Background
About UNCDF The United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) makes public and private finance work for the poor in the world’s 47 least developed countries. With its capital mandate and instruments, UNCDF offers “last mile” finance models that unlock public and private resources, especially at the domestic level, to reduce poverty and support local economic development. ACCESS TO FINANCE IN RWANDA In line with the UNCDF global strategy of Leaving No-One Behind in the Digital Area, the Inclusive Digital Economies Programme (IDES) and countries’ UN Development Assistance Plan, UNCDF is supporting inclusive economies to help smallholder farmers and other vulnerable populations thrive. This includes contributing to vulnerable population response initiatives and considering the consequences of the COVID-19 health pandemic in terms of food security, food systems, livelihoods, financial inclusion and last but not least, social cohesion. This programme uses a market development approach that is rooted on five decades of fostering financial inclusion and local development, digital economies and partnerships for the SDGs, digital and financial literacy, as well as reaching the most underserved populations by promoting community-based frugal innovation as well as strengthening savings and production groups. Under the umbrella of IDES UNCDF Rwanda supports all levels of stakeholders to effect growth and change in financial systems:
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2) OBJECTIVES OF THE ASSIGNMENT |
This assignment aims to support UNCDF Rwanda and its strategic partners in the review and optimization of the developed digital financial education software application, Lenga app. To provide technical support in monitoring and upgrading the performance of the software across different mobile and tablet-based platforms and systems including Android and iOS. This assignment also involves improving the design of the application dashboard where needed in addition to monitoring and providing insight reports on the uptake and usage of this application. Under the primary supervision of the UNCDF Rwanda Country Lead, the Software Development and Support Consultant will provide support in optimization of the developed digital financial education software application, Lenga app and for other activities related to the app. The consultant is also expected to work with the digital and technology team at UNCDF headquarters, and in close collaboration with in-country implementation partners. The assignment will require a candidate with demonstrated expertise in the design, development, and presentation of software applications (i.e., mobile and tablet-based, or available via Android and iOS). |
Duties and Responsibilities
The Consultant should attain the following objectives over a duration ofsix (6) months beginning from start of contract:
Some of the activities outlined above will require very limited travel to rural areas of Rwanda where the REFAD (Rwanda Access to Financial Services and Digital Literacy) program operates in order to ensure that the application and dashboard are well-understood by field-based partner staff and run smoothly. At the end of the contract period, the consultant will be expected to attain the following results:
Expected Duration of Assignment: Six (6) months. The table below outlines the activities, deliverables, and indicative timeline and payment structure: Note the sequence and timelines for the delivery of the below outputs may vary within the duration of the contract and will be finalized in terms of timeline through discussions with UNCDF and the Consultant once selected.
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Competencies
Duty station: The consultant will be home based in Rwanda, with possible limited travel particularly where UNCDF operates. The schedule of travel will be negotiated with the consultant(s) according to the requirements of each partner and deliverable.
Travel: Travel to project locations as agreed with the Country Lead or her assignee.
PROVISION OF QUALITY, MONITORING AND PROGRESS CONTROLS
Monitoring of progress shall be measured both according to the activities of the contractor as well as the performance of the UNCDF partners.
The following supporting documents will serve as conditions for disbursement: (i) submission of an invoice and Certificate of Payment (COP) duly approved by the Country Lead upon completion of each set of deliverables noted above; (ii) review, approval and written acceptance of each deliverable by the Country Lead and/or her designate; (iii) submission of relevant supporting documentation such as receipts (i.e. for any travel within country required); and (iv) an authorization of payment disbursement from a direct supervisor.
The consultant will work under the direct supervision of the Country Lead for Rwanda and in close collaboration with other relevant colleagues, experts and/or institutions designated by the country team. The Country Lead or her assignee will provide overall supervision of the consultancy and approve key deliverables.
The consultant is responsible for providing his/her own laptop.
Payment to an Individual Contractor will be made based on the successful completion of each set of deliverables set out by UNCDF and upon certification of satisfactory performance, and acceptance of the output by the Country Lead and/or her designate.
UNCDF shall closely monitor the performance of the consultant, and such monitoring shall include the detailed tracking of cumulative payments ensuring that they do not exceed the approved limit in the contract. If the consultant fails to meet performance requirements detailed above, (s)he will receive in first instance, a communication requesting an improvement in performance. Continued failure to meet performance requirements may result in termination and non-utilization of the contract.
STANDARD TRAVEL COSTS AND DAILY SUPPLEMENTAL ALLOWANCE (DSA):
This consultancy will take place within Rwanda and no foreign travel is anticipated. In the case of in-country travel, payment of travel costs including tickets, daily subsistence allowance (DSA), and terminal expenses should be agreed upon between the respective business unit and Individual Consultant prior to travel and will be reimbursed.
If the travel is to perform work or deliver outputs that are OUTSIDE the work/deliverables agreed in the contract, the unit supervising the consultant will fully justify in a note to file why the consultant is being asked to undertake such travel. The said justification should be provided along with the supporting documents uploaded in the T&E module and in line with UNDP/UNCDF Travel Policy rules. The contractor will conduct briefings to the UNCDF team prior to and following field visits to projects via meetings and back to office reports (BTORs) and all supporting documentation for F10 within two weeks.
