Web Application Developer - Consultant

Result of Service

NA

Work Location

Remote

Expected duration

All deliverables shall be completed within 3 months from the start date of the contract. Possibility of extension subject to availability of funds and satisfactory performance.

Duties and Responsibilities

UNRWA is a United Nations agency established by the General Assembly in 1949 and is mandated to provide assistance and protection to a population of some 6 million registered Palestine refugees. Its mission is to help Palestine refugees in Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, West Bank and the Gaza Strip to achieve their full potential in human development, pending a just solution to their plight. UNRWA’s services encompass education, health care, relief and social services, camp infrastructure and improvement, microfinance and emergency assistance. UNRWA is the largest UN operation in the Middle East with more than 30,000 staff. UNRWA is funded almost entirely by voluntary contributions. BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Since its establishment in 1950, UNRWA has created and maintained extensive records documenting the history and experiences of Palestine refugees. These records, including registration files and other administrative and historical documentation, now span multiple generations and capture key life events, movements, and interactions with the Agency from the Nakba in 1948 to the present day. Over time, UNRWA has progressively modernized its records management practices, transitioning from paper-based documentation to digital systems. Today, while current data are maintained within the Agency’s web-based Refugee Registration Information System, extensive historical archives, comprising nearly 30 million documents, are preserved as part of UNRWA’s institutional memory and permanent records. Within this context, the Relief and Social Services Department (RSSD) is implementing initiatives aimed at strengthening UNRWA’s capacity to support research, knowledge management, and digital access to institutional information and archival materials. The consultancy aims to support the design, development, deployment, and maintenance of a secure and user-friendly web-based platform that will serve as a focal point for research activities within the Agency. The platform will host the Research Review Board application process, provide access to general information and resources related to UNRWA data and research, and support institutional coordination and dissemination of research-related materials and activities. The platform should be designed in a scalable manner to support potential future integration of digital archival collections and related research outputs. The incumbent will work under the supervision of the Senior Research and Partnership Officer in RSSD. DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES In accordance with Agency policy and procedures, the incumbent will: • Design, develop, and maintain responsive and user-friendly web interfaces using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. • Build and maintain server-side application logic and web application functionality using C# and ASP.NET Core. • Develop and integrate REST APIs to support communication between frontend interfaces, backend services, forms, and databases. • Develop and maintain functionalities related to the Research Review Board application and submission process. • Implement functionalities for storing, retrieving, displaying, and managing research-related and archival data using SQL Server or Azure SQL databases. • Connect frontend components to backend services and ensure reliable, secure, and efficient data exchange across the application. • Support the deployment, hosting, and maintenance of the application environment on Microsoft Azure. • Manage source code, version control, and deployment workflows using Git, Azure DevOps, or GitHub. • Ensure the platform is responsive, accessible, scalable, and aligned with project requirements and established technical standards. • Support troubleshooting, testing, debugging, and performance optimization of the application and related services. • Contribute to technical documentation, workflow refinement, and coordination with project stakeholders to support ongoing platform enhancement and sustainability. • Support future integration of digital archive functionalities and research resources into the platform as project activities expand. DELIVERABLES The consultant will be expected to deliver the following outputs within the agreed project timeline: • Functional and responsive RSSD web platform deployed and operational. • Research Review Board application and submission functionalities integrated into the platform. • Backend services and APIs developed and connected to frontend interfaces and databases. • Database integration and data retrieval functionalities implemented using SQL Server or Azure SQL. • Fully functional production environment deployed on Microsoft Azure. • Source code repositories and version control workflows established and maintained using Git-based tools. • Technical documentation covering deployment, maintenance, and system functionality submitted to RSSD. • Tested and optimized platform meeting agreed functionality and usability requirements. • Support provided for future integration of archive-related functionalities and research resources. • All deliverables shall be submitted in English. COMPETENCIES • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills • Ability to produce clean, maintainable, and well-documented code • Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multicultural and interdisciplinary environment • Strong organizational and communication skills • Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines INDEPENDENCE OF WORK • Application of guidelines: The incumbent applies professional knowledge, technical expertise, and prior work experience to design, develop, and maintain the RSSD research platform in accordance with Agency standards, technical requirements, and operational needs. • Supervisory control overwork of the incumbent: Day-to-day activities are carried out independently and routine technical decisions are taken without reference to a higher authority. Major activities and deliverables are undertaken under the overall supervision of the Senior Research and Partnership Officer in RSSD. Work is reviewed based on quality, functionality, and attainment of agreed objectives and deliverables. PAYMENT SCHEDULE AND DELIVERABLES Deliverable 1: Submission of detailed technical workplan, platform architecture, functional specifications, and implementation timeline approved by RSSD (15% - 812.48 USD ) Deliverable 2: Development and deployment of the initial web platform framework, including frontend structure, navigation, and responsive interface (20% - 1,083.30 USD) Deliverable 3: Development and integration of backend services, APIs, database connectivity, and Research Review Board application functionalities (30% - 1,624.94 USD) Deliverable 4: Deployment of the platform on Microsoft Azure, including testing, debugging, optimization, and implementation of security and access management measures (20% - 1,083.30 USD) Deliverable 5: Submission of final technical documentation, source code repository, maintenance guidance, and support for handover and future integration requirements (15% - 812.48) Deliverable timelines and detailed technical requirements will be agreed upon at the commencement of the consultancy in coordination with RSSD. Minor adjustments to deliverables may be made during implementation based on operational and technical requirements, subject to agreement with RSSD.

