Senior Backend (PHP) Specialist (Consultant)

Job Description

Introduction

Established in 1951, IOM is a Related Organization of the United Nations, and as the leading UN agency in the field of migration, works closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners. IOM is dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It does so by providing services and advice to governments and migrants.

IOM is committed to ensuring a workplace where all employees can thrive professionally, while working towards harnessing the full potential of migration. Read more about IOM's workplace culture at IOM workplace culture | International Organization for Migration

Project Context and Scope: The EU-funded IOM project “EU Support to Strengthening IBM in Ukraine (EU for Solidarity Lanes and IBM)” aims at contributing to Ukraine’s trade facilitation and economic recovery through improving flows of essential goods through border crossing points (BCPs) and support the enhanced resilience and business continuity of Ukrainian border and migration authorities in the context of the ongoing Russian war against Ukraine.

Within the project IOM aims to support the Government of Ukraine in further development and maintenance of the ICT solution for queue management at IABCPs also known as “єЧерга” (“eQueue”), implemented by the Ministry for Communities and Territories Development of Ukraine and supported by Ukrtransbezpeka as the experimental project in collaboration with other Government actors.

Organizational Department / Unit to which the Consultant is contributing: Migration and Border Management Programme. IB.0345 “EU Support to Strengthening IBM in Ukraine (EU for Solidarity Lanes and IBM)”.

Responsibilities

Tasks to be performed:

1. Provide full-fledged support to the uninterruptable operation of the ICT solution for queue management at IABCPs (“eQueue” system), focusing on backend stability, scalability, and performance optimization.

2. Design and implement scalable backend architecture using modern PHP frameworks (Laravel/Symfony) to support high-load traffic at border crossing points.

3. Coordinate all stages of software development (SDLC) using Agile methodologies (Scrum/Kanban). Maintain project documentation in Confluence / Jira / Notion / Trello.

4. Develop and optimize complex SQL queries and database structures (MySQL) to ensure rapid data processing and system reliability.

5. Implement and maintain secure RESTful APIs for seamless integration with mobile applications, third-party services, and government registries.

6. Refactor existing codebases to improve readability, maintainability, and compliance with industry standards and coding guidelines.

7. Develop secure authentication and authorization systems to protect sensitive user and transport data.

8. Investigate and resolve critical system bugs and performance bottlenecks by identifying root causes and implementing appropriate fixes.

9. Ensure smooth microservice communication and integration.

10. Collaborate with frontend developers (Vue.js/Nuxt context) to ensure effective integration of backend logic with user interfaces.

11. Perform such other duties as may be assigned.

    Performance indicators for the evaluation of results

The delivery of consultancy services to the Government of Ukraine and the IOM project team is to be reported in a Consultant’s Timesheet and approved by the project staff.

Qualifications

Education, Experience and/or skills required:

• Higher technical education in information technology, Applied Mathematics, or a related field.

• Over 6 years of hands-on experience in designing and implementing scalable backend systems and software development.

• Proven experience of software development for systems administered by Ukrtransbezpeka, related systems or other systems administered by Government in Ukraine is considered a strong asset.

• Expert knowledge of PHP and experience with modern frameworks, specifically Laravel and Symfony.

• Deep knowledge of SQL-based databases, with a proven track record of optimizing queries for high-load systems.

• Proficient in REST API development, data modeling, and integrating web applications with third-party services.

• Experience with Docker containerization and Git version control workflows.

• Proven ability to refactor legacy code and deliver well-documented, maintainable solutions.

• Familiarity with frontend technologies (JavaScript, Vue.js) to understand full-stack integration requirements.

• Solid knowledge of software design patterns, system architecture, and microservice communication.

• Strong soft skills: high level of ownership, adaptability, and ability to work in a team environment.

• Fluency in Ukrainian. Working knowledge of English. 

Required Competencies

IOM’s competency framework can be found at this link. Competencies will be assessed during the selection process.

Values - all IOM staff members must abide by and demonstrate these five values:

• Inclusion and respect for diversity: Respects and promotes individual and cultural differences. Encourages diversity and inclusion.
• Integrity and transparency: Maintains high ethical standards and acts in a manner consistent with organizational principles/rules and standards of conduct.
• Professionalism: Demonstrates ability to work in a composed, competent and committed manner and exercises careful judgment in meeting day-to-day challenges.
• Courage: Demonstrates willingness to take a stand on issues of importance.
• Empathy: Shows compassion for others, makes people feel safe, respected and fairly treated.

Core Competencies – behavioural indicators

• Teamwork: Develops and promotes effective collaboration within and across units to achieve shared goals and optimize results.
• Delivering results: Produces and delivers quality results in a service-oriented and timely manner. Is action oriented and committed to achieving agreed outcomes.
• Managing and sharing knowledge: Continuously seeks to learn, share knowledge and innovate.
• Accountability: Takes ownership for achieving the Organization’s priorities and assumes responsibility for own actions and delegated work.
• Communication: Encourages and contributes to clear and open communication. Explains complex matters in an informative, inspiring and motivational way.

Notes

IOM covers Consultants against occupational accidents and illnesses under the Compensation Plan (CP), free of charge, for the duration of the consultancy. IOM does not provide evacuation or medical insurance for reasons related to non-occupational accidents and illnesses. Consultants are responsible for their own medical insurance for non-occupational accident or illness and will be required to provide written proof of such coverage before commencing work. 

Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this vacancy notice is subject to funding confirmation.

Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, security clearances.

IOM has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and IOM, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities.

IOM does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process (application, interview, processing, training or other fee). IOM does not request any information related to bank accounts.

IOM only accepts duly completed applications submitted through the IOM e-Recruitment system (for internal candidates link here). The online tool also allows candidates to track the status of their application.

No late applications will be accepted. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

For further information and other job postings, you are welcome to visit our website: IOM Careers and Job Vacancies

Required Skills

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