In the case of unforeseeable travel, payment of travel costs including tickets, lodging and terminal expenses should be agreed upon in writing between the respective business unit and Individual Consultant prior to travel and will be reimbursed.
Competencies:
• Background in programming and application and data dashboard development and oversight;
• Fluency in programming languages, specifically Angular JS, Python/Django, and Kotlin/Java;
• Strong ability to communicate and function effectively in local/international/multicultural environment;
• Excellent networking with a demonstrated ability to build and maintain professional relationships;
• Ability to meet deadlines and work under pressure;
• High level planning, organizational and time management skills, including flexibility, attention to detail and the ability to work under pressure to meet changing deadlines;
• Well-developed interpersonal skills, including the ability to liaise effectively at senior levels, including central banks;
• Analytical and problem-solving skills of a high order, including the ability to formulate recommendations and advice;
• A high level of maturity and sensitivity to the particular set of characteristics of and challenges that need to be solved in this project.
Required Skills and Experience
The consultant must provide evidence of the technical capacity to undertake this assignment. This includes capacity to deliver the results in the timeframe provided as well as indication of prior experience (relevant capabilities in application and dashboard development, coding, programming, etc). While wide experience is preferred, the consultant must have demonstrated experience and fluency in Angular JS, Python/Django, and Kotlin/Java programming languages. Education:
Experience:
Languages:
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Application Process:
Interested individuals must submit the following documents as proposals in order to demonstrate their qualifications?(Note: the system does not allow multiple uploads of documents. Applicants must make sure to upload all documents in one PDF file).
All applicants must submit the following information:
- Duly accomplished?Letter of Confirmation of Interest and Availability;
- Personal CV?indicating all past experience from similar projects, as well as the contact details (email and telephone number) of the Candidate and at least three (3) professional references;
- Brief description?of why the individual considers him/herself as the most suitable for the assignment, and a methodology, if applicable, on how they will approach the assignment. It should indicate also accessible previous applications, dashboards, or similar programming;
- Financial Proposal?that indicates all-inclusive price. If an Offeror is employed by an organization/company/institution, and he/she expects his/her employer to charge a management fee in the process of releasing him/her to UNCDF under Reimbursable Loan Agreement (RLA), the Offeror must indicate at this point, and ensure that all such costs are duly incorporated in the financial proposal submitted to UNCDF.?
Incomplete applications will not be considered. Please make sure you have provided all requested documents.
Evaluation Method
Criteria for Selection of the Best Offer
Individual consultants will be evaluated based on the following methodology:
- Preliminary Evaluation - Step I: Screening
- Technical Evaluation Weight - 70% x (Step II: 60 Points + Step III: 40 Points = 100 Points);
- Financial Evaluation Weight - 30% = Step IV.
Step I: Screening
Applications will be screened and only applicants meeting the mandatory criteria will progress to the pool for shortlisting.
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Networks and Operating Systems, or related fields;
- Minimum (5) years of relevant and demonstrated experience in the planning, design, analysis, and maintenance of software, including web and mobile-based applications;
- Fluent command of written and spokenEnglish and Kinyarwanda is mandatory.
Step II: Shortlisting by Desk Review?– 60 points out of technical assessment
UNCDF will conduct a desk review to produce a shortlist of candidates and technically evaluate the candidates. Only candidates that obtained 80% of the points at this stage shall be invited for the next step.
Shortlisting scoring – 60 % out of technical assessment:
50%- Mandatory Experience
- Minimum (5) years of relevant and demonstrated experience in the planning, design, analysis, and maintenance of software, including web and mobile-based applications;
- Demonstrated experience in programs, web and mobile applications, and cloud-based software, assisted by technologies such as Android, Google App Engine, Google Play, etc.;
- Demonstrated fluency in Angular JS, Python/Django, and Kotlin Java programming languages;
- Previous successful development of similar applications and dashboards is required.
30%- Preferred Experience
- Previous work in Sub-Saharan Africa and being home-based in Rwanda in particular;
- Demonstrated experience in management of multiple similar projects.
20%- Language skills and research skills
- Demonstrated experience working deeply in the field with the mass market, including rural or low-income communities.
- Fluent command of written and spoken English, Kinyarwanda is mandatory.
Step III: Interview – 40 % out of technical assessment
A competency-based interview shall be conducted for all the candidates who obtained 70% of the points in the desk review.
Only candidates obtaining a minimum of 70% on the total of Steps II (60 points) + III (40 points) will be considered as technically qualified and will be reviewed further for financial evaluation.
Step IV: Financial Evaluation – 30%
The following formula will be used to evaluate financial proposal:
- Lowest priced proposal/price of the proposal being evaluated x 30.
Individual consultants and persons employed by a company or institution are invited to apply.?
Any individual employed by a company or institution who would like to submit an offer in response to a Procurement Notice for an Individual Consultant must do so in their individual capacity by providing a CV so that their qualifications may be judged accordingly.
Women candidates or women-owned businesses are strongly encouraged to apply.
UNCDF is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.