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GLOBAL ORGANIC TEXTILE STANDARD
ECOLOGY & SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

Full-Stack Developer – Backend & Migration Specialist

Location: Remote with occasional international travel
Position Type: 40 h / week
This is an initial one-year fixed-term engagement, with the possibility of extension and longer-term collaboration.

About Global Standard

Global Standard gGmbH is a self-funded non-profit organisation registered in Germany, dedicated to the development and implementation of Voluntary Sustainability Standards for the textile industry currently through their Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS). The organisation is in the process of developing a second sustainability standard for textiles. Our work focuses on contributing to sustainable development through comprehensive standards that address environmental, social, and economic challenges across the entire textile supply chain. 

Role Overview

We are looking for a Full Stack Developer – Backend & Migration Specialist to help review, improve and migrate existing prototype applications into stable, secure and maintainable AWS-based systems.

The main focus of this role is backend development, REST APIs, PostgreSQL implementation, prototype review and application migration. Full stack skills are needed, but frontend work will mainly be required for smaller fixes, interface adjustments and support during the migration.

At the beginning, the developer will review and document existing prototype applications, fix issues where needed, improve workflows and help keep the prototypes running while the migration is taking place.

In the longer term, the role will support the migration of these applications into production-ready systems. This includes reliable PostgreSQL database structures, backend services, documented APIs, secure data handling, logging, audit trails and maintainable code.

The developer will work under technical guidance and with relevant stakeholders to make sure that database structures, application logic, security needs, compliance considerations and operational requirements are properly reflected in the new systems.

Key Responsibilities

The Full Stack Developer will be responsible for:

  • Reviewing existing prototype applications, including workflows, permissions, user roles, business logic, data structures and integration points.
  • Documenting how the current prototypes work, including workflows, dependencies, data models, technical assumptions and integrations.
  • Supporting short-term fixes, calibration, troubleshooting and improvements to keep existing prototypes functional during the migration.
  • Developing and implementing PostgreSQL database schemas based on existing prototype data structures and agreed technical requirements.
  • Building and maintaining backend services for application logic, data access, integrations and future system extension.
  • Developing, documenting and maintaining REST APIs that connect applications, PostgreSQL databases, AI model services and third-party platforms.
  • Supporting data migration tasks, including data mapping, transformation, validation checks and quality checks.
  • Implementing secure data handling, access controls, validation checks, logging, audit trails and maintainable code structures.
  • Making sure that migrated systems are production-ready, with a strong focus on performance, security, maintainability and scalability.
  • Considering relevant compliance requirements during design, implementation and documentation.
  • Supporting frontend-related tasks where needed, mainly smaller fixes or interface improvements using JavaScript, TypeScript, React, HTML and CSS.
  • Troubleshooting issues across databases, APIs, backend logic, integrations, prototype workflows, frontend interfaces and AI service connections.
  • Preparing clear technical documentation for data models, APIs, integrations, migration logic, dependencies, access-control logic and handover needs.

Candidates Profile

The ideal candidate should be:

  • Practical and structured, with a hands-on approach to reviewing, improving and migrating prototype applications.
  • Comfortable working across the stack, with a clear strength in backend development, REST APIs, databases and migration work.
  • Mid-level, with around 2–4 years of relevant professional experience in backend development, full stack development, systems integration or application migration.
  • Not a complete beginner, but also not necessarily a senior architect.
  • Able to understand existing prototype systems, including workflows, business logic, permissions, data structures and integrations.
  • Able to identify technical risks, dependencies and areas for improvement in existing applications.
  • Confident asking the right questions to clarify requirements, logic, edge cases and implementation needs.
  • Good at documentation, with the ability to clearly describe findings, data models, workflows, APIs, migration logic and handover requirements.
  • Able to translate prototype logic into scalable backend and database structures, especially in PostgreSQL-based environments.
  • Interested in a long-term role, supporting not only the first migration phase but also future maintenance, improvements and extensions.
  • Comfortable with a practical technical assessment as part of the selection process.

Qualifications

  • A degree or equivalent practical experience in computer science, software engineering, information systems or a related technical field.
  • Practical experience in backend development, full stack development, systems integration or application migration.
  • A structured way of understanding existing systems and translating prototype functionality into stable technical solutions.
  • The ability to work independently while staying aligned with technical and business stakeholders.
  • Strong attention to detail, especially around data quality, permissions, validation logic, integrations and documentation.

Experience & Knowledge

  • A degree or equivalent practical experience in computer science, software engineering, information systems or a related technical field.
  • Practical experience in backend development, full stack development, systems integration or application migration.
  • A structured way of understanding existing systems and translating prototype functionality into stable technical solutions.
  • The ability to work independently while staying aligned with technical and business stakeholders.
  • Strong attention to detail, especially around data quality, permissions, validation logic, integrations and documentation.

Skills 

The candidate should bring:

  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • The ability to review existing prototype logic and turn it into clear technical requirements.
  • Practical backend development skills with a focus on maintainability, performance and security.
  • Good understanding of relational data modelling and database implementation.
  • The ability to build reliable and well-documented REST APIs.
  • Clear communication skills, especially when explaining technical findings, risks and dependencies.
  • The ability to work with technical leads and stakeholders from technical, product and operational areas.
  • A pragmatic mindset when handling short-term fixes while keeping the long-term migration goal in mind.
  • The confidence to work across the full stack when needed, while keeping the main focus on backend, APIs and migration.

Why Join Global Standard

  • Be part of one of the world’s most respected VSS setter at a time of critical global change. 
  • Make a meaningful impact on sustainable development. 
  • Work with a mission-driven, passionate and diverse team. 
  • Enjoy flexible working arrangements and an environment that values leadership, innovation and impact. 
  • Take pride in being self-efficient, finding fulfillment and joy 

Apply

Interested candidates are invited to submit their application materials to . Please include "Full Stack Developer - Application from [Your Name]” in the subject line. Please submit the following:

  • CV/Resume
  • Cover Letter
  • Any information you think would be most useful for us in understanding your background and accomplishments 
  • Salary expectations.

Global Standard gGmbH is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.