GIS Web Development Programmer at Norwegian Refugee Council

Role and objective:

• Support the automation of data transmission between NMHSs and WMO GTS/GISC through the implementation of ftp and sftp services and Use of BUFR format
• Develop a server that collect data from automatic and manual weather stations and send it via internet to WMO Telecommunication Hub and Information System
• Lead the development of a customizable Content Management System (CMS) for the NMHSs to enable easy design of services-oriented and users’ friendly websites
• Support the development of the mailing list of NMHS and integrate them into their websites to enable subscriptions for receiving services
• Support development of web-based system for data, forecast and hazards visualization at continental level (Africa Hazards Watch System)
• Develop chatbot for Africa Hazards Watch and map social media conversations per location
• Support operationalization of the Africa Hazards Watch through capacity building of the NMHSs in using the system and visualizing their Common Alert Protocol (CAP) Alerts
• Strengthen collaboration between NMHSs and tech companies (E.g., Meta, Google, Twitter, etc.) to improve climate services and early warning deliver
• Provide technical support as required

Duties and responsibilities:

• Support the automation of data transmission between NMHS and WMO GTS/GISC system through ftp services
  • Develop solution for data transfer between the stations and NMHSs HQ from both automatic and manual meteorological stations
  • Create a serve the collect that at the HQ of the NMHSs, convert it into BUFR format, and send it forward to WMO Regional Telecommunication Hubs or Global Information System Centre (GISC)
  • Collaborate with RTH and GISC to ensure smooth and stable data transfer on hourly basis
  • Collaborate with WMO Department of Infrastructure on issues related to data management and transmission (WMO Information System (WIS) and WMO Integrated Global Observing System (WIGOS))
• Lead development or customization of template Content Management System for the NMHSs
  • Customize a template Content Management System (CMS) to serve the need of the NMHSs
  • Enable NMHSs to adopt the CMS and use it to develop user-friendly and user-oriented services
  • Support the NMHSs to develop a mailing list and integrate it to their websites for better services delivery.
• Support improving visualization of climate data by NMHSs and Regional Climate Centres (RCCs) on Africa Hazards Watch
  • Identify and support development of improved climate data visualization, ensuring the needs of NMHSs and Regional Climate Centres (RCCs) in the field are better covered. Help them compare their own data and forecast with Global Producing Centres.
  • Support NMHSs to implement and disseminate their Common Alerting Protocol (CAP), including visualizing CAP Alerts through Google Public Alerts system
  • Support the automatization process of data transmission between NMHSs and RTH/GISC through ftp and sftp services
• Support the development of new data layers and functionalities for the Africa Hazards Watch in line with system pipeline and based on users and /partner’s feedback
  • Develop Chatbot to guide the users through the available layers and functionalities Support implementation of the system development pipeline, improving and adding new layers and analysis relevant to make decisions in climate, environment, agriculture, food security, economic development and to support improving overall hazards and risk monitoring in Africa
  • Support adding functionalities and visualizations to track implementation of the Paris Agreement and Sendai Framework
  • Map social media conversations related to climate and environment
  • Support establishing smart content recommendations
  • Support strengthening of automated e-mailing and data visualizations functionalities 
  • Support integration between NMHSs e-mail marketing systems and Africa Hazards Watch
• Support operationalization of the Africa Hazards Watch through capacity building
  • Support the capacity building of NMHSs and the media in the use of the systems to generate stories targeting last mile users through Hazards Watch trainings in user engagement activities
• Develop data, alert and risk information access and download interfaces
  • Support collaboration between NMHSs, and technological companies (Meta, Google, Twitter, etc.) to improve the dissemination of services and early warning information
  • Take part in developing public-private-partnership with the telecom companies for improve observational network, data transmission an alert dissemination
• Systems and Functionality Documentation
  • Document and update all the developed systems and functionalities

Qualifications:

• A minimum of a Bachelor degree (Computer Science, Engineering or IT major preferred) 
• A very strong analytical and programming skills in Python, JavaScript, HTML/CSS/Sass, and SQL with spatial extensions like PostGIS.
• Experience in developing backend applications/content management systems (CMS) with Django/Wagtail
• Experience in developing microservices and REST APIs with Flask and Node JS. Knowledge in Go is an added value.
• Experience and ability to integrate different systems (ftp, sftp, API, etc.) to collect, format, and transfer data
• Experience in frontend development with React JS or Vue JS
• Strong UX/UI design and data visualization skills, experience with data visualization libraries (D3, HighCharts, Echarts etc) and integrating the visualizations with frontend frameworks

Personal qualities: 

• Strong quantitative skills and an analytical, data-driven mindset. 
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills – able to work well in a team and multi-cultural environment. 
• Ability to communicate complex quantitative analysis and analytic approaches in a clear, precise, and actionable manner. 
• Attention to detail and proactive approach to problem-solving. 

What we offer:

Being a NORCAP expert gives you:

• A great opportunity to work in an international setting for a global organisation 
• Significant life experience through challenges and self-development
• A steep learning curve and career development  
• Access to a unique network of humanitarian, peace, and development professionals 
• A meaningful job working with the world’s challenges on location