Assistant Web and Database Specialist

Duration: 11 months with possibility of extension

Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) supports member countries in promoting sustainable management of natural resources, enhancing food security, and strengthening environmental governance through evidence-based policies and innovative technologies.

The Bay of Bengal Large Marine Ecosystem (BoBLME) Project is a regional initiative that aims to improve the sustainable management of coastal and marine resources in the Bay of Bengal through strengthened institutional capacity, ecosystem-based management, biodiversity conservation, and enhanced regional cooperation. In Bangladesh, the project supports national efforts to improve marine and coastal resource management by strengthening data systems, information sharing mechanisms, and decision-support tools for government agencies and other stakeholders.

The position is located at the FAO Representation in Bangladesh (FAOBD) under the BoBLME Project. The Assistant Web and Database Specialist will support the design, development, administration, and maintenance of project databases, web applications, dashboards, and information management systems. The incumbent will work closely with project personnel, government counterparts, technical experts, and partner institutions to ensure efficient management of project data and digital resources, and to enhance access to information for informed decision-making and sustainable marine and coastal resource management.

Reporting Lines

Under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative and the direct supervision of the Deputy FAO Representative, the Assistant Web and Database Specialist (SC 7) will provide technical leadership on database management, web systems development, and digital information management activities under the project.

Technical Focus

The Assistant Web and Database Specialist will provide technical support for database architecture, web application development, data harmonization, system administration, and digital information management related to forest monitoring, carbon accounting, and resource information systems. The incumbent will support the development, maintenance, and enhancement of databases, web portals, dashboards, and associated information management platforms utilized by the Bangladesh Forest Department and project stakeholders.

Tasks and responsibilities

The incumbent will undertake following duties and responsibilities:

Database Architecture, Design and Management:

• Review existing Forest Department database applications and prepare technical assessments and system development plans.
• Design, optimize and maintain relational database management systems (RDBMS) for forestry-related datasets.
• Upgrade and maintain the Emission Factor Database (EFDB).
• Digitize, standardize and consolidate legacy forestry records into centralized databases.

Web Portal and Dashboard Development:

• Maintain and enhance project web portals and associated applications.
• Develop and deploy interactive dashboards and reporting tools.
• Support server administration and application performance optimization.
• Implement role-based access control and user authentication systems.

Data Quality Assurance and Harmonization:

• Develop standards for data management and metadata documentation.
• Harmonize and integrate data from multiple forest inventories and forestry datasets.
• Monitor database performance and troubleshoot technical issues.
• Ensure consistency, quality, and integrity of project databases.

Capacity Building and Technical Support:

• Conduct training sessions for Forest Department and project personnel on database and web system management.
• Prepare technical documentation, user manuals, SOPs, and developer guides.
• Coordinate with consultants, government counterparts, and project stakeholders.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by FAO management.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• University degree in Computer Science and Engineering (CSE), Information Technology (IT), Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering (ETE), Electronics and Communication Engineering (ECE), or a related field.
• A minimum of 7 years of relevant professional experience in web application development, database administration, information systems management, software development, database design, system architecture, or related ICT fields.
• Working knowledge (Level C) of English and Bangla.
• National of Bangladesh

FAO Core Competencies

• Results Focus
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Building Effective Relationships
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills

• Demonstrated experience in designing and administering enterprise-level relational database management systems (RDBMS).
• Proven experience in web portal development, server administration, and deployment of multi-user information systems.
• Experience in database migration, system integration, API development, and dashboard creation.
• Strong knowledge of database security, backup and disaster recovery mechanisms.
• Experience with open-source web technologies and database platforms.
• Experience in developing technical specifications, SOPs, and user documentation.
• Demonstrated experience in delivering training and providing technical guidance to institutional stakeholders.
• Experience working with government agencies, development organizations, forestry, environmental, or natural resource management projects would be an asset.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• FAO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing)
• Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted
• Please note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at http://www.whed.net/
• For additional employment opportunities visit the FAO employment website: http://www.fao.org/employment/home/en/
• Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.