Near East Foundation is hiring a
Near East Foundation
Consultancy Announcement
Assignment: Web Development Consultancy for Business E-Networking and E-Commerce, Bilingual (English and Arabic)
Introduction and Background
The Near East Foundation (NEF) is seeking qualified candidates and firms for a Web Development Consultancy for Business E-Networking and E-Commerce, Bilingual (English and Arabic) to provide design, development, and integration for NEF’s existing web-based and mobile-based business-to-business platform and prospective business-to-customer platform.
For 100 years, the Near East Foundation (NEF) has worked to build more sustainable, prosperous, and inclusive communities in the Middle East, Caucasus, and Africa through education, governance, and economic development initiatives. More information on NEF’s and its affiliates’ work and geographic focus can be found on NEF’s website: www.neareast.org.
Overview
The Web Development Consultancy for Business E-Networking and Commerce, Bilingual (English and Arabic) is designing, developing, and rolling out upgrades for NEF’s accessible cloud-based platform (Siraj Market), which aims to support NEF’s inclusive micro/small/medium-enterprise program in Jordan, Iraq, Lebanon, and Syria by enabling participant businesses to register, validate, and advertise their businesses and available products/services, network with peer businesses (through both the platform and associated communication apps), and, ultimately, interact directly with potential customers. NEF’s micro/small/medium-enterprise program aims at supporting aspiring and existing entrepreneurs to start and grow sustainable businesses through a tailored and holistic approach embedded into NEF’s Siraj platform, including training and access to information via NEF’s Siraj Digital platform (www.sirajdigital.com) and access to finance through our Siraj Finance platform (www.sirajfinance.org).
Objectives
NEF anticipates the following development needs through September 2023, followed by a maintenance contract. NEF may choose to postpone some of the features. Estimated days of work are provided for reference only and may be adjusted during the final negotiation phase.
Platform features:
Develop Version 2.0 of the NEF-managed, cloud-based (AWS) online platform, Siraj Market. Version 1.0 of the platform currently delivers primarily business-to-business matchmaking opportunities among a closed group of supported micro/small/medium-enterprises. The services are delivered through a basic web-based version and limited-feature WhatsApp/Telegram-based version. Version 2.0 will have the following functionalities:
Phases:
Phase I: Design (Estimated timeframe: 1 month_):_ Design and wireframes developed and finalized with NEF
Phase II: Development (Estimated timeframe: 2 months): Development and soft launch
Phase III Deployment (Estimated timeframe: 1 month): Deployment and onboarding of NEF staff and a selection of users
Platform Maintenance (through May 2024 (TBD); estimated 1-2 days per month plus 10 days for bug fixes): Provide ongoing support and maintenance to ensure the platform is operational.
Experience/Qualifications
TO APPLY:
Please apply by submitting the following information on the Near East Foundation careers page no later than April 28, 2023:
Kindly note only finalists will be contacted.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to familiarize themselves with the Near East Foundation and its affiliates by visiting the NEF website (www.neareast.org).