Information Technology Associate (e.g. web development)

Under the supervision of the Senior Systems Analyst, and the thematic guidance of the Head of Operations, the Information Technology Associate will play a pivotal role in enhancing UNU-WIDER’s web presence, streamlining organizational processes through digital tools, and providing essential operational support. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to various aspects of our ICT initiatives, ensuring that our digital infrastructure is robust, secure, and efficient. The ICT Associate maintains a dedication to service, quality, and a client-oriented, outcome-focused approach, constantly striving to exceed organizational goals and meet stakeholder expectations.

1. Web development

Development, customization, and enhancement of the organization’s websites, adhering to a secure Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) methodology to ensure robust, reliable, and protected digital assets.

Implement new features, modules, and themes to improve website functionality and user experience.

Perform regular website maintenance, updates, and troubleshooting to ensure optimal performance and security.

Collaborate with the communications team and other stakeholders to understand requirements and deliver high-quality web solutions.

Ensure web application security adheres to UNU’s established guidelines and leverages industry best practices to fill gaps by:

Applying security patches timely, diagnosing and resolving security vulnerabilities (bugs)

Maintaining and updating Drupal core and modules to address potential security risks

Integrating third-party services and APIs securely

Monitor, assess, and optimize website performance using appropriate tools and metrics. Identify and resolve issues affecting responsiveness, reliability, and accessibility

Stays updated with the latest advancements in web development; conducts benchmarking and suggests new tools and technologies for adoption.

2. Process digitalization and digital productivity tools

Support the implementation and integration of various digitization tools to streamline organizational processes.

Develop and deliver targeted training programs to empower staff to utilize digital tools effectively for their specific roles. Or provide ongoing technical support and guidance to ensure staff proficiency with digital tools and maximize their impact.

Continuously assess and recommend new tools and technologies to improve efficiency and productivity.

Utilize tools such as Microsoft Power Automate to create automated workflows that improve operational efficiency. Monitor and troubleshoot automated workflows to ensure they function as intended and make improvements as necessary.

3. ICT operational support

Support and resolve issues related to the Microsoft 365 environment, including both escalated tickets as well as tasks related to daily operations, coordinating solutions with internal ICT team and C3 (Campus Computing Centre) colleagues as required.

Assist in identifying opportunities for improvements in processes, systems, and structures. Enhance current practices to increase effectiveness and achieve greater efficiency.

Assist with response, management, and mitigation of cyber security incidents according to established procedures, ensuring our digital assets remain secure.Serves as team member in the planning, specification, design, development, implementation and support of computer application systems; independently liaises with users to define and specify requirements.

Acts as a backup focal point for the coordination, monitoring, and expediting of computer application systems development projects. This role involves extensive liaison with diverse organizational units to initiate requests, prepare standard terms of reference, process and follow-up on administrative actions, and resolve issues related to project implementation, such as organizing and participating in training, and procuring equipment and services.

Provides guidance to new/junior staff.

4. Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor

Key Performance Indicators

Percentage of website features and enhancements delivered on time and within budget. Average user satisfaction score with new website features

Percentage of stakeholders actively participating in project discussions and providing feedback

Reduction in process completion time after implementing digitization tools

Advancement of Digital efficiency objectives

Qualifications

1) Education and certification

Completion of secondary education is required.

OR

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.

2) Required skills and experience

A minimum of six (6) years (with secondary education) or four (4) years (with bachelor’s degree) of relevant experience in Computer Science or Information Technology.

Minimum of 4 years of experience in Drupal development, Twig templating, custom module development and debugging.

MySQL: Proficient in database design and management, with experience optimizing queries and database performance.

HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and jQuery: Solid front-end development skills, including responsive design and cross-browser compatibility.

Twig Templating: Experience with Twig templating engine used in Drupal.

Experience with containerization technologies such as Docker.

Experience with version control systems such as Git.

Experience with workflow automation tools such as Microsoft Power Automate, or similar is an asset.

Experience with Microsoft 365 administration, including tenant management, security configuration, and core services deployment, is desirable.

Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to troubleshoot and resolve complex technical issues.

Knowledge of web security best practices and experience implementing security measures is an advantage.

Experience in deploying and managing containers in Azure virtual machines is an asset.

Knowledge of CiviCRM is an asset.

Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams and communicate technical information to non-technical stakeholders.

3) Language Requirements

Fluency in English is required

Remuneration

UNU offers an attractive, tax exempt compensation package including an annual net salary (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance), 30 days annual leave, dependency benefits, pension plan and health insurance scheme