Open Knowledge Foundation
Jobs & Opportunities

Senior Developer for a Desktop Application (Python, PySide6/PyQt, Qt)

Location: Home based, with minimal CET working hours overlap                                          

Type of contract: Part-time Self Employment Contract (16 - 20 hrs per week)                                               

Duration: Contract ending 31st December 2025

Compensation: Up to $320 gross per day (hourly rate $40), depending on eperience

Reports to: Technical Lead & Project Manager

Deadline for application: 14 February 2025

Open Knowledge Foundation
Open Knowledge Foundation (OKFN) is a global non-profit organisation focused on realising open data’s value to society by helping civil society groups access and use data to take action on social problems. Through teaching, creating and campaigning, it works for a fair, sustainable and open future for all. The wide range of projects we work on aim to give people access to data, the knowledge to understand it, and the power to use it in our everyday lives.

Open Data Editor
Open Data Editor is a no-code desktop application, beta-released in September 2023, with the aim of offering the full Frictionless experience to non-technical users. It is being developed in the context of Frictionless Data, an initiative at OKFN producing a collection of specifications and software for the publication, transport, and consumption of data.

Role
We are looking for a Senior Developer with at least 5 years experience to work with us on the Open Data Editor (ODE).

Responsibilities

  • Assist with the current migration to PySide6
  • Implementation of new features for ODE
  • Work with the Product Owner on the technical design
  • Coordinate work with OKFN’s Technical Leader
  • Interaction and collaboration with wider technical community
  • Answer technical questions from the community

Required Skills

  • Python development experience
  • Packaging of applications for Windows, Mac and Linux.
  • Git and GitHub workflows (Pull Requests, Code Reviews, etc)

Desired Skills

  • Experience developing Desktop applications with Python (PySide6/PyQt preferable)
  • Bash scripting
  • Good understanding of Frictionless Data, data validation and data standards
  • Familiarity with Agile development methodologies
  • Integration with LLM technologies
  • Community engagement

We are a small team working on a mix of commercial and grant-based projects, as well as maintenance of some of the internal Open Knowledge infrastructure. All of our code is Open Source so you should be comfortable working in the open and interacting with the wider community. We like to learn from each other and complement our skills.


Some examples of the types of activities you may be involved with:

  • Help design and scope new features alongside product owner
  • Fix bugs reported by the end-users
  • Document the architecture and design decisions
  • Implement test cases
  • Implement an interaction with a LLM technology to develop a tool to help ODE users to better understand and document their data.
  • Answer technical questions that the community may have regarding features and implementations.
  • Assist the Technical Leader in the design and implementation of a sustainable and extendable architecture.

The current project is hosted in GitHub, you can see it to have an idea of the current architecture and technologies used: https://github.com/okfn/opendataeditor, the current branch holding the migration to PySide6 is the following:  https://github.com/okfn/opendataeditor/tree/712-migrate-to-pyside6

The Organisation

Open Knowledge Foundation is a global non-profit organisation working towards the openness of all forms of knowledge to secure a fair, free and open future for all. A world where all non-personal information is open, free, for everyone to use, build on and share, in which creators and innovators are recognised and rewarded. The wide range of projects we work on all aim to give people access to data, the knowledge to understand it, and the power to use it in our everyday lives.

Open Knowledge Foundation is a distributed team, based all over the world, so experience or strong understanding of what is required to work in a global, multicultural, highly transparent, remote team is a distinct advantage. 

The applicant must have their own computer and access to a reliable internet connection. 

How to apply


If you’d like to apply, please send your CV and a cover note highlighting why you are interested in the role and stating your start date availability to: jobs@okfn.org. Note that the position will be open until filled. When applying, please indicate if you are interested in providing services for short-term contracts with the Foundation, authorising OKFN to keep a copy of contact details and CV.  We may contact you if opportunities arise. 

At Open Knowledge Foundation we are committed to being a diverse and inclusive workplace and aim to cultivate and sustain a diverse, equitable, and inclusive team. We value and encourage diversity because a range of experiences and perspectives enriches our work and strengthens our ability to address complex challenges. Applicants from communities that are under-represented in our workplace - ethnic minorities, women, people with disabilities, and LGBTI+ individuals are encouraged to apply.

Click here for our Job Applicant Privacy Notice.