Software Developer – DRMIS at UNDP – Lilongwe, Malawi

Diversity, equality and inclusion are core principles at UNDP: we value diversity as an expression of the multitude of countries and cultures in which we operate, we promote inclusion as a way to ensure that all staff are empowered to contribute our mission, and we ensure equality and fairness in all our actions. Taking a “leave no one behind” approach to our diversity efforts means increasing representation of underserved populations. People who identify as belonging to a marginalized or excluded population are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more about working at UNDP, including our values ​​and inspiring stories.

UNDP will not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment of any kind, including sexual harassment, or discrimination. All selected candidates will therefore undergo strict reference and background checks.

The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) is committed to workforce diversity and encourages applications from women, minorities, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities, with strict confidentiality policies. UNDP maintains zero tolerance for sexual exploitation, harassment and discrimination, and requires thorough reference and background checks for all employees.

The Government of Malawi’s Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA) is coordinating emergency response in collaboration with the Humanitarian Country Team (HCT) and under the guidance of the National Disaster Preparedness and Relief Committee. DoDMA plays a critical role in disaster information management and ensures data reliability and accessibility, especially amid increasing shocks in Malawi. To strengthen local disaster risk management, DoDMA has decentralized its operations and improved both its Disaster Information Hub (DIH) and Disaster Risk Management Information System (DRMIS). Initially implemented in select districts, these systems are now being scaled nationwide to automate disaster information for better decision-making. The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) is supporting DoDMA through a joint effort.

In line with efforts to enhance DoDMA’s information management capabilities, UNDP is seeking a software developer. This role will focus on developing and maintaining applications as required by DoDMA, and contributing to various projects from available resources.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Design, develop and support software applications such as the Disaster Information Hub (DIH) and the Disaster Risk Management Information System (DRMIS), along with other systems related to disaster information management.
• Develop and maintain an open source dashboard in accordance with Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA) and stakeholder requirements.
• Ensure the platform is adaptable, scalable and compliant with DoDMA specifications, transforming it into a comprehensive web-based Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) dashboard for national government.
• Ensure effective integration of the front-end code (that is, every functionality of the dashboard works and executes in the most efficient and fastest way possible).
• Integrate code to automate specific functions such as notifications for new users, maintenance tasks, etc.
• Ensure robust database security features for data submitted, reported, and uploaded to the dashboard.
• Streamline the process of accessing datasets from the dashboard so that the website loads as quickly as possible and its functionality runs as quickly as possible.
• Report any findings necessary or useful for the improvement of on-site information systems.
• Provide a live demonstration of system functions/capabilities during regular meetings with UNDP CO and local and national government representatives. Ensure that the interface results in positive user interaction and usability.

Competencies

Core

• Achieve results: LEVEL 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work within deadline.
• Think innovatively: LEVEL 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is a pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements.
• Continuous learning: LEVEL 1: Open and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback.
• Adjust with agility: LEVEL 1: Adapts to changes, deals constructively with ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible.
• Act with determination: LEVEL 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to perform calmly in the face of adversity, confident.
• Involve and partner: LEVEL 1: Shows compassion/understanding for others, forms positive relationships.
• Enable diversity and inclusion: LEVEL 1: Value/respect differences, aware of unconscious biases, confront discrimination.

Cross-functional and technical competencies

Data engineering:

• Proficiency in programming languages ​​such as SQL, Python and R, being adept at finding warehousing solutions and using ETL (Extract, Transfer, Load) tools, and understanding basic machine learning and algorithms.

Programming, web and app development:

• Ability to build websites, platforms and apps that are effective and intuitive to use.

Digital product management:

• Ability to design and lead digital product development including testing, continuous product iteration, product strategy and delivery.

Customer satisfaction/Customer management:

• The ability to respond in a timely and appropriate manner with a sense of urgency, provide consistent solutions and deliver timely and quality results and/or solutions to meet and understand customers’ real needs.

Systems thinking:

• Ability to use objective problem analysis and judgment to understand how interconnected elements coexist within an overall process or system, and to consider how changing one element may affect other parts of the system.

Strategic thinking:

• Ability to leverage learning from different sources to anticipate and respond to future trends; to demonstrate foresight to model what future developments and possible ways forward look like for UNDP.

Required skills and experience

Education:

• A university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Information Communication Technology, IT, Computer Science or related discipline from a recognized institution is required, or
• A first level university degree (bachelor’s degree) combined with a further two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience:

• At least 2 years (with master’s degree) or 4 years (with bachelor’s degree) relevant experience at a national or international level as a software developer or relevant related field is required;
• Experience in designing and implementing architectural diagrams;
• Proven skills in conducting systems-based research;
• Experience in drawing up realistic schedules for completing work;
• Experience with software development processes;
• Demonstrable experience and knowledge of programming languages ​​(JavaScript, C#, Java);
• Good knowledge of system development and design principles in Microservices and Event-Driven Systems;
• Proven experience developing software using mobile development platforms and frameworks such as Cordova, Electron, Node, Vue, Quasar, Express, Loopback 3 and 4;
• Develop and maintain web applications using D3.js, DC.js and Crossfilter.js to improve data visualization and user interaction;
• Proven experience with relational database management systems such as Microsoft SQL Server and non-relational databases such as Mongo DB;
• Proven experience with message broker platforms such as RabbitMQ;
• Strong and proven understanding and practical experience in Agile software development methodologies (Scrum, Kanban) for iterative and incremental software development;
• Expertise in software testing frameworks and tools (Jest, Mocha) to ensure high-quality, robust software solutions;
• Proven knowledge of security best practices and implementation of security measures in software development, including authentication, authorization and data encryption techniques;
• Proven proficiency in designing, developing and integrating RESTful and SOAP APIs, ensuring seamless communication between different software systems and components;
• Experience with web server configuration and management using Nginx, including load balancing, reverse proxy and SSL/TLS configuration;
• Proven proficiency in implementing and optimizing Continuous Integration and Continuous Deployment (CI/CD) pipelines to automate building, testing, and deploying software processes, ensuring rapid delivery of high-quality code changes (Git, Nagios, Jenkins, Prometheus, Grafana ).

Required languages:

• Fluent in English and Chichewa.

Disclaimer

Applicant information on UNDP rosters

Please note: UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying for this position for other similar positions at UNDP at the same level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

Non-discrimination

UNDP has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, sexual harassment and abuse of power. All selected candidates will therefore undergo rigorous reference and background checks and are expected to adhere to these standards and principles.

UNDP is an inclusive, equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.

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