AREA is recruiting a Senior Web Developer for the SECOND LIFE project to support the continuous maintenance and development of the Smart Step eLearning platform: https://smartstep-community.com/en/. The selected candidate will contribute to platform updates, the development of new functionalities, and the update of learning materials hosted on the platform.

PROJECT CONTEXT: SECOND LIFE

The SECOND LIFE project will be implemented in Addis Ababa and Dire Dawa in Ethiopia. It supports the creation of decent jobs in sectors that offer economic opportunities while protecting the environment. The project focuses on the solid waste management sector, helping improve environmental and public health conditions. SECOND LIFE aims to strengthen the vocational training system in Ethiopia’s green economy by building new skills in waste management and supporting the inclusion of vulnerable groups. This will be achieved through capacity building and innovation support activities. The project is supported by AICS (Italian Agency for Development Cooperation).

ROLE PURPOSE

The Senior Web Developer will ensure that the Smart Step Community / eLearning platform is easy to use, visually consistent, accessible, and reliable for its users. The role combines platform maintenance with continuous improvements, focusing on user experience, content usability, and smooth learning journeys, while contributing to the development of new functionalities required by the SECOND LIFE project.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1) Platform Updates & User Experience Improvements

• Maintain and update the Smart Step platform to ensure it remains functional, user-friendly, and visually consistent.
• Improve navigation and page structure to make learning content easy to find and easy to follow.
• Ensure the platform works smoothly across devices (desktop and mobile) and common browsers.
• Identify and fix usability issues (broken pages, confusing flows, layout inconsistencies).

2) Learning Content Presentation & Updates

• Support the integration and updating of learning modules, training materials, tools and resources.
• Improve how learning materials are displayed so that content is clear, accessible, and engaging.
• Work with the project team to ensure content updates are correctly structured and published.
• Support the user experience of course completion, progress, and certification.

3) Development of New Features

Contribute to the design and implementation of new platform functionalities under SECOND LIFE, including:

• Job matching functionality, helping users connect their profiles and learning outcomes with job opportunities.
• Digital certification features, including blockchain-based certificates for learning achievements.
• Other improvements that enhance user engagement, learning progression, and platform interaction.

4) Platform Quality, Sustainability & Continuity

• Ensure the platform remains stable, secure, and well maintained, including routine updates and preventive checks.
• Support good practices for backups, updates, and long-term sustainability.
• Provide recommendations for cloud/hosting solutions, including European and EU-compliant providers, ensuring reliability and compliance with data protection standards.
• Keep clear documentation of updates and improvements for continuity and handover.

5) Coordination & Implementation Support

• Work closely with the eLearning Platform Manager to align development priorities with the platform roadmap.
• Collaborate with the Web Designer to implement approved UI/UX updates and design improvements.
• Participate in project coordination meetings and provide technical input to support planning and delivery.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

• Proven experience as a Senior Web Developer, with a track record of managing and improving web platforms (typically 5+ years).
• Strong understanding of web usability, accessibility, and user experience principles.
• Ability to work independently, organise tasks efficiently, and deliver consistently

DESIRABLE / NICE-TO-HAVE

• Experience working on development cooperation projects, particularly in Africa (ideally Ethiopia).
• Familiarity with projects related to green economy, sustainability, or environmental sectors, solid waste management, vocational training / TVET systems, employment promotion and inclusion of vulnerable groups
• Experience supporting digital platforms for capacity building, training delivery, and multi-stakeholder environments.
• Experience with EU-compliant hosting, European cloud providers, and data protection principles (GDPR).
• Familiarity with multilingual websites and accessibility standards (WCAG).

HOW TO APPLY

• Candidates should submit:
• Updated CV including Portfolio / links to relevant platforms or projects (GitHub, websites, etc.)
• Optional: short motivation statement

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

AREA is committed to equal opportunity and encourages applications from all qualified candidates regardless of nationalities, gender, age, background, disability, or identity.