IT System Developer at Future Earth Lab Org, Remote, 4 Months, £Contract Option

This role is a 4-month fixed term contract to support in developing its IT capacity, focusing on creating new systems to support the as it scales globally. Either a contract (consultant), or fixed-term in-house role will be considered.

Context of the role:

The Unlock Programme is focused on supporting farmers globally to reduce their impact and improve livelihoods. As part of this, significant volumes of farmer practice data will be continuously collected, validated, managed and processed. We are seeking additional capacity to support the continuing development and implementation of the Unlock data system.

Specific activities within the remit of this role include:

• Working closely with the Unlock team in further developing and integrating an adaptable and scalable approach for the Unlock system data collection.
• Optimizing the Unlock data collection and validation system for scale, with capacity for at least 100,000 farmers and with a plan to increase to at least 1 million farmers. This includes
• Ensuring sufficient data collection capacity within existing systems, managing databases and data lakes for future-proofed capacity
• Creating effective data flows between different formats and sources of data (including establishing or stress testing APIs to relevant data partners)
• Optimising data processing within SQL or other query systems such as Python
• Ensuring that partner interfaces are fit for purpose, including testing with key stakeholders and adjustment of approaches according to need
• Reviewing additional software/tool options for the Unlock data system, and making recommendations based on;
• Compatibility with other software and systems within the Unlock data collection process
• Accessibility and feasibility of day-to-day operation and adaptation of systems by Unlock team members
• Future-proofing for additional capacity needs as the programme grows
• Cost implications
• Ensuring that all relevant systems are optimised and connected to create one consistent (and largely automated) process for data collection, validation and processing. The following outcomes should be ensured:
• Automated quality checks of reported data (partnerships and processes already established but require automation between systems) with an integration to a partner-facing system for tracking and implementing corrective actions
• Links between final checked data and established impact analysis processes
• Automated scorecards for each farmer and partner

Experience and competencies:

Essential

• Database development and management
• SQL and/or Python experience
• Experience building user-friendly interfaces and workflows for non-IT users and working within a multidisciplinary team
• Familiarity with relevant off-the-shelf products including Google Cloud, BigQuery, BI tools, workflows, tableau

Desirable

• Knowledge of AI systems including automated ingestion of written text and other data sources

Next steps:

Consultants and employees are encouraged to apply for this role. Please share a brief CV and up to 1-page cover letter that briefly covers the following:

• Any relevant experience building these types of automated systems for other relevant organisations
• Relevant experience working with non-IT teams to build effective systems (including any capacity-building and shared decision-making processes)
• Your experience with any of the relevant solutions and software mentioned, including some details about how you would typically select relevant tools for the required task
• Your availability and employment type sought (consultant vs employee)

NOTE: We invite applications from the UK for a salaried position, and globally for consultants

Please email enquiries@futureearthlab.org with your CV and cover letter by January 21st. Applications received before the 21st will already be considered.

Job Type: Fixed term contract
Contract length: 4 months

Benefits:

• Work from home

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Work Location: Remote

Application deadline: 21/01/2025