Background

The Regional Bureau for Arab States (RBAS) of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) based in New York serves as the headquarters for UNDP Regional Programme for Arab States and country offices in 17 Arab countries, with the 18th located in Palestine.

RBAS has an office located in Beirut (Lebanon) which serves as a platform for operation for the Regional Programme for Arab States projects and/or activities that are being implemented across the Arab region.

Region-wide initiatives through the Regional Programme for Arab States complement support to regional projects including, but not limited to: Arab Human Development Report (AHDR), Strengthening Arab Economic Integration for Sustainable Development (SAEISD), Anti-corruption and Integrity in the Arab Countries (ACIAC), Arab Development Portal (ADP), Arab Climate Resilience Initiative (ACRI), Arab Knowledge Project (AKP), Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR), Fostering Inclusive Participation and Effective Contribution of Women in the Public Sphere (Mosharaka), Promoting Social Cohesion in the Arab Region (PSCAR).

The services required from the individual contractor shall meet the needs of any of the projects mentioned above.

Duties and Responsibilities

The task of the Web Designer is to assist the regional programme in internally developing web designs for the regional projects (e.g. responsive websites design, mobile applications, interactive online brochures, HTML5 animations). Under the overall supervision of the Resource Management Specialist, and the direct supervision of project managers and Management Support Unit (MSU) Team the Web Designer shall perform the following tasks and responsibilities:

• Liaise with the team members to understand users' needs and identify corresponding user interface requirements, workflows, and functionalities. In this regard, researching the topics addressed in the requested design is highly required i.e to understand the use of colors and icons in line with international criteria;
• Read and understand the needed software project requirements received from the ICT coordinator, the management and project managers;
• The expert should expect about a week’s lead time to review outputs, give comments, certify approval/acceptance of outputs, etc.
• Create Visual Designs: The Web Designer shall create and develop website layouts, designs, and content which shall include the creation of “Look-and-Feel” using visual design basics to create strong designs in line with the proposed visual identity.
• Sitemap and sketching: The Web Designer shall create and deliver the sitemap and wireframes of pages to serve as a blueprint for the required system. During this process, all key pages and modules inside shall be taken into consideration while creating the sitemap, showing their relationship to each other and defining how the overall navigation should be structured. The wireframes shall be provided by the incumbent to highlight the recommended detailed view of the content that will appear on each page. They shall represent a guide for defining content hiearchy on the page;
• Template designs: upon approval on the sitemap and wireframes, the incumbent shall create and deliver at least 2 responsive template design proposals. These templates shall include but not limited to the following elements: interface design – look and feel, colors, font sizes, pages (or sections) header and footers, pages titles, style sheets icons, buttons, tables, popup windows styles, related graphics and images. General template compatibility guide:
  • Chrome 7.0 and higher;
  • Safari 5.0 and higher;
  • Opera 9.5 and higher;
  • Firefox 3.0 and higher;
  • IE 7.0 and higher;
  • All mobile browsers/OS;
  • All screen sizes in portrait and landscape layout.
• Prototype: upon approval on the selected template, the incumbent shall prepare the prototype; this will serve as an online like website using the template and guidelines defined in the template design. At this stage the Web Designer will be responsible of delivering all materials (design files, html, vector, etc…) to the regional programme.

Online and printed brochures (requiring HTML5 animation):

• Develop interactive online version of the brochure – based on the same selected design – for webpages, e-mails exchange and social media, and for presentations (e.g. using interactive touch screens);
• Advise on the program’s options and techniques, i.e. user-friendly interfaces, compatible layouts, etc;
• Develop a responsive design for the interactive brochure: provide optimal user experience across wide range of devices (mobile, tablets, laptops and huge presentation screens…) changing to different layout format (portrait or landscape);
• User Experience/User Interaction: Advise on multiple interaction scenarios based on user selection for any component/module inside the brochure. The brochure shall be well structured and easy to navigate;
• The interactive brochure shall be developed using well-known technology (preferably HTML5), Usage of software such as Adobe EDGE Animate is encouraged;
• The interactive brochure shall be cross-platform compatible: iOS, Android, Windows mobile, Microsoft Windows, Mac OS, etc...
• The developed interactive brochure might be integrated inside other parties’ information systems (e.g. websites), it should be exported to html, pdf and image format;
• Social media integration for the online version. Ability to share any part of the brochure on social media pages.               

