Support Develop a MARG Project Repository Using Google Sites & Apps Script
Organizational Context
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) leads global environmental efforts, inspiring, informing, and enabling nations to improve quality of life without compromising future generations. UNEP monitors planetary health, centres science in decision-making, and upholds environmental law. Facing unprecedented environmental challenges like climate change and biodiversity loss, UNEP partners with 193 Member States and stakeholders to drive transformation. The MARG initiative, a collaboration with IFC, focuses on sustainable development and green buildings.
Job Purpose
This role supports the development of a functional prototype for the MARG (Mainstreaming Alliance for Green and Resilient Buildings) Project Repository. The repository will be built using Google Workspace tools, specifically Google Sites for the front end, Google Sheets for data storage, and Google Apps Script for application logic. The objective is to create a structured, accessible, and cost-effective platform for organizing and presenting information on green-building projects. The volunteer will also explore integrating the Gemini API for AI-assisted features like project discovery and summarization, aiming for a visually coherent and maintainable prototype that the IFC-UNEP team can manage post-assignment.
Responsibilities
The Online Volunteer will develop a functional prototype of the MARG Green Buildings Project Repository using Google Sites, Google Apps Script, and embedded web technologies. Key duties include reviewing repository requirements, designing the technical architecture, developing the HTML, CSS, and JavaScript interface for Google Sites, and implementing Google Apps Script for data retrieval and serving. The role involves building search, filtering, and categorization functionalities, creating a user-friendly interface, and potentially integrating the Gemini API for AI-driven features. Testing, error handling, and documenting the architecture, data structure, and maintenance instructions are also required. The final deliverable is a tested prototype structured for low-cost future maintenance by the IFC-UNEP team.
Work Experience
Candidates should possess basic-to-intermediate experience in web development. Experience with Google Workspace tools and web technologies is required. Familiarity with Google Apps Script, Google Sheets, APIs, JSON, and basic responsive web design is beneficial. Prior experience with Gemini API or other generative AI APIs is desirable.
Skills
Required skills include working knowledge of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript; basic-to-intermediate experience with Google Apps Script; experience with Google Sheets or structured spreadsheet data; understanding of APIs, JSON, and web data integration; ability to develop search, filtering, and data-display functionality; basic understanding of responsive web design and UI development; good problem-solving skills; fluent English; and responsible AI usage. Desirable skills include experience with Google Apps Script/Sites, Google Drive/Sheets as a backend, REST APIs, and generative AI APIs.