Design of Regional Digital Communication Platform

Location: Kingston, Jamaica

Reports to: Program Manager

Status: Fixed-Term, Part-Time

Language requirements: English

Introduction

Cuso International is a development organization that works to reduce poverty and inequality through the efforts of highly skilled volunteers, collaborative partnerships and compassionate donors. We envision a world where all people can realize their potential, develop their skills and participate fully in society. Cuso International works in developing countries across the world.  Funded by Global Affairs Canada (GAC), Cuso International is implementing the four-year project Blueprints for Gender Equality (BLUEPRINTS) in four Eastern Caribbean countries – Dominica, Grenada, St. Lucia and St. Vincent and the Grenadines; the project will build the capacity of local governments to better integrate gender into policies, programs and services.

Background of Consultancy

Cuso International is seeking to engage the services of a web developer to design a website (Regional Digital Communication Platform), for the use of the four project countries, with the goal of sharing information, resources, good practices, impacts and results. The purpose of the website/platform is to increase awareness among Ministries, Departments and Agencies across the Caribbean on how to better integrate Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) into public policies, programs and services. The consultant will coordinate with Cuso International’s Caribbean Program Manager, the BLUEPRINTS team and regional stakeholders ensuring a sound platform is designed for internal (between countries project team members) and external (public) knowledge sharing and learning.

Expected Results

The following deliverable shall be expected at the end of this consultancy: Create an HTML website to share information and resources in alignment with key performance indicators of the BLUEPRINTS project.

Components

• Design the back-end codes and for fully functional website including purchase of relevant registration and licenses.

• Design, functional including providing front-end design and styling to all web forms.

• Webpage is to include multiple tabs for:

  • Project Overview.
  • Project Activities including photos and videos.
  • Relevant News and Updates (regional and international).
  • Specific tab for each country with local resources, updates, contact info etc.

• Tools and resources by theme:

  • Policies and Procedures.
  • Gender Budgeting.
  • Monitoring and Evaluation.
  • Communication Tools.
  • Community Feedback Tools.

• A Download Feature must be enabled for documents.

• A discussion forum is to be created for interaction among external users.

• Interactive comment and rating system – enable users to comment on specific content types, rate and respond to questions after using specific functionalities such as download and search, e.g., “Did you find this content helpful?” “How have you used this resource in practice?” and establish the user type (government representative, NGO, academia, etc.).

• Community of Practice (CoP) features:

1. Discussion spaces: Design discussion forum and connection functionalities to ensure high usage and support user retention, including:
   1. Create personal user account profiles, where users can update their details, save key documents, view their contributions across the site, manage their participation in online discussions and other activities on the site, comment on documents and other content, send direct messages to other users, and respond to automated feedback questions on content they’re visiting.

• Users are to log in using password encryption.

• Log in users must register their location (country) and gender.

• A ‘guest’ user should be available to view select pages only.

• Two management user types are to be created:

1. Admin
   1. Data Analyst
2. Admin users must be able to generate reports on site visits, user-log-ins and downloads.

• Data Analyst is to have all access to back-end operating functions including tracking analytics i.e. number of downloads, visitors to the site, location of visitors, pages most frequented etc.
• Search engine optimization (SEO): Enhance SEO to increase visits and ensure high, relevant traffic from the main global search engines.

User experience and accessibility:

• Responsive design on mobile devices: accessible in various devices including desktops/laptops (Windows and Mac), mobile phones and tablets (Android and iOS).

• Compliant to Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) international standard (be accessible via screen readers, colourblind friendly colour schemes, etc.) https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/services-for-government/service-experience-digital-delivery/web-content-development-guides.

• Compatible with all modern browsers.

• Optimal performance in low-bandwidth locations.

Design standards

• User-friendly administrator interface for all features.
• User-friendly front-end design and development to optimize public use.
• Design should be in line with Cuso International’s design and branding guidelines (provided). In addition, the web design and development shall be developed and delivered in line with Cuso International’s internal policies and frameworks.
• All designs are to be validated and signed off by Cuso International.

General Requirements

• Developed using standard open-source web development to allow Cuso International to make future changes independently.

Maintenance, security, bug fixing, additional design and development

• Provide technical support and ongoing security maintenance and bug fixing for the website/platform until March 2024, including all required updates and deployment.
• Provide additional design and development, as required, based on monthly priorities.
  • XX hours/month starting following completion of functionalities specified above and ending March 2024.

Deliverables the Service Provider is expected to provide:

• Methodology and work plan including start date and date of completion of deliverables, a proposed approach for the assignment based on the information provided above, including risk management and information on the proposed team and their roles. A breakdown of expected services and associated costs.
• Draft web designs for review, integration of feedback and final approval.
• Design, development and delivery of a fully tested and functional updated Hub platform including the functionalities specified above, deployed online in coordination with Cuso International.
• Full technical documentation (system code and system design) to enable smooth deployment handover and ongoing maintenance and updates by Cuso International.
• Monthly maintenance, web design and development support.
• The Service provider will be expected to: organize an online/offline inception meeting with Cuso International to: (i) present proposed approach and methodology (ii) collect feedback and inputs on enhancements and feature development and requirements, (iii) advise and clarify questions.

Experience and Abilities

Education

• Diploma/Degree in Information Technology, Computer Science or acceptable combination of education, training and /or experience related to job requirements.

Experience

• Minimum 5 years’ experience developing websites.

• Minimum 2 years’ experience with HTML, CSS, SQL, and JavaScript coding applications.

• Minimum 5 years’ experience working with digital platforms.

• Experience working with individuals from diverse backgrounds and cultures (or demonstrated ability to work with a diverse group of individuals).

• Efficient communication skills (verbal and written).

• Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to listen, be patient, diplomatic and maintain confidentiality.

Conditions of the consultancy

The Consultant will have a set of deliverables and timelines that will be agreed upon with the BLUEPRINTS Team. Supervision will be provided by the Program Manager, BLUEPRINTS and BLUEPRINTS Communications Advisor. Cuso anticipates the start date of the consultancy by 1 September 2023 and an end date of 25 March, 2024.

Intellectual Property

All outputs and intellectual property created during this assignment, including but not limited to system code, system design, data, findings, results, solutions, recommendations and any other documents and designs developed throughout the project shall be owned by Cuso International. The Service Provider shall develop materials and recommendations assuming current business processes and retention of current duties, accountabilities and responsibilities but may make recommendations for changes. Documents provided to Cuso International shall be considered “draft” until Cuso International provides feedback and comments which the service provider shall incorporate, as appropriate; at that point, the document will be considered “final” by the Service Provider. If no comments are received by the service provider, the “draft” will be considered final by Cuso International.

Confidentiality

Information relating to the evaluation of proposals and recommendations concerning awards shall not be disclosed to those who submitted proposals or to other persons not officially concerned with the process. All Cuso International proprietary data shared with the service provider shall be governed by a non-disclosure agreement as part of the agreement.

Requests for clarification

Service Providers requiring any clarifications on the content of this ToR may notify Cuso International in writing at the following addresses: hr.lac@cusointernational.org.

HOW TO APPLY:

For instructions on how to apply, please visit our website: https://cusointernational.bamboohr.com/careers/

Please include in your application: 1) Copy of professional resume in English, maximum 4 pages; and 2) Proposed technical proposal and budget (budget should include all necessary expenses related to the consultancy). Applications should be received no later than August 29, 2023 11:59pm Eastern Time.