Background

UNDP works in about 170 countries and territories, helping to eradicate poverty, reduce inequalities and exclusion, and build resilience so countries can sustain progress. As the UN’s development agency, UNDP plays a critical role in helping countries achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.

The Istanbul International Center for Private Sector in Development (ICPSD) is the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) global organization mandated to leverage the role of the private sector in development. The ICPSD was established in Istanbul, Türkiye based on the Partnership Framework Agreement signed between the Government of the Republic of Türkiye and the United Nations Development Program in March 2011. The center is one of the six global thematic policy centers of UNDP, supports the private sector and foundations to become transformative partners in development through research, advocacy, facilitation of public-private dialogue and brokering partnerships. ICPSD leads UNDP’s global work on private sector and foundations and supports UNDP’s offices all around the world.

UNDP’s Istanbul International Centre for Private Sector in Development (ICPSD) and Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation partnered for Online Game Development Bootcamp for fostering innovation and skill development within the gaming industry in the UAE. The bootcamp is built upon HP’s online learning initiative “HP Gaming Garage”. It is designed to provide aspiring game developers, designers, and enthusiasts with a skills development platform to enhance their skills, explore new ideas, and create impactful game projects.

In this context, the Game Developer Course Guide Fellow will support the bootcamp’s training activities.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Game Developer Course Guide Fellow will assist in the following duties and responsibilities:

Competencies

Competencies and attitude:

• Interest in innovative teaching, learning and assessment;
• Flexibility and capacity to teach (remotely) across a range of game programming and design courses;
• Willingness and capacity to undertake continuous professional development related to technology use and to teach on these matters;
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills including presentation skills, both face-to-face and online;
• Displays culture, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
• Excellent with deadlines;
• Self-driven and open to self-development;
• Ability to understand the needs and challenges faced by adult learners;
• Strong attention to detail including skills in record keeping and records management;
• Genuine interest and commitment to help students achieve their goals;
• Good operations management skills;
• Ability to work independently with minimum supervision.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Candidates must meet one of the following educational requirements:

• currently enrolled in a postgraduate program (such as a master’s program or higher) OR
• have graduated with a university degree or equivalent studies.

Field of study: computer science, engineering, game development or a related field.

IT skills:

• Proficiency in C#, Unity, C++, JavaScript, and Python for game development.
• Experience with Unity and Unreal Engine for game creation.
• Skilled in Git for version control and collaborative code management.
• Must have proven experience in at least 2 game development projects as programmer. Requirements for completed projects can be fulfilled through university coursework or personal projects that demonstrate relevant skills and experience.
• Demonstrated experience in implementing and optimizing game physics and mechanics in the completed game projects.
• Must have a solid software engineering background, proven experience of working with agile development methodologies is a strong asset.
• Basic knowledge of augmented reality development is an asset
• Experience with multiplayer game creation and networking is an asset
• Interest and/or experience in online community platforms, such as Discord, Circle is an asset
• Experience adhering to industry-standard coding practices and project management methodologies is an asset
• Knowledge of HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and backend technologies for web-based games is an asset.
• Familiarity with Android and iOS platforms, Xcode, and Android Studio for mobile development is an asset.
• Proficiency in manual and automated game testing, debugging, and error resolution is an asset.
• Knowledge and a proficient user of Microsoft Office productivity tools.

Language skills:

• Fluency in Arabic and English is required.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE:

The application should contain:

• Brief Cover Letter (in English) stating interest in and qualifications for the post;
• Current and complete CV in English.
• Please group all your documents into one single PDF document as the system only allows to upload maximum one document.

Candidates who are selected for must submit prior to the interview the following documents:

• Official document(s) confirming meeting at least one of the educational requirements.

Stipend:

During the time of the fellowship, UNDP will provide a monthly stipend.