Job Description

Job Description

The SolarSPELL Initiative at ASU is currently seeking a highly motivated Web Application Developer (IT) to join our team. This Web IT Specialist will play a key lead role in bringing innovation to the development, implementation, and support of our offline digital library solution. This individual will work closely and collaboratively with SolarSPELL team members and ASU students to support the design, creation, development, and enhancements of the systems to curate and maintain web content for digital libraries. As such, the Web IT Specialist provides quality technical support and guidance to advance the SolarSPELL mission in developing and identifying inclusive offline digital learning solutions that support continuation of learning, particularly for the most vulnerable children and in contexts of limited ICT infrastructure and Internet connectivity. This includes providing technical assistance in assessing localized requirements, localizing the technology implementation, supporting curating content and ensuring that it is contextualized and can be effectively used in rural/offline locations. The Web IT Specialist promotes critical thinking, innovative approaches, and good practices for better and sustained results for children and learners, particularly those affected by crisis.

The SolarSPELL Initiative’s mission is to increase educational opportunities around the world by providing relevant, localized, digital educational content, through a solar-powered offline digital library, to resource-constrained locations that lack electricity, Internet connectivity, and/or traditional libraries. By partnering and working with international development organizations, as the US Peace Corps, UNHCR, etc., we are able to localize the content on our libraries and provide training and ongoing support for SolarSPELL users, many of whom are using a library, or digital technology, for the first time.

This individual will provide technical assistance and advice to colleagues on all aspects of system, programming, and implementation to enable them to achieve their goals and objectives. Work closely and collaboratively with internal and external colleagues and partners to discuss strategies and methodologies, and to determine learner/teacher priorities/competencies to ensure the achievement of sustainable results. Aid in the development of country-level program implementation plans and activities, leveraging best practices and leading technical approaches, in coordination with the SolarSPELL team, partners, and governments.

The SolarSPELL initiative at ASU has the attitude of an NGO operating within the New American University (ASU). As part of the no. 1 ranked most innovative university in the US, a SolarSPELL team member possesses a hands-on, “roll-up-the-sleeves” mentality and thrives in a “do what it takes” culture. S/he must enjoy the challenge of juggling multiple priorities and donning multiple hats while working in a team-oriented, strategic, collaborative and inventive manner.


Job FamilyInformation Technology
Department Name

Sch Future of Innov in Society

Full-Time/Part-TimeFull-Time
VP Code

EXEC VP/PROVOST

Scope of SearchOpen
Grant Funded Position

This is not a grant funded position and is not contingent on future grant funding.

Salary Range$65,065 - $76,000 per year; DOE
Close Date

31-October-2022 - REPOSTED

Category03
Essential Duties

Develops, improves and maintains all versions of SolarSPELL digital libraries from backend design to UI/UX support
Supports and becomes an expert on offline digital libraries running on a Raspberry PI OS environment
Provides technical consultative support and recommendations to the SolarSPELL team for continued enhancements to digital library web content and informational areas
Manages and enhances the SolarSPELL digital library management system, allowing automated building of SolarSPELL libraries
Works closely with team members to understand requirements, security needs; develops and presents initial design ideas and associated tools, tests functionality to ensure objectives are achieved; integrates user developed content
Identifies and troubleshoots errors and/or challenges with SolarSPELL applications; works collaboratively with involved stakeholders to facilitate timely resolution; escalates as appropriate
Participates as team leader in a wide variety of projects to develop and improve routine procedures through use of innovative and technology supported solutions; prepares associated documentation and end-user training
Mentors ASU-SolarSPELL student workers and interns, facilitating sprint planning on system tools and ensuring cross-team coordination
Remains abreast of technology directions, initiatives and trends within scope of expertise to provide ideas, guidance and recommendations
Provides technical support in the production of multimedia-based layouts, graphics, animations, video and sound; designs web interfaces and develops layout design/content; selects illustrative materials for use ensuring consistency, accuracy and compliance with all standards.
Prepares training materials and associated documentation.

Minimum Qualifications

Master's degree in Business, Information Technology or closely related AND eight (8) years web, database or related experience with 3 years full project management within an IT environment, OR, any equivalent combination of experience, and/or education from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities have been achieved.


Desired Qualifications

Demonstrated knowledge of web-based and offline applications and associated database requirements.
Experience in proactively identify, develop and deploy solutions to improve effectiveness of technology delivered materials/information.
Demonstrated knowledge of the SolarSPELL Initiative at ASU.
Experience in Peace Corps and/or international development.
Experience in managing ambiguity, changing timelines and priorities.
Evidence of a collaborative approach and can-do attitude.
Experience in ICT for learning or digital learning.
Experience managing user-driven design processes for UX/UI.
Experience in digital learning design.
Experience in training and capacity building skills for a range of stakeholders.
Demonstrated technical understanding and familiarity with information management systems.
Evidence of effective communication skills.
Demonstrated knowledge of web application, DLMS systems, and relational database design concepts, Raspberry PI OS, principles, practices and methods.
Experience in HTML, CSS and Javascript modern tools such as Angular.
Experience in using tools like Jira and Github and Airtable.
Experience in managing Linux systems and administer Apache, Nginx, and WordPress servers.
Demonstrated knowledge of UX principles.

Working Environment

Activities are primarily performed in a regular, climate-controlled office setting subject to extended periods of sitting, standing, walking.
Use office equipment including a desktop computer.
Bending, stooping, reaching and lifting up to 20 pounds.
Ability to clearly communicate to perform essential duties.
Regular review of completed tasks.
Possibility of international travel exists, depending upon employee’s interests and responsibilities.

Department Statement

The SolarSPELL (Solar Powered Educational Learning Library) initiative at ASU combines curated digital libraries, solar-powered, offline technology, and the training to build information literacy and internet-ready skills in offline environments, focusing on the half of the world that remains unconnected.

SolarSPELL’s solar-powered, offline technology is rugged and ultra-portable so that it can go anywhere and reach anyone, even the most remote. The SolarSPELL digital library mimics an online experience by generating its own offline WiFi hotspot to which any WiFi-capable device (smartphone, tablet, laptop) can connect and freely, and safely, surf the library’s thousands of open access resources that are carefully curated and continually improved to meet local information needs.

SolarSPELL’s digital library collections currently span primary and secondary education, health, agriculture, and the environment. Using a train-the-trainer model and working with in-field partners like Peace Corps and UNHCR, the SolarSPELL libraries are paired with locally based trainers for long-term support.

SolarSPELL’s work is simultaneously focused on improving educational opportunities for students around the world, as well as at Arizona State University. Our team includes ASU students, librarians, faculty, and staff.

The School for the Future of Innovation in Society (SFIS) provides a unique ecosystem for scholarship, education and engagement at the intersection of science, technology, and innovation with social, economic, and racial justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion. Current faculty research areas include, but are far from limited to, environmental and energy justice, reproductive justice and biopolitics, technology at borders, peace engineering, data ethics, Afrofuturism, public interest technology, activism and social movements, and decolonizing space governance. Many SFIS faculty collaborate in diverse ways with the Fulton Schools of Engineering, including in the field of energy. Collaborative opportunities also exist with the Washington, DC-based Consortium for Science, Policy and Outcomes, consistently ranked one of the top science and technology policy think tanks in the world.