Developer

At ACLED, we provide accurate, accessible  and timely data and analysis to better inform decisions that reduce violent conflict. We cover the globe with our data collection and analysis, offering local insights for global questions. We are a remote organization with researchers and partners located across all crises and conflicts.

 

ACLED is recruiting a Full Stack Developer to focus on API development and integration, website enhancement, and scalable system architecture. You will play a key role in developing high-impact tools and interfaces that make ACLED’s content and data accessible, performant, and actionable for global users. This includes front-end user interfaces, API services, performance optimization, and DevOps workflows.

Specific roles and responsibilities

The Employee is expected to contribute to both the front-end development of the ACLED website and API products. The Employee is required to perform the following duties and undertake the following responsibilities in a professional manner:

 

API Development & Management

 

• Develop and implement APIs that are scalable and maintainable
• Implement robust authentication and authorization mechanisms for APIs
• Configure and manage API gateways for traffic management, authentication and authorization, monitoring, and API versioning. ​
• Regularly monitor API performance, promptly troubleshoot issues, and optimize code to enhance efficiency and scalability.
• Ensure APIs adhere to secure coding standards and OWASP guidelines, and participate in remediation efforts following penetration testing or security audits.
• Integrate APIs with internal and external systems
• Collaborate on planning and testing to ensure API systems remain available, secure, and recoverable in the event of outages or incidents.

 

Web & Front-End Development

• Build and maintain modern web interfaces and data access tools that integrate seamlessly with ACLED’s APIs and datasets, collaborating with internal teams, external vendors, and public users.
• Apply best practices in responsive design, usability, and accessibility (WCAG 2.1 AA).
• Conduct performance audits and optimization using tools like Lighthouse, ensuring fast load times, SEO performance, and a high-quality user experience.
• Apply security best practices to the website and its applications, collaborating with external security vendors
• Ensure website availability and resilience under failure conditions.
• Test and adjust web applications to function consistently across different browsers and devices, providing a uniform experience for all users.

 

DevOps & Deployment

• Build and maintain automated CI/CD pipelines for web and API projects.
• Manage containerized deployments using Docker and/or Kubernetes.
• Deploy and monitor applications across cloud infrastructure (e.g., AWS or DigitalOcean)
• Ensure operational performance, reliability, and data protection across all digital services.

 

Collaboration & Growth

• Work closely with data scientists, researchers, and other developers to understand and address evolving needs.
• Proactively propose new features, integrations, or optimizations to improve the user experience and internal workflows.

 

Desirable Skills and competencies

• Possession of a cloud architecture certification (e.g., AWS Certified Solutions Architect, Google Cloud Professional Architect, or equivalent) is a strong plus.
• Familiarity with Drupal-based CMS architecture.
• Experience integrating geospatial/mapping tools (e.g., Mapbox).
• Experience working with third-party security audit firms and implementing remediations based on penetration test reports.
• Experience with API management platforms and gateway technologies (e.g., AWS API Gateway).
• Interest in conflict data, humanitarian tech, or open data platforms.
• Strong desire to grow into a Solution Architect or technical lead role.