Background

The  Safe Water Optimization Tool (SWOT) is an initiative of  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 ensure that water is safe to drink and public health is protected in emergency responses. The Junior Developer will contribute to web tool development activities of the SWOT Project.

Hours and Rate

• Part-time up to a maximum of 30 hours per week
• $30/hour + 4% vacation

Duration of Position

February 1^st, 2021 to Aug 31^st, 2021 (extendable)

Areas of responsibility and tasks

The SWOT (under the guidance of academic faculty and fellows):

• Code and test enhancements and updates to the SWOT web tool in collaboration with team of open-source developers
• Update content on the project webpage
• 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

Other areas:

• Regular reporting and update meetings with DIGHR supervisors.
• Support DIGHR staff in implementing the Institute communications strategy as it relates to the SWOT Project by providing written (blogs, project summaries, etc.) and verbal outputs (presentations, videos, etc.) as requested.

Qualifications and experience

• Bachelor’s degree, or equivalent, in Computer Science or related field.
• Prior experience with full stack web software development using Node.js, React, HTML/CSS/JS and either relational or NoSQL databases.
• Experience with Git, Linux, agile/scrum and test-driven development.
• Preferred qualifications: Experience with Azure cloud, MongoDB, TypeScript, Machine Learning (using Python or R), MATLAB/Octave, DevOps.

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.
• Preference for candidates who are based in the Greater Toronto Area and are able to work on site and/or attend regular meetings at DIGHR offices, York University Keele Campus.
• 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 Junior Developer may be expected to work on-site at DIGHR offices at York University Keele Campus (Toronto). Some limited work may take place off-site.

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 may be further delegated.

Application Details

To apply, please submit résumé and cover letter including examples of past projects via the link below. Review of applications will begin on February 15^th, 2021. For more information, please contact dighr@yorku.ca with Attention to Dr. Syed Imran Ali.

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