Application Design (IOS, Android)

• Translate a mobile application idea into an interactive wireframe that allows users to visualize the navigation and content relationships. The consultant must develop requirements into a fully branded mobile application design ready for front-end developers to build upon.

EXPECTED OUTPUTS AND DELIVERABLES

Progress towards achieving each task during the contract will be monitored on regular basis and with reference to a clear set of deliverables, including, where needed/applicable:

• Static systems (e.g. online brochure not linked to database): delivering the final systems including all source codes which are the sole property of United Nations Development Programme and should be delivered upon project’s closure along with all third party licenses (including graphics);
• Dynamic systems (e.g. websites, mobile application linked to database): delivering the design files with all materials (design files, html, vector, etc…) to the developer and Management Support Unit (MSU) team. These files will be the sole property of United Nations Development Programme and should be delivered upon project’s closure along with all third party licenses (including graphics);
• Progress Reports (daily, weekly, or monthly as agreed on each engagement of service at any time requested throughout the assignment);
• Issues Logs;
• Source codes of applications where applicable. 

Competencies

Corporate

• Demonstrates integrity and fairness, by modeling the UN/UNDP’s values and ethical standards;
• Promotes the vision, mission and strategic goals of UNDP;
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;

Functional

• Ability to plan, prioritize, manage a demanding workload and meet the set deadlines;
• A well-established track record in graphic designing, branding, online content design and infographics creation;
• Excellent web design and creative skills;
• Proficiency in software design;
• Creative and proactive;
• Knowledge of Adobe Illustrator and Flash or edge is desirable;
• Demonstrated ability to adapt quickly to the working environment.  Proven ability to work proactively and as part of a multi-sectoral cross-cultural team.
• Background knowledge about the SDGs, United Nations and UNDP is a plus;
• Ability to work independently and achieve quality results with limited supervision and within tight schedules;
• Good teamwork and interpersonal skills;
• Strong analytical and synthesis skills;
• Ability to write in a clear and concise manner;
• Flexibility and ability to handle multiple tasks and work under pressure;
• Excellent computer skills especially Word, Excel and Power Point.
• Demonstrated ability to adapt quickly to the working environment.  Proven ability to work proactively and as part of a multi-sectoral cross-cultural team.

Leadership

• Demonstrated ability to think strategically and to provide credible leadership;
• Demonstrated intellectual leadership and ability to integrate knowledge with broader strategic overview and corporate vision;
• Demonstrated flexibility in leadership by performing and/or overseeing the analysis/resolution of complex issues;
• Ability to conceptualize and convey strategic vision from the spectrum of development experience.

Managing Relationships

• Demonstrated well developed people management and organizational management skills;
• Excellent negotiating and networking skills with strong partnerships in academia, technical organizations and as a recognized expert in the practice area.

Managing Complexity

• Ability to address global development issues;
• Demonstrated substantive leadership and ability to integrate knowledge with broader strategic, policy and operational objectives.

Knowledge Management and Learning

• Promotes knowledge management in UNDP and a learning environment in the office through leadership and personal example;
• Seeks and applies knowledge, information and best practices from within and outside of UNDP;
• Demonstrates a strong capacity for innovation and creativity;  

Judgment/Decision-Making

• Mature judgment and initiative;
• Independent judgment and discretion in advising on handling major policy issues and challenges, uses diplomacy and tact to achieve result.

Required Skills and Experience

Academic Qualification

• Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Information Technology or any related field. 

Technical Experience

• A minimum of 7 years of relevant work experience in web design and HTML development in possession of a Bachelor’s degree, or 5 years of relevant work experience if the applicant is in possession of a Master’s degree;
• Proven experience records in branding and online content design;
• Experience in arts and Graphic Software;
• Previous Experience in Design Programs (Visual Studio, Adobe Dreamweaver, HTML, DHTML, XML…)
• Experience in development of charts;
• Experience in web development;
• Experience in mobile application design is a plus;
• Previous experience working with UN in the context of Arab countries.

Language Requirements

• Fluency and proficiency in reading and understanding English and Arabic is required. Knowledge of an additional official UN language is an asset.

INSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENT

• The work is expected to start upon contract signature;
• S/He shall perform tasks under the general guidance of the Resource Management Specialist and the direct supervision of project managers and MSU Team. The supervision will include approvals/acceptance of the outputs as identified in previous sections;
• The contractor is required to exhibit his or her commitment to this assignment with UNDP-RBAS;
• The contractor will report to the Project Managers/CTAs and the Management Support Team;
• The supervision will include approvals/acceptance of the outputs as identified in the previous section;
• The contractor is expected to liaise and collaborate in the course of performing the work with other consultants, suppliers and UN colleagues;
• The individual is required to maintain close communication with the UNDP-RBAS on regular and needed basis at any period throughout the assignment in order to monitor progress. In the event of any delay, s/he will inform UNDP promptly so that decisions and remedial action may be taken accordingly. Delays that would affect the flow of the collaborative work and the delivery of outputs on schedule will lead to termination of contract; and
• Should UNDP deem it necessary, it reserves the right to commission additional inputs, reviews or revisions, as needed to ensure the quality and relevance of the work;
• It should be noted that the LTA does not create a financial obligation or commitment from UNDP, thereby non-exclusive, meaning it does not prohibit UNDP from entering into another framework agreement with another individual or entity. Financial commitments will only be established each time services are requested under the contract, through an agreed triggering action or document that signals the commencement of a given engagement.

DURATION OF THE WORK

The LTA duration is one year from contract signature date to be extended for 2 years (1+1) based on satisfactory performance, programme’s needs and availability of funds

DUTY STATION

This assignment will be home based.  

If unforeseen travel outside the consultant home based city is requested by UNDP and not required by the Terms of References (ToR), such travel shall be covered by UNDP in line with applicable rules and regulations and upon prior written agreement. In such cases, the consultant shall receive living allowances not exceeding the United Nations (UN) Daily Subsistence Allowance (DSA) rate for such other location(s).

SCOPE OF PRICE PROPOSAL AND SCHEDULE OF PAYMENTS

All proposals must be expressed in a fee per day rate. Unit rate/day fees must be “all-inclusive”. Please note that the terms “all-inclusive” implies that all costs (professional fees, communications, consumables, etc.) that could possibly be incurred are already factored into the final amounts submitted in the proposal.

The contractor will be paid an all-inclusive Deliverables/Outputs based lumpsum amounts over the assignment period, subject to the submission of Certification of Payment (CoP) duly certified or an invoice and confirmation of satisfactory performance of achieved work (deliverables/outputs).

Individual consultants will be evaluated based on the following methodologies:

Step I: Screening and desk review:

Individual consultants will be evaluated based on the following methodology.

Applications will be first screened and only candidates meeting the following minimum requirements will progress to the pool for shortlisting:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Information Technology or any related field;
• A minimum of 7 years of relevant work experience in web design and HTML development is in possession of a Bach-elor’s degree, or 5 years of relevant work experience if the applicant is in possession of a Master’s degree;
• Language proficiency in both written and spoken English and Arabic

Shortlisted Candidates will be then assessed and scored against the following evaluation criteria.

Technical evaluation Criteria max 100 points (Weighted 70):

• A minimum of 7 years of relevant work experience in web design and HTML development is in possession of a Bach-elor’s degree, and 5 years of relevant work experience if the applicant is in possession of a Master’s degree (20 points);
• Proven track record of work experience in branding, online content design, arts and Graphic Software (20 points);
• Previous Experience in Design Programs (Visual Studio, Adobe Dreamweaver, HTML, DHTML, XML…)  (20 points);
• Fluency in written and spoken English and Arabic (15 points);
• Sample of previous work (15 points);
• Previous experience working with UN in the context of Arab countries (10 points). 

Financial Criteria - 30% of total evaluation

For those offers considered in the financial evaluation, the lowest price offer will receive 30 points.                 
The other offers will receive points in relation to the lowest offer, based on the following formula:                 
(PI / Pn)* 30 where Pn is the financial offer being evaluated and Pl is the lowest financial offer received.

Step II: Final evaluation

The final evaluation will combine the scores of the desk review and the financial proposal with the following weights assigned to each:

Individual consultants will be evaluated based on the cumulative analysis methodology (weighted scoring method), where the award of the contract will be made to the individual consultant whose offer has been evaluated and determined as:

• Responsive/compliant/acceptable; and
• Having received the highest score out of a pre-determined set of technical and financial criteria specific to the solicitation.

Technical Criteria weight: [70%]
Financial Criteria weight:  [30%]

Only Individual Consultants obtaining a minimum of 49 points (70%) on the Technical evaluation would be considered for the Financial Evaluation.