Background

UNDP Somalia has recently upgraded its CO intranet to the SharePoint 2010 platform and as part of the process also upgraded existing business process automation tools / workflows using InfoPath Forms. These tools are aimed at enhancing the efficiency with which these business processes are carried out by providing a platform where both the service unit and users can easily track the status of the posted requests.

Duties and Responsibilities

Objectives of the assignment:
  • To further automate additional business processes using SharePoint workflows and InfoPath Forms.
  • To enhance look and feel of the overall design of the CO intranet.
Scope of work:

The SharePoint 2010 Workflow tools to be developed are the following:

  • Individual Contractor Tracking Tool
  • 5% Learning Time Off Request Tool
  • PPU Reporting Tool
Also to be included in the scope of work are the following:
  • Enhance Staff Directory to allow for Tracking of Location Status of individual staff members
  • Enhancement of design of the various intranet pages – This will be done in coordination with the respective user departments and our in-house ICT staff.
Monitoring and Progress controls:

The timelines captured in the proposal for development of each tool will form basis of tracking timeliness of completion of each milestone.

3 User Acceptance Tests (UAT) for each tool will be required to ensure that each tool has met the requirements as envisaged by the user department. The first UAT will be immediately after the tool is developed and the feedback given to the consultant will form the basis for the second UAT. Consequently, the feedback given from the second UAT, the final review of the tool will be to thoroughly test the workflow to ensure that it is performing without giving error messages at any stage and that the reports generated are consistent with the data captured.

Final product/Deliverables:

Individual Contractor Tracking Tool
  • A functional tool that will be used by the HR unit to track the process of individual contract capturing all the stages from the submission stage done by the hiring unit to the final payment stage. The workflow should have the capability to send out notifications in all stages to the staff involved either for approval or recommendations.
  • 5% Learning Time Off Request Tool: A functional tool that will be used by staff members to apply for the 5% learning time during the year i.e. 12 days in a year. The tool will consist of a workflow capturing all the stages from the initial application stage to the final approval stage with notifications either for recommendations or approvals to the relevant staff. 
PPU Reporting Tool:
  • A functional PPU reporting tool with workflow designed for the programmes to be able to track signed report agreements. The tool should have the set reminder feature to alert the programme managers two months prior to report expiry dates. It should consist of a workflow capturing stages from when the draft report was submitted to the approval stage of the final report. The tool should also send out notifications to the involved staff members.
  • Enhance Staff Directory to allow for Tracking of Location Status of individual staff members:A functional tool that captures all the details of the employees in the organization. i.e. Name of staff member, title, photo upload, email address, Telephone Number, Mobile Number etc. Also, staff should be able to update their location status to indicate when they are on leave, on mission, etc. The tool should be simple for staff members to enter their details themselves and also allow for search functionality. Authentication of users is via local AD.
  • Enhancement of design of the various intranet pages – This will be done in coordination with the respective user departments and our in-house ICT staff: The designs should be done in a user friendly environment preferably HTML that will be easy for the end user to edit if necessary.

N.B: An initial meeting will be held with the stakeholders so as to clearly captured the workflow of each tool, identify points at which notifications need to be sent to both the requestor and the approver, as well as the kind of reports expected for each tool.

As indicated above, we will also come up with a User Acceptance Tests for each of the 3 phases of User Acceptance to ensure that the tools are functioning according to specification.

Review/approval time:

The Approval of the tools will be done individually based on the specified requirements and hence payment will be based on milestones achieved.

Competencies

Competencies:
  • Demonstrates strong technical/functional proficiencies and knowledge in areas of expertise. Shows knowledge of company business and proficiency in the strategic and financial processes.
  • Results orientated with good listening, verbal and written communication skills , coupled with good interpersonal skills
  • Good understanding of business needs of a large decentralized intergovernmental organization
  • Promotes cooperation and commitment within a team to achieve set goals.
  • Develops and shares fresh ideas with others that provide solutions to workplace challenges, improves on existing and new systems that challenge the status quo, takes risks, and encourages innovation.

Required Skills and Experience

Academic Qualifications:
  • Bachelors degree in Computer science or any IT related field
Years of experience:
  • 7 years of System Development (Computer Programming) experience with 3 of these specifically in SharePoint 2007/2010 Development services, with implementation of projects in the provision of SharePoint development services.
  • Certification in Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) or (MCSD) Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer
  • Experience in MYSQL database development, coupled with good knowledge of HTML language, PHP, Dot net and ASP is also desirable
  • Proven experience with analyzing and documenting complex business processes and workflows and interacting directly with end users
Language requirements:
  • Proficiency in both oral and written English language

Other Information:

Terms of Service:

This is a non-staff contract under the Individual Contractor (IC) modality of hiring of the UNDP. Individuals engaged under an IC serve in their individual capacity and not as representative of a government institutions, corporate body or other authority external to UNDP. The incumbent shall not be considered as staff of UNDP, the UN common system or the government and are therefore not entitled to any diplomatic privileges or any other special status or conditions.