DUTY STATION

Geneva, Switzerland

COMMENCEMENT OF DUTY

To be determinedNATURE OF APPOINTMENT

Variable (depending on needs of Department/Division)
9 months

 

Organizational Unit

Group on Earth Observations Secretariat

The GEO Secretariat is committed to achieving diversity and a balanced workforce. Applications are welcome from qualified women and men, including those with disabilities. The statutory retirement age after 1 January 2014 is 65. For external applicants, only those who are expected to complete the term of appointment will normally be considered.DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Under the supervision of the Chief, Work Programme Coordinator of the Group on Earth Observations (GEO) and in close consultation with the Project Manager of GEO, the incumbent’s primary role is to deliver a proof-of-concept web application for the Global Ecosystems Atlas by deploying a user-centric design process and budget. Tthe incumbent will perform the following duties:

Design and User Experience

– Leading the user-centric design process with a focus on understanding the specific needs, behaviours, and challenges of the primary target audience, ensuring the web application is intuitive and user-friendly.
– Actively engaging with users through interviews, surveys, and usability testing to gather qualitative and quantitative data, which informs the iterative design and development of the application.
– Translating user feedback into user requirements and specifications, ensuring these are in alignment with the overarching goals of the Initiative.

Application Development and Feature Implementation

– Developing a comprehensive technical architecture that supports the long-term vision of the project, creating scalable and maintainable code structures, and ensuring security best practices.
– Building a proof-of-concept application that includes a set of high-quality, demonstrable features that address the core capabilities needed by users.
– Implementing interactive features such as a tour functionality that allows users to explore geographic regions with data visualizations representing environmental assessments.
– Crafting front-end elements that are aesthetically pleasing and conform to accessibility standards, ensuring a consistent and engaging user experience across various devices and browsers.
– Integrating sophisticated environmental and other relevant analyses tools that provide insights into ecosystem services, land use, risk assessments, and conservation efforts, and allowing for easy interpretation and decision-making by users.

Standards Compliance and Technical Integration

– Ensuring the application’s compatibility and integration with key environmental data standards and platforms
– Focusing on the interoperability aspect to facilitate data exchange and standardization.

Documentation and Strategic Development

– Preparing detailed documentation that outlines the technical and functional requirements for scaling the application from a proof-of-concept to a full-fledged platform.
– Developing a strategic roadmap for the application, detailing phases of development, integration points, feature rollouts, and resource allocation, ensuring alignment with the Global Ecosystems Atlas initiative’s goals.
– Producing comprehensive progress reports that track development milestones, challenges encountered, and the overall contribution of the application to the success of the Global Ecosystems Atlas initiative.
– Coordinate with project stakeholders to ensure the integration of strategic objectives, scientific rigor, and technical standards in the development and implementation of the web application.
– Carry out other relevant duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education Master’s degree or equivalent in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a closely related field.

Experience A minimum of 15 years of demonstrated experience in web application development, with a focus on geospatial platforms and a solid understanding of ecosystem science, biodiversity, or related fields. Previous work on environmental or Earth observation projects is highly desirable. A track record of successful user interface designs and implementations that have been deployed in real-world applications. Familiarity with geospatial mapping techniques, tools, and data sources is required.

Other requirements Demonstrated robust project management capabilities, including a proven track record of maintaining project workflows and adhering to deadlines. Ability to integrate into a dynamic, cross functional team is essential. Furthermore, exceptional communication skills are crucial. The candidate must be able to articulate complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders effectively, ensuring clarity and understanding. The candidate should possess strong analytical skills and a solution-oriented attitude, capable of tackling complex system integrations and adapting to new technological challenges. Ability to work in a multicultural environment and to foster diversity and team spirit.

Languages Excellent knowledge of English (both oral and written). Knowledge of other official languages of WMO would be an advantage. The working language of the GEO Secretariat is English.

The GEO Secretariat Director may appoint a candidate at a grade below the advertised grade of the post, with the possibility of promotion to that grade within three years of appointment, subject to satisfactory appraisal of performance.

SALARY AND ALLOWANCES

Annual net base salary on initial appointment is: US$

Annual post adjustment on initial salary is: US$ 0 (in addition to the net base salary)

Additional Information:
RENUMERATION: The consultant will be employed full time, remote for 9 months.

TRAVEL: Travel may be required as part of the consultant’s duties and will be paid for by the GEO Secretariat

SPECIAL NOTE: All code, knowledge, and any other work developed as part of any Atlas case study must be made available for no charge to any other global team for future use, helping to support future national ecosystem mapping and conservation efforts.

APPLICATIONS:
Interested individuals are requested to submit with their application: 1) CV, 2) examples of other web platforms that you have developed, and 3) a proposed approach for the process you would undertake to develop the proof-of-concept web application, showcasing the methodology for achieving the integration of selected global, regional, and national ecosystem maps in a unified platform.
This process should include: 1) Planned approach for the user-driven design process; 2) Outline of the architecture, functionalities, and methodologies to be employed; and 3) High-level workplan.
Please upload supporting documents with your application.

Applications should be made online through the WMO e-recruitment system at https://erecruit.wmo.int/public/.
Do not send your application via multiple routes. Only applicants in whom GEO has a further interest will be contacted.
Shortlisted candidates may be required to sit a written test and/or an interview.Date of issue of vacancy notice: 1 February 2024