Organization: UNDP – United Nations Development Programme
Location: Ankara | Istanbul
Grade: Consultancy – Consultant – Contractors Agreement
Occupational Groups:
Statistics
Information Technology and Computer Science
Scientist and Researcher
Design (digital, product, graphics or visual design)
Closing Date: 2024-07-07
Background
UNDP works in about 170 countries and territories, helping to eradicate poverty, reduce inequalities and exclusion, and build resilience so countries can sustain progress. As the UN’s development agency, UNDP plays a critical role in helping countries achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.
The Istanbul International Center for Private Sector in Development () is the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) global organization mandated to leverage the role of the private sector in development. The ICPSD was established in Istanbul, Turkey based on the Partnership Framework Agreement signed between the Government of the Republic of Turkey and the United Nations Development Program in March 2011. The center is one of the six global thematic policy centers of UNDP, supports the private sector and foundations to become transformative partners in development through research, advocacy, facilitation of public-private dialogue and brokering partnerships. ICPSD leads UNDP’s global work on private sector and foundations and supports UNDP’s offices all around the world.
The is a joint initiative of UNDP BPPS (Bureau for Policy and Programme Support) team, and it is hosted under UNDP ICPSD. The SDG AI Lab provides research, development, and advisory support through cutting-edge digital solutions in harnessing the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for sustainable development. The Lab aims to strengthen the UNDP’s internal and its partners’ capacities for the increasing demand for digital transformation.
The objective of the Data Science Fellowship is to provide the opportunity to work on how to deploy frontier technologies on development issues. In particular, the Fellow will contribute to development and implementation of software projects, managing both front and back-end work
Duties and Responsibilities
The Fellow will assist in the following duties and responsibilities:
No
Duties and responsibilities
% of time
1
Support development and implementation of software projects for sustainable development:
• Develop and implement software projects
• Collaborate with the partners in identifying their needs and translating into technical requirements.
• Continuously support the ongoing front-end development projects and activities of the SDG AI Lab.
• Continuously support the ongoing web application deployment processes and activities of the SDG AI Lab.
• Continuously support the ongoing web application API development processes and activities of the SDG AI Lab.
70 %
2
Ensure compliance of SDG AI Lab with internal policies and industry practices:
Keep up to date on UNDP guidelines regarding web content, design, and initiatives, particularly guidelines relating to accessibility for people in developing countries and people using assistive technologies
Monitor new technological developments and share innovations with the team
Ensure that the Lab uses technology and procedures meeting industry best practices
20 %
3
Other
Provide as needed support to the Technical Specialist as required for, amongst others, participating in meetings, conferences, providing administrative support, drafting meeting minutes and performing other functions and duties
Contribute to the SDG AI Lab’s Volunteer Data Scientists Initiative through advancing the volunteer engagement in SDGs related projects
10 %
Competencies
Competencies and attitudes:
Interest and motivation in working in an international organization
Good analytical skills in gathering and consolidating data and research for practical implementation
Outgoing and initiative-taking person with a goal-oriented mind-set
Communicates effectively when working in teams and independently
Good in organizing and structuring various tasks and responsibilities
Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability
Responds positively to feedback and differing points of view
Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude.
Required Skills and Experience
Education:
Candidates must meet one of the following educational requirements:
· currently enrolled in a postgraduate programme (such as a master’s programme or higher)
· have graduated with a university degree or equivalent studies, shown below:
Field of study: Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, Computer Science, Information Systems, Information Management or equivalent.
IT skills:
· Proven experience with React, JavaScript/Typescript, HTML, CSS
· Strong knowledge Django Framework
· Proven experience on HTTP/2, Web Sockets, and writing RESTful APIs and services
· Strong knowledge of Github actions and git workflow
· Hands on experience with Continuous Integration (CI) and Continuous Deployment (CD)
· Ability to effectively use cloud service(s) such as AWS or Microsoft Azure
· Strong knowledge and skills in Python, SQL Server, Linux
· Applied knowledge and experience in using Software Development tools including JIRA, Git and GitHub
· Experience with using Docker Containers to run and deploy web applications
· Functional knowledge and experience in software development principles, practices, and documentation such as System Requirements Specification (SRS) document
· Working knowledge and experience in Agile Project Management and Scrum Methodologies
Language skills:
· Fluent in English with excellent reading and writing skills is required.
· Proficiency in Turkish is an asset
APPLICATION PROCEDURE:
The application should contain:
Brief Cover Letter (in English) stating interest in and qualifications for the post;
Current and complete CV in English;
Please group all your documents into one single PDF document as the system only allows to upload maximum one document.
Candidates who are selected for must submit prior to the interview the following documents:
Official document(s) confirming meeting at least one of the educational requirements.
Stipend
During the time of the fellowship, UNDP will provide a monthly stipend which will be determined for each duty station based on the stipend rates published yearly by the OHR Policy and Compensation Unit. The stipend will be paid on a monthly basis.
This position is 100% remote.