The AKTC was founded in 1988 and is registered in Geneva, Switzerland, as a private, non-denominational, philanthropic foundation. It is an integral part of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), a family of institutions created by His Highness the Aga Khan, with distinct yet complementary mandates to improve the welfare and prospects of people in countries in the developing world, particularly in Asia and Africa. AKTC is currently operating in Afghanistan under the name of Aga Khan Cultural Services – Afghanistan (AKCS-A) and is registered with the Ministry of Economy of the country.

Part of the wider development program of the AKDN in Afghanistan, the AKCS-A has since 2002 been engaged in a range of initiatives in Kabul, Heart, Balkh, Badakhshan, Ghazni, and Logar aimed at the conservation and revitalization of historic neighborhoods, the improvement of living conditions and the development of professional and crafts skills.

AKCS-A is implementing several projects in Afghanistan aimed at protecting Afghanistan’s tangible/intangible cultural heritage and improving the living conditions of the inhabitants, as part of a broader process of urban revitalization.  Working within a team of Afghan and international professionals, under the direct supervision of the CEO or his/her designate, the Application/Mobile Application and Database Developer will be involved in a range of digital archiving activities in support of AKCS-A’s conservation and rehabilitation activities in Afghanistan.

Background:

AKCS-A is implementing a capacity-building initiative to enhance the documentation and mapping skills of NGO partners. A core component of this initiative involves developing a GIS-based mobile application and associated databases to document and visualize project activities effectively. The Application/Mobile Application and Database Developer will play a critical role in modifying open-source GIS applications and developing the database systems needed for this initiative.

Purpose of the Role:

The Application/Mobile Application and Database Developer will be responsible for developing, customizing, and deploying GIS-based mobile applications for handheld devices. Additionally, the incumbent will design and maintain the databases required for data collection, analysis, and reporting to support capacity-building workshops and documentation processes.

Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Application Development and Customization:

• Customize and modify open-source GIS-based applications for handheld devices to suit the project requirements.
• Test the application in-house to ensure its functionality, user-friendliness, and reliability before deployment.
• Provide ongoing technical support and troubleshooting for the application during and after deployment.
• Provide cloud platforms like Arches for Heritages, Matrix Heritage, or Google Cloud for managing cloud-based databases.

2. Database Development and Management:

• Design and develop databases to support data collection and storage for the main office.
• Ensure database optimization, security, and compatibility with application workflows.
• Manage data synchronization between desktop systems and handheld devices.

3. User Training and Support:

• Develop user manuals and guides for the GIS-based application and databases.
• Conduct training sessions for NGO staff on using the application and database effectively.
• Provide on-site and remote technical support during the training workshops and implementation phases.

4. Integration and Visualization:

• Integrate data collected via the GIS application with desktop GIS software (e.g., AutoCAD, ArcGIS).
• Assist in generating visually effective and professional maps and technical drawings from collected data.

5. Collaboration and Communication:

• Work closely with project teams, including GIS specialists, trainers, and NGO staff, to understand requirements and ensure smooth implementation.
• Regularly update the project manager and stakeholders on the progress of application and database development.

6. Continuous Improvement:

• Stay updated on the latest trends in GIS and mobile application development.
• Identify opportunities for improving the application and database based on user feedback and project needs.

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Information Technology, or a related field.
• At least 4 years of proven experience in developing mobile applications, preferably GIS-based, using platforms such as Flutter, React Native, or similar frameworks.
• Familiarity and experience with the Linux Ubuntu operating system.
• Proficiency in database development and management using tools like PostgreSQL, MySQL, SQLite, Microsoft SQL Server, or Oracle
• Familiarity with integrated development environment (IDE) like Visual Studio, Code::Block, or IntelliJ IDEA.
• Experience with GIS and CAD software and tools, including QGIS, ArcGIS, AutoCAD or similar platforms.
• Strong programming skills in Java, Python, or other relevant languages.
• Knowledge of data visualization techniques and tools.
• Familiarity with user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) design principles.
• Excellent problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working on capacity-building projects or development initiatives.
• Knowledge of Afghanistan’s development and humanitarian context.
• Familiarity with cloud-based GIS platforms and services.
• Understanding of database security best practices.

Deliverables

• Customized GIS-based mobile application ready for deployment.
• User-friendly databases integrated with the GIS application.
• User manuals and training materials for application and database use.
• Successful training sessions conducted for NGO staff.
• Regular progress reports on development and deployment milestones.

Interested Afghan nationals should submit their letter of interest and CV by e-mail to the Human Resources Department through, jobs.akcsafg@akdn.org

The subject line of your email must be: (Mobil Application and Database Developer/2025/03). Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for a written test and/or an interview no later than March 1, 2025.

AKCS-A is an equal opportunities employer. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply.

AT THIS STAGE, PLEASE DO NOT SUBMIT THE SCAN COPIES OF YOUR SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS (degree, certificates, etc.)