Opportunity: Back-end Developer, Safe Water Optimization Tool Project

Background

The  Safe Water Optimization Tool (SWOT) is an initiative of the Dahdaleh Institute for Global Health Research (DIGHR), in partnership with Médecins sans Frontières (MSF/Doctors Without Borders), to build, refine, and scale a web-based data analytics platform that helps humanitarian field workers generate site-specific and evidence-based water chlorination targets. The SWOT tool is used around the world by humanitarian response agencies to ensure water is safe to drink and public health is protected during humanitarian crises. This Back-End Developer role will contribute to building new features and enhancing existing ones in the SWOT web tool to better meet field users’ needs. 

Hours and Rate

• Part-time up to 20 hours per week (occasionally up to 37.5 hours per week during sprints). 
• $33/hour + 4% vacation

Duration of Position

As soon as possible to December 31^st, 2021 (extendable) 

Areas of responsibility and tasks

• Code and test back-end enhancements and updates to the SWOT web tool in collaboration with team of open-source developers under the guidance of the Lead Developer and Project Lead. 
• Manage and query back-end databases and build reports. 
• User accounts and database management. 
• Manage DevOps platform. 
• Update deployment pipeline and manage deployments. 
• Work effectively on project teams using agile development practices. 
• Create applications for extracting, transforming, and storing data from other APIs. 
• Regular reporting and update meetings with DIGHR supervisors. 
• Other development tasks as required. 

Qualifications and experience

• Bachelor’s degree, or equivalent, in Computer Science or related field. 
• Some working or internship experience in a back-end developer capacity. 
• Core requirements: Node.js, Express, Postman, NoSQL databases.  
• Preferred qualifications: Azure Cloud, MongoDB, Git, Linux, agile/scrum and test-driven development.  
• Prior experience with full stack web software development strongly preferred. 

Additionally: 

• Excellent communication skills: professional email/phone correspondence, presentation proficiency. 
• Experience working with people from a variety of backgrounds/cultures. 
• Excellent computer skills (word processing, email, database management, spreadsheets). 
• Demonstrates an eagerness to learn and take on initiative. 
• Interested in developing tech for humanitarian applications.  
• Demonstrates organizational and time management skills.  
• Must be currently eligible to work in Canada (we are not able to assist with obtaining work permits, etc.). 

Working Conditions

Currently the Institute is closed due to COVID-19 restrictions and all staff are working from home. Remote office hours are standard working hours (9 AM to 5 PM) in the Eastern Standard Time (EST) time zone. Regular contact will be via email, instant messaging (e.g., Slack), and tele- and internet conferencing (e.g., Zoom). When these restrictions are lifted, the Full Stack Developer may be expected to attend meetings or work on-site at DIGHR offices at York University Keele Campus (Toronto).  

Accountability

The position is hierarchically and functionally accountable to the supervisor, Dr. Syed Imran Ali – Research Fellow at DIGHR. Official supervision by Dr. James Orbinski, DIGHR Director. Technical supervision and tasking will be managed by the Lead Developer. 

Application Details

To apply, please submit a résumé and cover letter including examples of past projects via: https://airtable.com/shrHar3XKnqj6w7vk. Applications will be reviewed on receipt. For more information, please contact dighr@yorku.ca with Attention to Dr. Syed Imran Ali. 

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