Qualifications/special skills

Master degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Information Technology, Information Systems, Web Development, or a related field is required. At least two years of progressively responsible experience in web application development, software development, or related technical work. Expertise in Web Development – Front End (mandatory)  Strong experience in building and maintaining website structure and content using HTML  Experience adding interactivity and dynamic behavior to web pages (JavaScript)  Ability to styling and creating responsive and user friendly web pages (HTML, CSS, JavaScript)  Experience connecting web pages to backend services (JavaScript) Expertise in Application Development – Back End (mandatory)  Experience developing server side application logic (C#)  Experience building and maintaining web applications and APIs (ASP.NET Core)  Experience creating and exposing REST APIs for frontend consumption (C#, ASP.NET Core)  Experience managing and retrieving application data from databases (SQL) Expertise in Database & Data Handling (mandatory)  Experience using predefined queries to store, retrieve, and update data (SQL – SQL Server or Azure SQL)  Experience ensuring accurate and reliable data usage within the application (SQL) Expertise in Cloud & Development Environment (mandatory)  Experience hosting and managing web applications in the cloud (Microsoft Azure)  Experience deploying and maintaining application environments (Microsoft Azure)  Experience managing source code and version control (Git – Azure DevOps or GitHub) Knowledge of contemporary issues in the Middle East (desirable) Familiarity with the UN system and practices (desirable) Preference will be given to candidates with experience in (desirable requirements): o Writing structured front end code for larger applications (TypeScript) o Building lightweight backend or background processes (Azure Functions) o Simplifying database access using ORM tools (Entity Framework) o Managing user access and authentication (Azure Active Directory / Entra ID) o Experience working in enterprise or consulting environments (Microsoft stack)

Languages

Fluency in English is required

Additional Information

CONDITIONS OF SERVICE • All deliverables shall be completed within 3 months from the start date of the contract. Possibility of extension subject to availability of funds and satisfactory performance. • The consultant will work remotely. • Payment will be set at USD 5,416.50 for the entire package of deliverables listed under the "Duties and responsibilities" paragraph. Each deliverable will release payment of a percentage of the total fee upon satisfactory completion and acceptance of agreed outputs by RSSD, in accordance with UNRWA consultancy rates and applicable regulations.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.