Organization: WHO – World Health Organization
Location: Istanbul
Grade: Junior level – P-2, International Professional – Internationally recruited position
Occupational Groups:
Engineering
Information Technology and Computer Science
Innovations for Sustainable Development
Closing Date: 2024-08-01
OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME
The objective of the Division of Business Operations (BOS) is to support the work of WHO in the European Region (EURO) through delivery of services within the areas of human resources, finance, contracting and procurement, legal advice, information & communications technology, printing, security, facilities management, fixed assets, conference support, travel and transport, and staff wellness and well-being. As an enabling function, the division enhances the productivity of the health technical programmes and country offices while at the same time overseeing accountability, transparency and compliance with WHO administrative rules and regulations. The BOS division strives to strengthen the capacity of EURO to react in an agile way to external and internal changes. The division projects are designed to increase productivity, ensure financial sustainability of the region’s structures, reinforce a client-oriented culture, strengthen country office capacities, and drive strategic initiatives to enhance staff motivation and well-being. The purpose of the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Unit is to champion and implement forward-thinking, cost-effective digital and technological solutions across the WHO European region, including country offices and geographically dispersed offices, as well as to the UN City located in Copenhagen, Denmark. ICT is committed to ensuring robust connectivity, quality equipment, advanced software solutions, and the safeguarding and accessibility of data. ICT is dedicated to providing exceptional support to all users, empowering a digitally-optimized WHO to achieve its strategic goals. Additionally, ICT provides connectivity, communication technology, and client support to the staff of the organizations housed within the UN City, facilitating a collaborative, efficient, and secure UN ecosystem.
DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES
The Software Engineer (AI) contributes to the development of a variety of enterprise cloud-based web applications, with a focus on incorporating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into solutions. Under the direct supervision of the AI Software Engineer Lead and overall guidance from the Regional ICT Manager, the incumbent will perform the following duties:
Develop new Cloud-based web applications and alter existing code to accommodate scale and integration with AI and APIs.
Contribute to all aspects of systems development (front end, middleware, and backend), incorporating AI-driven functionalities.
Integrate and build for internal and external APIs. Analyse, design, develop, test, and support new and existing applications and services, incorporating modern technologies and AI capabilities.
Solving complex performance problems and architectural challenges, utilizing AI solutions where applicable.
Proactively research and propose new technologies or methodologies that could benefit current and future projects, with a keen focus on enhancing application security and leveraging AI and machine learning (ML) capabilities for innovative solutions.
Participate as a team member in global system implementation initiatives. This includes providing software deployments, customizations, and the development of interfaces to link and integrate existing data repositories to the greatest extent possible.
Apply WHO standard project management methodology and ensure compliance with WHO standard development platforms and best practices on application development and operations. Provide user support, guidance and training within the Regional Office and Country Offices and assist technical support providers in identifying sources of problems and in developing solutions.
Prepare comprehensive systems and technical documentation, including user manuals, database design models, and change management documentation.
Generate necessary reports about system development/maintenance activities to improve overall process efficiency and quality. Report the progress status of all duties performed on a regular basis to the AI Software Engineer Lead and the Regional ICT Manager.Perform any other related duties, as required.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education
Essential: University degree (Bachelor’s level) in software engineering, computer sciences or other relevant discipline.
Desirable: University degree (Master’s level) in any of the above fields. Microsoft Azure certifications. Project Management and ITIL certifications would be an advantage.
Experience
Essential: At least 2 years of working experience developing front end applications based in React. At least 2 years of working experience with Microsoft Azure cloud services.
At least 2 years of professional experience with cloud infrastructure platforms in Microsoft Azure. Experience in application development, software engineering best practices and full stack software development. Experience in Microsoft technologies (Windows, .NET, ASP, SQL Server, SharePoint), workflow technologies, business intelligence platforms and tools.
Desirable: Experience in Cloud-native applications with React framework, JavaScript, and Jamstack architecture. Experience with Logic Apps, Power Automate, and Power BI. Experience in a Linux environment, including open-source technologies. Experience in Cloud service providers (e.g., Azure, AWS or Google Cloud).Experience with Python would be an advantage. Experience with Azure AI and a focus on incorporating AI capabilities into solutions would be a distinct advantage. Working in a multicultural environment and/or with globally distributed teams is desirable.
