Consultant for Front-End Development

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 serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment and was established following the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, where world leaders agreed on a comprehensive strategy for sustainable development. The Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (SCBD), which is administered by UNEP, is located in Montreal, Canada. UNEP operates in multiple countries and has a mission to encourage sustainable development through sound environmental practices and to help implement the environmental dimension of sustainable development globally.

Job Overview:
The consultant will primarily focus on front-end development for the Access and Benefit-Sharing Clearing-House (ABSCH) and the Biosafety Clearing-House (BCH). This role involves working under the Implementation Services Division, specifically within the ABS Unit, and under the direct supervision of the Associate Information Systems Officer. The consultant's work will include supporting interoperability efforts, assisting countries in understanding SCBD interoperability mechanisms, developing a Knowledge Base for the clearing-houses, managing records to ensure accuracy, enhancing search functionalities, and improving user experience (UX) and user interface (UI). The consultant will collaborate closely with the IT and CHM Unit to ensure that all tasks align with the overall project goals and priorities set by the supervising officer.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant's duties will include:

• Supporting work on interoperability, including documentation to facilitate understanding and usage of SCBD interoperability mechanisms by countries.
• Assisting in the development of the Knowledge Base for the ABSCH and BCH.
• Managing record functionalities to ensure that records are accurate and up-to-date.
• Enhancing search functionalities to improve user access to information.
• Contributing to general improvements in user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) design.
• Performing any other related development work as required, with specific tasks determined by the Associate Information Systems Officer in collaboration with the ABSCH and BCH Programme.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires the following qualifications:

• Completion of a University degree is required, with a preference for areas of study in Computer Science, Information Communication Technology, or a related field.
• At least five years of experience in web development is required, demonstrating a solid understanding of user experience (UX) and user interface design principles.
• Expert knowledge in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript is essential, along with familiarity with frameworks such as Bootstrap, jQuery, and AngularJS/Vue 3/React, as well as REST API.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills are required, along with the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Proven ability to multitask, prioritize, and manage time efficiently is essential.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have completed a University degree, preferably in Computer Science, Information Communication Technology, or a related field. This educational background is crucial for understanding the technical aspects of web development and user interface design.

Experience:
The position requires at least five years of relevant experience in web development. This experience should include a solid understanding of user experience (UX) and user interface design principles, as well as proven experience in developing web applications and implementing user interfaces in a web-based environment.

Languages:
Fluency in English is essential, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Candidates should be proficient in reading, writing, and speaking English. Knowledge of French is also required, as it is another working language of the UN. Familiarity with other United Nations languages is considered desirable, enhancing the candidate's ability to communicate in a multicultural environment.

Additional Notes:
The position is remote and is expected to last for a duration of six months. The United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or training. This ensures that the recruitment process is accessible and fair for all applicants.