Cambridge, Massachusetts (required on-site)
The Center for International Development at Harvard University (CID) has an immediate opening for a full-time programmer to manage web development for the Growth Lab housed at CID (www.cid.harvard.edu). A demonstrated graphic design background and strong creative personality would complement the development aspect of the position.
Required skills and experience:
• 4-5 years demonstrated web development experience
• Javascript libraries D3 and jQuery (minimum 2-3 years)
• XHTML5, CSS3 (minimum 2-3 years)
• Python and Django (minimum 2-3 years)
• MySQL (minimum 2-3 years)
Preferred skills and experience:
• Illustrator
• InDesign
• Photoshop
• Programming language for visualization such as Processing
Position Summary
This position is responsible for the design, development, integration and maintenance of existing and future digital/web based tools for a global audience of policymakers and entrepreneurs interested in the growth and development of countries.
A core project is The Observatory (www.cid.harvard.edu/atlas) – a powerful interactive tool that disseminates CID’s economic complexity research and allows users to map the path of diversification and prosperity for 128 countries. The web programmer will also contribute to the Aid Explorer (www.atlas.cid.harvard.edu/aidxp) – a web-based tool that facilitates improved aid coordination.
The target audiences for these tools are government and business leaders, policymakers and academics, who are typically unfamiliar with interactive systems. Therefore, this individual must be able to successfully translate economic growth research into web based tools. The programmer should also be able to connect the capabilities and data of the tools to the actual needs and questions of users, and use his/her creative understanding of design to enhance usability.
The web programmer will work alongside research fellows and senior academics in a fast paced, energetic environment. The ability to prioritize tasks, handle multiple projects simultaneously, produce deliverables on time, adapt and learn quickly, and all with a good sense of humor, is desired. Self-starters with excellent written and oral communications desired. The position is full-time and based in Cambridge.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should send cover letter and resume with links to examples of successfully completed web design project(s) utilizing the listed skills to Jennifer Gala at cid@hks.harvard.edu with ‘Observatory Programmer’ in the subject line.
Department Summary
The Center for International Development at Harvard University (CID) is recognized as a global leader in research to advance human well-being and economic progress in the developing world by expanding the understanding of development challenges and offering viable solutions to global poverty.