About Mongabay

Mongabay is a leading environmental news platform that reaches over 75 million people annually with trusted journalism about conservation, climate change, and environmental issues. Founded 25 years ago, we operate a global network of correspondents across 80+ countries delivering critical information to decision-makers worldwide.

About Story Transformer

Story Transformer is Mongabay’s groundbreaking initiative to democratize access to environmental information. Using generative AI, we’re building a system that automatically transforms our environmental journalism into multiple languages and accessible formats (audio, simplified text) for vulnerable communities in the Global South. This project has the potential to reach 18+ million people in frontline communities who currently lack access to critical environmental information in their native languages.

The Role

We’re seeking a talented Full Stack Engineer to build the core platform infrastructure for Story Transformer from the ground up. You’ll be responsible for creating the end-to-end system that enables our editors to transform content, review AI-generated outputs, and distribute information to communities worldwide. This is a unique opportunity to build technology that directly impacts conservation outcomes and climate resilience for millions of people.

What You’ll Build

• Editor Web Interface: Intuitive dashboard where editors select articles, configure transformation parameters (language, format, length), review AI outputs, and approve content for distribution
• Content Processing Pipeline: Queue management system that handles content transformation requests, coordinates between multiple AI models, and generates accuracy reports
• API Integrations: Seamless connections with WordPress CMS, Google Drive, Google Docs, WhatsApp API, and SMS gateways
• Database Architecture: PostgreSQL database for content storage, user management, transformation history, and analytics
• Distribution System: Automated delivery mechanisms for transformed content across multiple channels (web, WhatsApp, SMS)
• Analytics Dashboard: Tracking and reporting on content transformation performance, distribution reach, and user engagement
• Cloud Infrastructure: Deployment on Amazon Web Services (AWS) with optimization for scalability and reliability
• Documentation: You will document architecture and workflows to ensure smooth handoff and long-term maintainability beyond the contract term.

Required Skills & Experience

• 5+ years of full-stack development experience with production applications
• Backend expertise: Python (FastAPI or Django preferred), RESTful API design, database design (PostgreSQL)
• Frontend proficiency: React.js, TypeScript, modern CSS frameworks (Tailwind preferred)
• Cloud infrastructure: Experience deploying and managing applications on AWS, with knowledge of services like Lambda, EC2, S3, and API Gateway
• API integration experience: Working with third-party APIs (CMS platforms, messaging services, cloud storage)
• Queue systems: Experience with job queuing (Celery, Redis, or similar)
• Version control: Git and collaborative development workflows
• Security mindset: Understanding of authentication, authorization, and data protection

Strongly Preferred

• Experience with Amazon Web Services (Bedrock, Lambda, S3, EC2, RDS
• Background in content management systems (WordPress, Drupal, etc.)
• Experience with messaging platforms (WhatsApp Business API, Twilio, etc.)
• Understanding of low-bandwidth optimisation and offline-first design
• Previous work with international/multilingual applications
• Experience in nonprofit or social impact technology

What Makes You a Great Fit

• Mission-driven: You care about environmental conservation and want your work to create real-world impact
• Builder mentality: You’re excited to build systems from scratch and make architectural decisions
• Pragmatic problem solver: You prioritise shipping functional solutions over perfect code
• Collaborative: You work well with non-technical stakeholders (editors, product managers, designers)
• Self-directed: You can work independently with minimal supervision in a remote environment
• Adaptable: You’re comfortable with ambiguity and changing requirements as we learn from users

What You’ll Get

• Meaningful impact: Your work will directly help millions of people access critical environmental information
• Ownership: Lead technical decisions and shape the architecture of a greenfield project
• Learning opportunity: Work alongside AI engineers and gain exposure to cutting-edge generative AI applications
• Remote flexibility: Work from anywhere with flexible hours
• Collaborative culture: Join a mission-driven team passionate about conservation and technology

Timeline & Expectations

• Start date: April 15, 2026
• Initial commitment: 1 year (with strong potential for extension)
• Time commitment: Full-time
• Report To: Head of Product – Story Transformer
• Collaboration: Regular sync with AI Engineer, Product Manager/Designer, and editorial team
• Milestone: Working prototype within 6 months.

6-Month Milestone (Phase 1)

By month 6, you will have built and launched:

• Operational platform supporting content transformation for 5 languages (English, Spanish, Indonesian, Portuguese, French)
• Editor workflow system enabling content selection, parameter configuration, review, and approval
• Integration pipeline connecting WordPress, Google Docs, and AWS Bedrock
• Distribution capability for transformed content delivery
• Processing of 300+ adapted outputs to validate workflows and processes
• Onboarding system for 6 native-language editors to support expansion languages

Note: Milestones assume timely access to CMS APIs, AI services, and editorial stakeholders.

To Apply

Applications are accepted until March 18, 2026. On the application, you will be asked to fill out basic contact information, pay rate expectations, and reference information (2), and to upload the following documents:

1. Cover letter – please provide specific examples of your experience related to this position, as well as specific examples of your ability to work effectively from home and meet deadlines (1-2 pages)
2. Resume (1-2 pages)
3. Two references

Applications must be submitted in English. Please note that you do not need to provide letters of recommendation and we will not reach out to references before getting your permission to do so.

Benefits, Holidays, and Paid Time Off 

It is important for all staff to step away from work to renew themselves. That is why Mongabay provides generous paid time off (PTO) for professional development, holidays, sick time, rest and relaxation, and vacation, including a flexible work schedule.

We observe 11 holidays and support staff who celebrate other personal and religious holidays.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Mongabay is an equal employment opportunity (EEO) employer and provides EEO to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetics, or any other status prohibited by law.

* The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications. Management reserves the right to change or modify such duties as required. All staff are responsible for following applicable Mongabay policies and procedures as defined by their manager and Employment Handbook.