National Software Solutions Developer (Programmer)

Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission (GLSC) are implementing the Project (GCP/GUY/003/GRI) “Mainstreaming Sustainable Land Development and Management (SLDM)” in the Cooperative Republic of Guyana. The project aims at establishing an enabling environment for promoting sustainable and climate-resilient land development, management, and reclamation in support of Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) through activities working at (i) streamlining policy, regulation, and governance; (ii) developing institutional and human capacities; and (iii) strengthening local governance in three Regions where the project is being implemented. The project is implemented at three levels – national, regional, and local – the SLDM project is designed to create an enabling legal and policy framework informed by policy feedback loops nurtured with ground reality and inclusive participation.

Reporting Lines

The National Software Solutions Developer/Programmer will work under the general supervision of the FAO Representative in Guyana and the SLDM Project Chief Technical Advisor (CTA)/ Project Manager, under the day-to-day supervision of the Senior Database Administrator of the Database Management Section, Information Systems Division (ISD) in GLSC. The incumbent will work in collaboration with GLSC and other SLDM and FAO team members, and under the overall technical guidance of the Lead Technical Officer (LTO) and the concerned project task force members, as well as the PMU staff and GLSC Divisions.

Technical Focus

The incumbent will be based at the Head Office of GLSC, Georgetown, Guyana, in the Information Systems Division (ISD) during his/her work in the SLDM Project, and will be under the day-to-day supervision of the Senior Solutions Developer. He/she will deliver software solutions, initiatives, and innovations to enable and drive the Commission’s fulfilment of its objectives. Day-to-day working relationships will include teamwork with the Manager, Seniors, and staff of the Systems Development Section of the ISD and across the Commission.

Tasks and Responsibilities

•    Contribute significantly to, as well as facilitate client-focused systems development life cycles for effective in-house software solutions and frameworks. 
•    Design, develop, deploy, and upgrade required in-house software applications relating to the work processes of the Commission. 
•    Research, evaluate, and recommend software packages/modules, technologies, and other programming-related tools to enhance the software development environment and the work environment in general. 
•    Train end-users and relevant ISD staff on proper usage, maintenance, and management of implemented software solutions and systems.
•    Prepare comprehensive end-user and technical documentation for the software solutions developed.
•    Assist with the preparation of work plans and budgets for the Systems Development Section.
•    Undertake other related duties relative to the effective and efficient functioning of the Systems Development Section and ISD.
 

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements  
  
•    Minimum of a Degree (BSc) in Computer Science, Information Systems, or related field.
•    Minimum 2 years of experience relevant in Computer Science, Information Systems, or related field.
•    Working knowledge of English (level C) is required
•    National of Guyana

FAO Core Competencies

•    Results Focus
•    Teamwork
•    Communication
•    Building Effective Relationships
•    Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills

Experience and knowledge in:

•    Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) principles and best practices
•    Python development, particularly using Flask for building RESTful APIs
•    Frontend development using React (including React Hooks, Context API, and component-based architecture)
•    Working with relational databases such as PostgreSQL and PostGIS
•    Familiarity with JavaScript libraries for geospatial applications, particularly OpenLayers or ArcGIS  Maps SDK for JavaScript
•    Experience with HTML, CSS3, and modern JavaScript (ES6 )
•    Version control using Git / GitHub
•    Software development techniques (knowledge of MVC will be an asset)
•    Experience integrating workflow engines such as ProcessMaker is a strong asset
•    Knowledge of spatial databases and GIS concepts is highly desirable
•    Experience developing or supporting mobile applications (e.g., React Native or PWA) is an asset.

Selection Criteria

•    Skills in programming / software development.
•    Proven experience in developing client-focused systems in the land administration sector.
•    Knowledge and experience with various ICT ecosystems, knowledge and experience of various software development approaches and techniques.
•    The ability to research, analyze and evaluate facts and to prepare and present concise oral and written reports.
•    Ability to build rapport and understandings with end users. 
•    Good verbal communication skills with all levels of staff. 
•    Able to work well in team settings. 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION