Web Development and Business Analysis for LDN Target Tracking Tool

Result of ServiceThe ultimate goal of the service is to provide a self-service user interface that enables users to make on-demand data requests directly from the LDN Target Tracking tool. This will : - Empowers users to get data without needing technical support. - Speed up workflows by reducing bottlenecks created by requesting data from the secretariat. - Improve transparency and reproducibility in data use. Work LocationHome based Expected durationJuly to September 2025. Duties and ResponsibilitiesBackground: Established in 1994, the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) is the sole legally binding international agreement that aims to address the challenges of desertification, land degradation, and drought (DLDD) through international cooperation and partnerships, with a focus on sustainable development and improving living conditions in affected areas. Achieving Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN) is one of the major goals of the UNCCD, consistent with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development under target 15.3. LDN aims to ensure that the amount of healthy and productive land resources remains stable or increases over time, compensating for land degradation by restoring and rehabilitating degraded lands. To support this goal, the UNCCD introduced voluntary LDN targets as part of its strategic framework. These targets provide countries with a flexible structure to monitor, halt, and reverse land degradation based on national circumstances. Since the launch of the LDN Target Setting Programme in 2016, over 120 countries have submitted voluntary targets, which are used to guide integrated land-use planning and strengthen resilience to climate change, biodiversity loss, and food insecurity. To manage information received for LDN voluntary targets, the UNCCD secretariat developed a web-based tool mainly for knowledge management that enables querying and analysis of the LDN target database. While the tool is currently online , it was developed for internal use by secretariat staff and consultants and requires login credentials for access. This consultancy will develop a publicly accessible version of the existing LDN Targets Tracking Tool, with a self-service data interface, to increase the accessibility and visibility of the voluntary target information submitted by countries. The result of the consultancy will allow users to make on-demand data requests from the publicly available version of the tool while retaining the existing log-in authentication feature for UNCCD staff and consultants to perform restricted operations in the tool. The LDN Target Tracking Tool has been implemented using the Python Django framework using Django Rest Services, Vue.js for the frontend, PostgreSQL as a database management system, PostGIS and MapServer for rendering the maps and Docker for easy deployment. Duties and Responsibilities: Under the overall supervision of the Chief of the STI Unit, and direct supervision of the responsible programme officer, the consultant will: • Familiarize with the LDN Targets Tracking Tool and conduct an analysis to identify technical requirements to transform it into a publicly accessible tool. • Prepare comprehensive documentation of the requirements that clearly defines specific user goals and needs to support the development of a public-facing version of the tool. • Based on the identified requirements, develop and implement a detailed workplan to create a public-facing version of the LDN Targets Tracking Tool using Wagtail CMS and the Python/Django framework. • Enhance the existing pages of the internal LDN Targets Tracking Tool to improve the presentation of information, including both tabular and geospatial data related to LDN targets and their implemented actions so that it is optimized for public use. • Redesign the data export functionality by improving the tabular structure, ensuring that exported data is clearer and more comprehensible for end users ideally with customizable export features such that the user can self-select information for export from the tool • Maintain and potentially enhance the layout and functionality of the data querying and filtering features during the development of the public-facing version of the LDN Targets Tracking Tool. • Provide support and training to stakeholders or users to ensure effective use of the new online tool once it is online and if falls within the time period of the consultancy. • Make an online presentation to UNCCD staff at project completion to demonstrate the tool and answer any questions Qualifications/special skills• A university degree in computer science, information technology, software engineering, or a related field is required. • At least 5 years of progressively responsible experience in web development or business analysis, preferably within international environments, is required. • Proven full-stack web development experience using the Python Django framework is required. • Experience with Django REST Framework for building APIs is required. • Proficiency in Vue.js for front-end development is required. • Strong knowledge of PostgreSQL and PostGIS for spatial data handling is required. • Experience with version control systems like Git is required. • Proficiency in using Docker for containerization is required. • Understanding of CI/CD pipelines for automated deployment and testing is required. • Familiarity with MapServer or similar geospatial web mapping tools is desirable. • Proven ability to analyze user requirements, document workflows, and support project implementation; experience with data visualization, business process mapping, and ERP or IT system support is highly valued is desirable. Languages• Fluency in English is essential; knowledge of additional UN official languages (e.g., French, Spanish, Arabic) is considered an asset. Additional InformationOnly individuals who can act as independent, individual economical operators are qualified to apply. Individuals who can provide their services only on account of an institution or enterprise are not eligible under this procedure. Individuals engaged under a consultancy or individual contract will not be considered “staff members” under the Staff Regulations and Rules of the United Nations Secretariat and will not be entitled to benefits provided therein (such as leave entitlements and medical insurance coverage). Their conditions of service will be governed by their contract and the General Conditions of Contracts for the Services of Consultants and Individual Contractors. Consultant and individual contractor is responsible for determining tax liabilities and for the payment of any taxes and/or duties, in accordance with local or other applicable laws. For remote consultancies, the selected candidate will be required to have a laptop or desktop PC (with Windows 10 or newer) or Mac (with the latest MacOS update), as well as a reliable, high-speed internet connection. An Office 365 license will be provided by the UNCCD to enable the candidate to access official emails, SharePoint, OneDrive and other office applications, such as Word and Excel. Further computer requirements: An antivirus application which receives regular updates; Browsers must be a newer version with regular updates enabled; Regular Windows 10 updates should be enabled with Windows laptop or PC. In addition, a mobile phone will be required to enable Multifactor Authentication (MFA) through SMS or the Authenticator App. No FeeTHE 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.