Junior Developer Job Specification

CONTEXT
The main web mapping platform used by Mapping for Change (MfC) to deliver its projects is
Community Maps (www.communitymaps.org.uk). This in-house developed, bespoke web map
platform, based on Google Maps technology, has enabled individuals to visualise complex issues, to
assess patterns of activities, action and needs, and continues to do so. However, to keep up with the
latest technologies and to meet the growing demands of clients, the platform will need to be re-written
to ensure cross-compatibility with the latest services and technologies and to ensure that it is
developed in a robust, extensible and maintainable manner for ongoing future use and growth.
Closely linked to the work of MfC is the Extreme Citizen Science (ExCiteS) research group which was
formed in 2011 as an interdisciplinary initiative to push the boundaries of how we use and understand
the world around us. The various projects ExCiteS are involved in have this common thread, and as
such, are being brought together under one goal and one initiative to share resources and knowledge.
The new version of Community Maps should therefore integrate with the back-end technology used
by the ExCiteS group.

JOB DESCRIPTION
The main role of the junior developer will be to develop the front-end technology used by MfC to
support its Community Maps activities. This will involve working alongside the ExCiteS Senior
Developer who is responsible for rewriting the Community Maps back-end platform. Both front and
back-end development will make use of the latest, open-source technologies to enable the platform to
plug into further projects and keep up with developments in technology.
The junior developer will be responsible for software development, developing mobile applications,
designing new platform interfaces and closely collaborating with MfC team members and ExCiteS
developers to develop the software. The position will require understanding of the business processes
of MfC and the ability to deal with demands and schedules of software delivery under tight deadlines.
In particular, the role involves developing a good understanding of the skills and expectations of the
end users of Community Maps some of whom have little or no experience with technology.

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Iteratively and collaboratively develop a core product specification document which details the abilities
and characteristics of the software system to be built
Contribute to the core architecture of the ExCiteS software platform, and the MfC community maps
front-end, keeping end users in mind
Consider and select from amongst a set of existing open source technologies, general usage
computational and data management libraries, and geographical information systems to use as
building blocks for the MfC platform
Design the system, implement it and coordinate with other members of the team such that it fulfils the
intended requirements and has the flexibility to adapt to future use requirements. This will include
ability to deploy via stand-alone or web interfaces, ability to connect to cloud computing services and
the ability to integrate with external systems and services
Supervise and coordinate activity to manage the code and website to present a coherent and inviting
online presence

PERSON SPECIFICATION
Essential
Experience as a front-end software developer in a web-based context
Experience in developing mobile applications
Demonstrated experience in developing geographical web applications
Knowledge of up-to-date, open-source, spatial and non-spatial technologies
Experience with front-end development: HTML5, CSS, JavaScript; including established front-end
development frameworks
Demonstrated experience in interaction design as well as web and mobile app front-end design
Knowledge of software development best practices including testing, task automation, documentation,
version control etc. Experience of analysing, researching and solving complex IT problems
Experience working in a team of developers to build robustly structured, easy-to-extend and maintain,
code
Experience handling administration of various equipment, servers, and technology
Experience providing technical support and managing servers
Proven ability to forge effective professional relationships at all levels
Demonstrated ability to communicate technically complex information in an understandable way
Proven ability to manage multiple concurrent tasks and activities, working to deadlines and prioritising
as appropriate
Desirable
Active participation and interest in the wider technological communities (blogging, social media, etc.)
Experience in giving presentations and workshops
Familiarity with participatory mapping technologies and datasets, such as those used in
OpenStreetMap

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES
The ideal candidate will be organised, self-motivated, and innovative. A professional attitude and
cultural sensitivity is very important as the team, professionals, and participants we interact with are
from all over the world. Were looking for someone who is genuinely interested in working on projects
that push boundaries. A positive attitude, friendly disposition, and ability to work well within a team
environment will be vital. Mapping for Change is a small organisation, and any developer will need to
quickly adapt to shifts and demands that may arise.

ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT
All employees are expected to minimise waste, energy use and CO2 emissions in as many aspects of
their work as possible, to actively promote recycling, to utilise technology to minimise travel and to
keep up to date on environmental issues and how they affect them and their department.

PLEASE NOTE THAT APPLICANTS MUST HAVE PERMISSION TO WORK IN THE UK

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Louise Francis:
l.francis@mappingforchange.org.uk
or on
020 7679 2296