Context/Introduction

The JRC Directorate D, Unit D.6 (Nature Conservation and Observations) delivers high-quality corporate information systems for processing and visualizing geo-spatial data crucial for environmental and climate monitoring, in partnership with other Commission services and stakeholders.

Key solutions include the highly customized web-based GIS application, eStation 3.0, distributed to beneficiaries of the GMES&Africa-2 program (2022-2025), and the Climate Station, customized for climate applications under the ‘intra-ACP Climate Service and Related Applications’ (ClimSA) project. The Climate Station represents a significant evolution toward implementing climate services, requiring redesign to link with providers like C3S-CDS and IRI-DL, and to incorporate new functionalities such as regional season forecast models and meteorological in-situ data input.

Following the conclusion of GMES&Africa-2 and ClimSA in Q4/2025, the focus shifts to the Africa Regional Centres of Excellence program (ArcX). The JRC is mandated to evolve the eStation platform by adding tools and features, including Impact Based Forecast (IBF) and regional downscaling of seasonal forecasts, while providing continuous user support. Integration with the Africa Knowledge Platform (AKP), the technological backbone of the ArcX program, is essential. Note: The solution assignment may change based on project and service needs.

Description of the Tasks

The primary goal is to provide technical support for the continuous development of the database and front-end components of the eStation/Climate Station, serving the African Regional Centres of Excellence User communities. This includes supporting the JRC-hosted websites that propose these tools online.

Key responsibilities for the external service provider:

• Develop and deliver all web-based interfaces for eStation 3.0 and Climate Station, based on needs consolidated from the ArcX community by JRC D.6.
• Contribute to generating, validating, and packaging application installations and upgrades, focusing particularly on database updates.
• Prepare relevant components of the User Documentation, specifically describing the GUI in the Administration and User Manual.
• Support the preparation of training material for the web-based interfaces (e.g., screenshots, diagrams, description tests, and video tutorials).
• Provide help desk activity, including answering User questions and participating in training sessions with Users.
• Upgrade and maintain the dedicated eStation website on the JRC Science Hub, including publishing relevant News as agreed with D6 Staff.
• Maintain eStation 3.0 and Climate Station installations on JRC servers (development Virtual Machines, production servers, MESA Reference Station) and the online web-client.

Level of Education

A minimum educational qualification corresponding to Level 7 of the European Qualification Framework is required. This typically aligns with a master’s degree of 5 years.

Knowledge and Skills

Required technical expertise includes:

• In-depth knowledge of application design, modeling tools, developing web applications, and Geographical Information Systems (GIS).
• Strong proficiency in DBMS administration and database development, specifically PostgreSQL and PostGIS.
• Expertise in Web GIS technologies (e.g., Openlayers, Leaflet), OGC Web Services (WMS, WCS, WPS), and GIS Servers (e.g., Mapserver, Geoserver).
• Proficiency in EXT JS, Javascript, HTML5, CSS3, Drupal, and PHP.
• Knowledge of basic Earth Observation data processing, GDAL, Google Earth Engine, and Python.
• Familiarity with operating systems MS Windows and Linux, and implementing Docker-based applications.

Assets:

• Knowledge of standard frameworks for code functional testing (e.g., Unittest for Python).
• Familiarity with IDE software and version control tools for software development (Git, GitHub).
• Knowledge of the Docker software framework.
• Experience and ability to give presentations and trainings.

Non-technical skills required for working within the European Commission:

• Capability for rapid self-starting and integration into an international/multicultural environment.
• Ability to work effectively in a team and participate in multilingual technical meetings.
• Excellent teamwork skills and ability to manage multiple large projects in a multi-cultural setting.
• Necessary proficiency in English (B1 level) for understanding, speaking, and writing.

Specific Expertise

The following specific expertise is mandatory:

• Minimum 3 years of specific expertise with ExtJs (minimum competence level 5).
• Minimum 3 years of specific expertise with PostgreSQL (minimum competence level 5).