Skills
Essential: Proven application development knowledge including front end and backend solutions for creating database-driven and responsive web applications. Strong working knowledge of fundamental front end languages such as HTML, CSS, and JSON/XML structure. Strong working knowledge of JavaScript and related frameworks and libraries, such as Node, React, and Angular. Strong working knowledge of database technologies such as SQL/MySQL and NoSQL. Solid understanding of incorporating AI and ML capabilities into software solutions. Strong working knowledge of API design concepts and authentication methods. Knowledge of Python programming language. Proven technical skills in all phases of the software development life cycle, solution architecture, and thorough knowledge of the principles, methods, techniques and practices of the software application design, development, implementation and maintenance.
Desirable: Strong knowledge of Azure AI. Knowledge of IT best practices and standards, including ITIL.
WHO Competencies
Teamwork
Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
Communication
Producing results
Knowing and managing yourself
Use of Language Skills
Essential: Expert knowledge of English.
Desirable: Intermediate knowledge of French, Russian, German.
REMUNERATION
WHO salaries for staff in the Professional category are calculated in US dollars. The remuneration for the above position comprises an annual base salary starting at USD 50,377 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance, as applicable), a variable post adjustment, which reflects the cost of living in a particular duty station, and currently amounts to USD 2040 per month for the duty station indicated above. Other benefits include 30 days of annual leave, allowances for dependent family members, home leave, and an education grant for dependent children.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
This vacancy notice may be used to fill other similar positions at the same grade level
Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted.
A written test and/or an asynchronous video assessment may be used as a form of screening.
In the event that your candidature is retained for an interview, you will be required to provide, in advance, a scanned copy of the degree(s)/diploma(s)/certificate(s) required for this position. WHO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed through the link: http://www.whed.net/. Some professional certificates may not appear in the WHED and will require individual review.
According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible.
Any appointment/extension of appointment is subject to WHO Staff Regulations, Staff Rules and Manual.
Staff members in other duty stations are encouraged to apply.
The WHO is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The WHO recruits and employs staff regardless of disability status, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, language, race, marital status, religious, cultural, ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds, or any other personal characteristics.
The WHO is committed to achieving gender parity and geographical diversity in its staff. Women, persons with disabilities, and nationals of unrepresented and underrepresented Member States (https://www.who.int/careers/diversity-equity-and-inclusion) are strongly encouraged to apply.
Persons with disabilities can request reasonable accommodations to enable participation in the recruitment process. Requests for reasonable accommodation should be sent through an email to reasonableaccommodation@who.int
An impeccable record for integrity and professional ethical standards is essential. WHO prides itself on a workforce that adheres to the highest ethical and professional standards and that is committed to put the WHO Values Charter into practice.
WHO has zero tolerance towards sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA), sexual harassment and other types of abusive conduct (i.e., discrimination, abuse of authority and harassment). All members of the WHO workforce have a role to play in promoting a safe and respectful workplace and should report to WHO any actual or suspected cases of SEA, sexual harassment and other types of abusive conduct. To ensure that individuals with a substantiated history of SEA, sexual harassment or other types of abusive conduct are not hired by the Organization, WHO will conduct a background verification of final candidates.
Mobility is a condition of international professional employment with WHO and an underlying premise of the international civil service. Candidates appointed to an international post with WHO are subject to mobility and may be assigned to any activity or duty station of the Organization throughout the world.
WHO also offers wide range of benefits to staff, including parental leave and attractive flexible work arrangements to help promote a healthy work-life balance and to allow all staff members to express and develop their talents fully.
The statutory retirement age for staff appointments is 65 years. For external applicants, only those who are expected to complete the term of appointment will normally be considered.
Please note that WHO’s contracts are conditional on members of the workforce confirming that they are vaccinated as required by WHO before undertaking a WHO assignment, except where a medical condition does not allow such vaccination, as certified by the WHO Staff Health and Wellbeing Services (SHW). The successful candidate will be asked to provide relevant evidence related to this condition. A copy of the updated vaccination card must be shared with WHO medical service in the medical clearance process. Please note that certain countries require proof of specific vaccinations for entry or exit. For example, official proof /certification of yellow fever vaccination is required to enter many countries. Country-specific vaccine recommendations can be found on the WHO international travel and Staff Health and Wellbeing website. For vaccination-related queries please directly contact SHW directly at shws@who.int.
WHO has a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or users of any form of tobacco.
For information on WHO’s operations please visit: http://www.who.int.
For WHO General Service staff who do not meet the minimum educational qualifications, please see e-Manual III.4.1, para 220.
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