UNDP Jobs - 63964- Enhancement of the Climate and Disaster Exposure D

Enhancement of the Climate and Disaster Exposure Database (ClimEx.db) for the Project Areas Under RAPID Project

Location :

Manila, PHILIPPINES

Type of Contract :

Individual Contract

Starting Date :

16-Mar-2016

Application Deadline :

04-Mar-16 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

National Consultant

Duration of Initial Contract :

6 months

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

6 months

UNDP 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. UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

Background

The Climate and Disaster Exposure Database (ClimEx.db) is a set of software and accompanying user protocols that enable users to collect, organize, and manage data required to assess risks and exposure of households, buildings, and production areas to natural hazards.

It includes (1) a mobile surveying tool to collect data, and (2) a server to upload and store collected data. The mobile surveying tool is a custom-made application (app) installed in an Android tablet, and is used for setting up data capture, utilizing the map interface, marking survey points, capture information on households, buildings, and production areas, export of survey data and import of offline map data. The server functions as the database and is also used for generating waypoints through predefined GPS coordinates, for validating collected data from the mobile app, for tracking survey progress, and includes a map interface for data and waypoint reviewing.

In previous implementation of ClimEx.db in the areas affected by typhoons Sendong and Pablo, the collection of data involves field surveys conducted through direct-questionnaire interviews, taking of photographs, and capture of geographic coordinates from the GPS or maps built into the app. Three types of surveys was conducted: household survey, building survey, and production area survey. The survey was undertaken with the supervision and coordination of the LGU planning office and/or the partner academic institution. A User’s Manual as well as a Technical Manual has been developed to guide the survey personnel and future users of the database.

The implementation of ClimEx.db underwent the following phases of development: conceptual and logical design, development and implementation (programming), and installation and testing. Trainings and orientation of surveyors and database managers was conducted to guide users on the implementation, installation, maintenance, and operation of the ClimEx.db and on the actual conduct of a field survey in target sites.

The existing ClimEx.db has three platforms: 1) Survey Application to gather data; 2) Desktop Application to temporarily host the gathered data; and 3) Data Server to compile and post-process all the gathered data.

The purpose of this assignment is to implement an improved process of conducting household surveys in the target areas of RAPID through an upgrading of the current ClimEx.db design: to introduce enhancements in the set of software and accompanying user protocols, as well as to accommodate additional data to be collected, e.g., data requirements for natural resource assessments.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Climate Change Commission (CCC) is in need of the services of a qualified Program and Database System Consultant for the upgrading and enhancement of the ClimEx.db for RAPID. Specifically, the Consultant is expected to work on the following:

Develop the enhanced ClimEx.db system with but not limited to the succeeding features. The developer may opt to build on the existing ClimEx.db app or redevelop a new system. The development process should include prototyping and testing before developing the actual system; and improvement based on the feedback and comments of and finalization after the first batch of survey. The enhanced ClimEx.db system will (at least) have the following platforms and features;

ClimEx.db Survey Application:

Design of user interface

User-friendly interface (intuitive even to first time users); and
Interactive map interface for data and way point reviewing

System compatibility:

Operates in Android devices, Ice Cream Sandwich (API Level 14) and up;
Import maps and way-points from the pre-survey activity; and
Sync capability with the data server/desktop app and its data modifications (added survey questions/items)

Survey logic system:

Optimized survey questions based on the respective needs of the end users;
Appropriately designed question type and styles (e.g. drop down, grids, single response, multiple response, time, date, open ended, free-text and semantic scales);
Question routing or skip logic (show/hide questions depending on the previous answers);
In-survey calculations;
Adding supplementary textboxes as needed in the survey answers;
Integrated reference materials (e.g. user’s manual, PSIC and PSOC)within the system;
Option for hiding set/s of survey questions;
Auto-save capability at key stages of the interview; and
Linkable survey items on household, building and production

Data management:

Complete security model support

Integrated with comprehensive data validation mechanism through response specific validation checks (e.g. quantity or date range) and alerts;
Adding survey items/questions as needed by the end users;
Editing survey questions as needed by the end users;
Online and offline data upload to the desktop app or server;
Importing selected data from desktop app or server that may be relevant to the surveys to be done; and
Data linkage of survey items on household, building and production.

Other features:

Manual GPS location capture;
Integrated camera function with features that adjust photo resolutions and enable element-reference images during interview; and
Per surveyor quota management

ClimEx.db Data Server:

Design of user interface

User friendly interface; and
Interactive map interface for data and way point reviewing.

System compatibility:

Operates in desktop computers;
Import maps and way-points from the pre-survey activity; and
Sync capability with the survey app and its data modifications (added survey questions/items)

Data management:

Accepts and stores data from the survey app easily;
GIS-ready data for export to GIS software;
Complete security model support: secured login, users, groups and permissions on all objects;
Export results to spreadsheets (MS Excel) and document files (MS Word);
Inventory tracking, progress monitoring and summary reports production;
Adding and editing survey items/questions as needed by the end users;
Generate reports based on pre-defined database queries. This includes generating graphs and other applicable visual representations; and
Importing csv data from existing and other data sources. e.g. from Mobile based Community Based Monitoring System (CBMS).

ClimEx.db Desktop Application will (at least) have the same features as the ClimEx.db Data Server. In addition, this platform should be able to upload data to the ClimEx.db Data Server.

Develop methodology on how to integrate and import CBMS data to ClimEx.db system. In addition, the processed csv file of the existing CBMS data will be provided for integration and import to the ClimEx.db system.

Install and set-up the ClimEx.db system to the android tablets and windows computer.

Provide training and technical support to identified project implementation partners and end users.

Update or formulate the (a) User’s Manual, (b) Technical Reference Manual, (c) Documentation of the Schema, and (d) Training Manual.

Design an IT infrastructure for climate and disaster risk knowledge management and analytics portal.

Competencies

Corporate Competencies:

Demonstrates commitment to UNDP’s mission, vision and values;
Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability; and
Highest standards of integrity, discretion and loyalty.

Functional / Technical Competencies:

Strong knowledge of the latest theories and concepts in urban development and sustainable cities in the Philippines and broader region;
Strong analytical and research skills;
Familiarity with current actors working on urban development challenges in the Philippines;
Strong communication skills and ability to communicate with different stakeholders; and
Excellent in oral and written communication; have skills to write independent reports, documents, maintain systems and procedures in administering programs.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Graduate of any engineering or technology degree with courses taken in programming and software development.

Experience:

Must have at least 2 years experience in developing mobile applications and database server for Android operating system and desktop computer, respectively. Applicant must show demo/prototype of previous apps developed;
Demonstrated capability in implementing the app based on a predefined database design, standard and specification;
Operating knowledge in GIS software; and
Knowledge in the survey process.

Language:

Fluent in English.

Please see the link in the UNDP Procurement Notice for copies of complete Terms of Reference (TOR), Financial Proposal template and UNDP General Terms and Conditions for Individual Consultant:

http://procurement-notices.undp.org/view_notice.cfm?notice_id=28103.

Kindly send your financial proposal, together with your CV, no later than 4 March 2016, to the address below:

The Procurement Team

United Nations Development Programme

30th Floor, Yuchengco Tower, RCBC Plaza, 6819 Ayala Avenue corner Senator Gil Puyat Avenue, Makati City

procurement.ph@undp.org/jennette.montebon@undp.org