I. Background

The Ocean Connector is an interactive, web-based platform developed under the UN Ocean Decade to facilitate collaboration and information sharing among partners, institutions, and stakeholders engaged in capacity development initiatives. The platform enables registered users to upload, manage, and promote training opportunities, workshops, and other capacity development activities.

Built using full-stack web development, Ocean Connector combines a responsive frontend interface with a structured backend administration system that supports user authentication, activity management, automated notifications, and database-driven workflows. The system is hosted on the IODE server and functions as a secure, closed-access environment managed by the IOC Secretariat/Decade Coordination Unit.

The platform has been developed iteratively through close collaboration with partners and the IOC Secretariat. As the first IOC platform of this level of interactivity focused on capacity development, additional technical and functional needs became clear during the first months of operation, including secure login options for organizations and the need for continued monitoring and maintenance for 2026.

II. Scope of work, purpose & responsibilities of the proposed work

The objective of this assignment is to introduce a secure one-time password (OTP) login option — via email and/or SMS — for the Ocean Connector platform, complementing existing Google, LinkedIn, and OceanExpert authentication methods. The selected consultant will ensure secure, reliable login access in compliance with applicable data protection standards and will support enhancements to the Opportunity Listings section in preparation for the Ocean Decade Rio Conference. The assignment also covers overall operation, maintenance, and technical support of the platform through 2026.

A. OTP Login System Implementation

The consultant will develop and implement an email-based OTP login system with the following specifications:

Authentication Flow:

• OTP login will be available as an alternative authentication method (users can choose OTP, Google, LinkedIn, or OceanExpert)

• OTP access is invitation-only, controlled by the CDF Secretariat (Admin)

• Users receive a 6-digit one-time password via email (using Mandrill)

• OTP validity period is configurable (one-time setting, specified in minutes)

• Each OTP is single-use and expires after the designated time period

Admin Dashboard (Backend): The consultant will create an administrative dashboard with the following features:

• Send OTP invitations to designated users

• View status of all sent invitations

• Resend OTP invitations

• Cancel pending invitations

• Track invitation history

Technical Requirements:

• Email delivery: Integration with Mandrill for OTP delivery

• OTP generation: Secure 6-digit password generation (no password storage required)

• All associated front-end and back-end interface changes to support OTP workflow

• Testing and quality assurance before going live

• Documentation on GitHub upon completion

B. Ocean Connector Opportunity Listings Enhancements, comprising:

• Event-specific demarcation for Ocean Decade Rio Conference events and partner-offered opportunities, through either a new dedicated backend section or updates to existing tagging and flagging features (approach to be confirmed at design stage)

• Expanded opportunity submission fields and filters beyond group-level categories

• Full testing and validation on demo environment prior to deployment

C. Platform Monitoring and Maintenance (2026)

The consultant will provide ongoing monitoring and maintenance of the Ocean Connector platform throughout 2026:

• Automated monitoring via existing dashboard system

• Fix critical bugs within 24 hours

• Proactively identify and address potential errors

• Ensure platform stability and performance

Please see full job description here.

Web Developer for Ocean Connector