WordPress theme conversion/updating/modifying, html5, css3, and basic PhP required

I have an old theme that I want upgraded, to comply with modern standards using html5 and css3.

The site where the theme will be used is a news aggregator. The finished theme should be mobile first, with very clean and fast code. Possibly building off of an underscores starter theme? Other responsive platforms will do if you are familiar with them, and they run fast.

The initial task shouldn't be too difficult for a senior student or recent graduate. I am expecting this to be a part-time project, a few hours a week, but with obvious progress being made. (Nice little side job for weekends.) You should be familiar with WordPress development, know html5, css3, and be able to rework existing php code. Additional skills may be usable, so please list your knowledge of things like APIs, json, javascript, and other possibly applicable items.

There will be on-going development of the site. Personalised content delivery, with targeted recommendations, is the long-term goal. Advertising spaces, sidebar setup, and little odd jobs each requiring a few hours will fill out most of the future work.

The budget for this project is set at US$50 per month. I am not offering PTO, holiday pay, or overtime, but I am willing to work around exam schedules and other personal requirements or emergencies. Your application should include your expected hourly rate, and an estimate of how many hours per week, and on which days you will work on the project.

Applicants will provide their own computer/laptop and internet connection. Ideally you should be able to run a WAMP setup on your own system, and execute WordPress directly. (It's free to setup, just takes a bit of effort...)

If you have questions regarding this offer, please ask.

(Old theme zip file is available for review, just ask for a copy.)