Information Systems Specialist - Server Team Lead

Organizational Setting

The key mission of the FAO Representation in Somalia, which is led by FAO Representative (FAOR), is to assist and support the national government to develop policies, strategies and programme aimed at accelerating the Implementation and achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the area of FAO's global mandate and Strategic Objectives. More specifically, FAO's response aims to address national needs and priorities in achieving food security, reducing hunger and malnutrition, developing agricultural, fishery and forestry sectors, and ensuring the sustainable use of environmental and natural resources and respond to recurrent emergencies. The current portfolio of activities of the FAO Representation in Somalia includes a wide scope of technical support interventions ranging from policy support through livestock and crop production, to natural resource management, Nutrition, value chain, food security analysis and water and land information management. FAO is also implementing several emergency, resilience-building, and development interventions, with the support of its five field offices and close to 400 staff in partnership with the Federal and State line ministries.

Reporting Lines

The position is under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative in Somalia, the direct supervision of Head of Information and Systems Management.

Technical Focus

The incumbent will provide database application programming support in the IM unit of FAO as well as provide technical coordination to the other developers acting as team leader of the server team and Officer in Charge when needed.

Tasks and responsibilities

Database and Application Programming

•    Develop application modules for the FAO internal/external usage, both server and client-side programming.
•    Develop various databases using open-source programming in a web-based environment, for integration in the FAO database system.
•    Attend and conduct necessary meetings to plan and program any modules (database, intranet, 
•    web site etc.)
•    Assist in the conceptual development of database driven applications.
•    Maintain the FAO applications currently in existence and modify/amend whenever necessary.
•    Develop, deploy, and maintain the BiMS (Beneficiary Information Management System), adding modules as and when required.
•    Develop, update and maintain the FAO Somalia website (https://www.fao.org/somalia) in collaboration with Communications department
•    All components will be programmed using Open-Source software and database systems (MySQL, PHP, XML, JSP, Java, Android, ODBC).

Server Maintenance

•    Setup, secure and maintain remote Linux virtual servers for various FAO internal and external usage. 

Systems Integration

•    Facilitate kick-off meeting for inception phase with all FAO stakeholders.
•    Partner LoU & LoA development, implementation & tracking.
•    Project performance tracking with Partners with follow up on performance and resourcing issues.
•    Collaboration with SMRU, technical unit and partners on project reporting and communications to represent the project progress and success to internal & external stakeholders.

Training and Documentation

•    Training users (admin and system) using the various database and system applications.
•    Documenting programming code and system technical descriptions.

Research and Development

•    Continuously research on new technologies that can be applied at FAO.
•    Develop concept notes and proof of concepts for any identified new technologies.
•    Develop prototypes of new technologies, analyse and make recommendations on their adoption.
•    Advise FAO users on procurement of hardware and software concerned with the systems is use at FAO.

Supervision, team leadership and guidance 

•    Guide and mentor other developers in the ISM Unit under the server team.
•    Perform code review and approval prior to deployment of new code to repository.
•    Act as ISM Unit team OiC (Officer in Charge) in absence of head of unit and whenever called upon.

Minimum Requirements 
   
•    University degree in information communication technology (ICT), computer science or computer engineering or a related field is required.
•    At least 5 years of relevant experience in projects involving database programming and web, mobile and desktop application development, database administration using PHP, Java, Android and MySQL.  
•    Working knowledge (level C) of English, French or Spanish and limited knowledge (level B) of one of the other two or Arabic, Chinese, Russian for COF.REG. Working knowledge of English (level C) for PSA.SBS. 

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills 

•    Programming experience in Open-Source languages and Operating Systems (MySQL, PHP, Apache, HTML, XML).
•    Previous work experience in statistical related projects will be an advantage. 
•    Previous experience working in Somalia and willingness to travel throughout Somalia will be an added advantage.
•    Ability to effectively use standard office software, such as MS Office (Windows, Word, Outlook, Excel, Exchange) etc. Ability to use accounting software and other information systems and databases to insert data, make enquiries, retrieve/define ad hoc reports and analyses, and edit results in appropriate format.
•    Systematic, well-structured, and efficient approach to work assignments. Analytical ability, accuracy, and consistency. 
•    Exercise diligence and care in dealing with records and expenditures.
•    The incumbent must possess a cooperative spirit, flexibility, and openness to work in an international environment. 
•    Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with people of different national and cultural background.

Please note that all candidates should adhere to FAO Values of Commitment to FAO, Respect for All and Integrity and Transparency

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• FAO does not charge any fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview, processing)
• Please note that FAO will only consider academic credentials or degrees obtained from an educational institution recognized in the IAU/UNESCO list
• Please note that FAO 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 at http://www.whed.net/ 
• For more information, visit the FAO employment website
• Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.

To apply, visit the recruitment website at Jobs at FAO and complete your online profile. We strongly recommend that your profile is accurate, complete and includes your employment records, academic qualifications, and language skills
• Candidates are requested to attach a letter of motivation to the online profile
• Once your profile is completed, please apply, and submit your application
• Candidates may be requested to provide performance assessments and authorization to conduct verification checks of past and present work, character, education, military and police records to ascertain any and all information which may be pertinent to the employment qualifications
• Incomplete applications will not be considered
• Personal information provided on your application may be shared within FAO and with other companies acting on FAO’s behalf to provide employment support services such as pre-screening of applications, assessment tests, background checks and other related services. You will be asked to provide your consent before submitting your application. You may withdraw consent at any time, by withdrawing your application, in such case FAO will no longer be able to consider your application
• Only applications received through the FAO recruitment portal will be considered
• Your application will be screened based on the information provided in your online profile
•  We encourage applicants to submit the application well before the deadline date.

If you need help or have queries, please create a one-time registration with FAO’s client support team for further assistance: https://fao.service-now.com/csp

FAO IS A NON-SMOKING ENVIRONMENT