Information Systems Specialist

The incumbent will provide database application programming support in the IM unit of FAO as well as provide technical coordination to the other developers acting as team leader of the server team and Officer in Charge when needed.

Tasks and responsibilities

Database and Application Programming

• Develop application modules for the FAO internal/external usage, both server and client-side programming.
• Develop various databases using open-source programming in a web-based environment, for integration in the FAO database system.
• Attend and conduct necessary meetings to plan and program any modules (database, intranet, web site etc.)
• Assist in the conceptual development of database driven applications.
• Maintain the FAO applications currently in existence and modify/amend whenever necessary.
• Develop, deploy, and maintain the BiMS (Beneficiary Information Management System), adding modules as and when required.
• Develop, update and maintain the FAO Somalia website (https://www.fao.org/somalia) in collaboration with Communications department
• All components will be programmed using Open-Source software and database systems (MySQL, PHP, XML, JSP, Java, Android, ODBC).

Server Maintenance

• Setup, secure and maintain remote Linux virtual servers for various FAO internal and external usage.

Systems Integration

• Facilitate kick-off meeting for inception phase with all FAO stakeholders.
• Partner LoU & LoA development, implementation & tracking.
• Project performance tracking with Partners with follow up on performance and resourcing issues.
• Collaboration with SMRU, technical unit and partners on project reporting and communications to represent the project progress and success to internal & external stakeholders.

Training and Documentation

• Training users (admin and system) using the various database and system applications.
• Documenting programming code and system technical descriptions.

Research and Development

• Continuously research on new technologies that can be applied at FAO.
• Develop concept notes and proof of concepts for any identified new technologies.
• Develop prototypes of new technologies, analyse and make recommendations on their adoption.
• Advise FAO users on procurement of hardware and software concerned with the systems is use at FAO.

Supervision, team leadership and guidance 

• Guide and mentor other developers in the ISM Unit under the server team.
• Perform code review and approval prior to deployment of new code to repository.
• Act as ISM Unit team OiC (Officer in Charge) in absence of head of unit and whenever called upon.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements 

• University degree in information communication technology (ICT), computer science or computer engineering or a related field is required.
• At least 5 years of relevant experience in projects involving database programming and web, mobile and desktop application development, database administration using PHP, Java, Android and MySQL.
• Working knowledge (level C) of English, French or Spanish and limited knowledge (level B) of one of the other two or Arabic, Chinese, Russian for COF.REG. Working knowledge of English (level C) for PSA.SBS.

Source: https://jobs.fao.org/careersection/fao_external/jobdetail.ftl?job=2401478