JOB DESCRIPTION

Background Information – UNOPS

UNOPS is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Our mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve sustainable development.

UNOPS areas of expertise cover infrastructure, procurement, project management, financial management and human resources.

Working with us

UNOPS offers short- and long-term work opportunities in diverse and challenging environments across the globe. We are looking for creative, results-focused professionals with skills in a range of disciplines.

Diversity

With over 4,000 UNOPS personnel and approximately 7,000 personnel recruited on behalf of UNOPS partners spread across 80 countries, our workforce represents a wide range of nationalities and cultures. We promote a balanced, diverse workforce — a strength that helps us better understand and address our partners’ needs, and continually strive to improve our gender balance through initiatives and policies that encourage recruitment of qualified female candidates.

Work life harmonization

UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands.

Background Information – UNOPS Hub in Amman

The UNOPS Hub in Amman implements projects in Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq, Syria, Turkey, and Yemen, in partnership with bilateral donors, national governments, and other UN agencies. With an established presence across the region, the office runs operations including large-scale procurement, project development, and technical management, and provides financial, human resources, and infrastructure-related services. The functional objective of UNOPS Hub in Amman is to deliver its projects in an efficient and effective manner and in line with the principles, rules and regulations of UNOPS, in order to support the response to the current needs and national priorities in the region.

The functions/duties/key results of the assignment

The incumbent will operate under the direct supervision of Project Managers, Head of Programmes, Programme Management Advisor or their assignees, and in close coordination with the Programme and Partnerships teams, providing technical expertise to support software design, development, deployment, testing, and commissioning tasks. Responsibilities include ensuring high-quality documentation, software effectiveness, transparency, and integrity, while ensuring that site work complies with technical requirements, specifications, timelines, budget constraints, and security standards. The incumbent will utilize specialized software development tools and applications.

Primary Responsibilities Include:

 

– Software Design and Documentation Support

• Participate in preparing needs assessments for software systems, focusing on requirements for deployment, testing, and commissioning.
• Contribute to the review of software design components, including architecture, coding, and user interface elements for projects.
• Support in developing and reviewing Terms of Reference (ToRs), technical specifications, scope of work/services, and functional requirements for software projects.
• Assist in preparing tender documents for software development, testing, and deployment works, and contributing to the evaluation of proposals.
• Conduct technical reviews of software design and documentation to ensure compliance with project requirements and applicable standards.

– Software Development and Deployment Coordination Support

• Collaborate with project team members to support project planning, scheduling, and integrated software development.
• Conduct software testing and deployment coordination, supporting detailed site and system integration tests, noting progress, issues, and photographic documentation (Before, during, and after), along with lessons learned.
• Support in overseeing contract deliverables, ensuring they align with contract terms, high international standards, and organizational requirements.
• Participate in coordinating software commissioning, user training, and final handover to beneficiaries.

– Monitoring and Progress Controls

• Participate in coordinating and documenting meetings with software developers, technical supervisors, and other stakeholders, contributing to the preparation of meeting minutes for project-related discussions.
• Monitor and review project progress, ensuring that software development and deployment are executed on schedule and within budget, while adhering to agreed-upon quality standards.

– Technical Review and Quality Assurance

• Support in preparing/reviewing comprehensive software design documentation, including design briefs, reports, code reviews, specifications, and schedules in accordance with Beneficiary requirements and international standards.
• Assist in reviewing the software architecture and implementation for accuracy, suitability, and potential improvements, offering practical solutions where applicable.
• Support in ensuring all software-related tasks meet applicable Quality Management Plan (QMP) and Quality Control (QC) standards.
• Produce/review high-quality software deliverables and maintain accurate records for all memos, instructions, and changes.

– Administrative and Documentation Tasks

• Assist in archiving and managing software design, development, and testing documentation.
• Contribute to maintaining organized records, ensuring timely scheduling, and tracking of project tasks.
• Support in preparing periodic progress reports (daily, weekly, and monthly) highlighting work achievements, challenges, and recommendations.

The incumbent may be assigned additional relevant tasks as necessary to support project objectives and organizational goals.

Final Product

Deliver delegated tasks by the supervisor on time, within budget, and meeting the required quality standards. Ensure that software design, development, and deployment processes are conducted with high quality, adhering to applicable local, international, and organizational standards. Ensure that the software meets technical specifications, performance requirements, and security protocols while complying with relevant Health, Safety, Security, and Environmental (HSSE) guidelines, as well as Protection against Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Harassment (PSEAH) measures throughout the software development and deployment lifecycle, in line with the country PSEAH action plan.

Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.

Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles.

Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role).

Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries.

Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements.

Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving.

Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.

– Education

• A Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Information Technology, or a related discipline from a recognized university is required.
• Possession of Project Management Certificates (e.g., PMP) is an asset.

– Work Experience

• A minimum of two years of experience in software development, deployment, and testing is required.
• Experience in system integration, software commissioning, and user training is required.
• Proficiency in programming languages (e.g., Java, Python, C#) and development frameworks is required.
• Experience with software development tools such as version control (e.g., Git) and continuous integration platforms is highly desirable.
• Proficiency in software testing frameworks and automation tools (e.g., Selenium, JUnit) is highly desirable.
• Experience in Geographic Information Systems- GIS- Software (e.g. ESRI, etc..) is highly desirable.
• Experience in scheduling software, particularly Primavera and/or MS Project, is highly desirable.
• Work experience with an international organization and/or UN agencies is highly regarded.

– Languages

• Fluency and communication skills in English and Arabic are required.
• Working knowledge of the French Language is an asset.

– Functional Competencies

• Ability to work to meet tight schedules under stressful environments and varied cultural context.
• Good team player attitude.
• Ability to perform work with professionalism, integrity and commitment to project demands.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet strict deadlines.

– Certifications (Desirable):

• Software Development and Programming (e.g., Oracle Certified Professional, Java SE Programmer; Microsoft Certified; or similar).
• System Deployment and Integration (e.g., AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate or Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert, or similar).
• Testing and Quality Assurance (e.g., ISTQB Certified Tester – Foundation Level (CTFL), or similar.
• Cloud and DevOps (e.g., AWS Certified DevOps Engineer – Professional).

 

Contract type: Local Individual Contractor, retainer

Contract level: LICA 8

Contract duration: 12 months, on job basis

• Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.
• UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce.
• UNOPS evaluates all applications based on the skills, qualifications and experience requirements outlined in the vacancy announcement. We are committed to considering all candidates in a fair and transparent manner, and we value diverse perspectives and experiences, including those of women, indigenous and racialized communities, individuals with diverse gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.
• We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.

Terms and Conditions

• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post.
• For retainer contracts, you must complete a few mandatory courses ( they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. Refreshers or new mandatory courses may be required during your contract. Please note that you will not receive any compensation for taking courses and refreshers. For more information on a retainer contract here.
• All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.
• It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.