such as HTML5 and CSS3 is also desirable. Experience within the United Nations system or other comparable international organizations is an added advantage.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a first-level university degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Information Systems, or a related field. An advanced degree, such as a master’s degree, in these areas is preferred and would enhance a candidate's qualifications for the role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 4 years of relevant experience in information technology or related fields. Candidates should have a strong background in system analysis and design, as well as practical experience in programming and application development. Experience with API integrations and working within the United Nations system or similar international organizations is highly desirable.

Languages:
Fluency in oral and written English is required for this consultancy position, as English is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of another UN language, such as French, is considered desirable and would be beneficial for communication within the organization.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to last for 8.5 months, and 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. The organization is committed to maintaining transparency and integrity in its recruitment practices.