Work description: UX consultant for the Open Data Editor
Location: Global (remote).                                 
Type of contract:  consultancy, based on deliverables
Compensation: 1,650 USD
Starting date: 5 May 2025

Open Data Editor

Open Data Editor is a no-code desktop application, released in December 2024, with the aim of offering data validation 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.

Work Description

We are currently migrating our Open Data Editor to a new architecture. We are seeking a UX Consultant to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the state of the application under the new architecture – focusing on usability, accessibility, and the overall user journey.

Your insights will help us ensure a smooth, user-centric relaunch. You’ll work closely with our internal team and contribute directly to improving the product through actionable recommendations, GitHub issues, and pull requests.

Responsibilities

• Conduct a full UX assessment of the Open Data Editor application and its documentation portal.
• Evaluate usability, accessibility (WCAG compliance), design consistency, and overall UX flows for key user tasks.
• Identify and prioritise pain points, usability barriers, and accessibility issues.
• Collaborate with developers and the product owner to ensure recommendations are technically feasible and aligned with product goals.
• File detailed, actionable GitHub issues with proposed improvements; where feasible, submit pull requests for small UX or content updates.
• Create a final UX Assessment Report outlining:
  • Strengths and weaknesses of the current UX
  • Prioritised list of issues with severity and impact
  • Recommendations for improvements (short-term quick wins and long-term strategies)
• Participate in a call with the ODE team to present the Report.

Deliverables

• UX Assessment Report (minimum 6-7 pages length) covering:
  • Application and documentation portal
  • Accessibility compliance (e.g., WCAG 2.1 AA)
  • UX heuristics, flows, and design consistency
• GitHub Issues filed with actionable, well-documented recommendations (linked to report items where applicable)

Desired Skills

• Proven experience in UX design, auditing, and accessibility evaluation
• Solid understanding of accessibility standards (WCAG, ARIA, keyboard navigation, color contrast)
• Strong communication skills: able to explain UX issues to both technical and non-technical stakeholders
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English, with the ability to present findings clearly
• Familiarity with GitHub workflows and contributing to open source projects (issues, pull requests) is a plus
• Bonus: experience with open data tools, code editors, or similar technical products

The Organisation

Open Knowledge Foundation is a global non-profit organisation working towards the openness of all forms of knowledge to secure a fair, sustainable 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. 
 

If you’d like to apply, please send your CV and a cover note highlighting previous assessment experiences and 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.

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