Background

Achieving SDGs alone according to UNCTAD’s World Investment Report will require $3,9 trillion per year between 2015 and 2030 for health, education and infrastructure - leaving a $2.5 trillion annual shortfall relative to the current and forecast commitments of $1,4 trillion. To address the financial gap, new sources of innovative finance models are needed (private and venture capital, P2P lending) as well as impactful partnerships aimed at socially geared investment projects that can leverage private investments alongside official development assistance. Innovative finance models, like crowdfunding (crowdfunding, crowd investment), impact investment, preventative and predictive finance are projected to overtake venture capitalists’ investments and grow over $100 billion as per World Bank statistics by 2020. As a form of innovative finance, Islamic Finance is one of the fastest-growing segments of the global financial industry with global assets expected to surpass US$3 trillion by 2020. The Islamic Finance, ideally, is an alternative way of financing based on ethical and socially responsible standards, which ensures fair distribution of benefits and obligations between all the parties in any financial transaction.

The initiative “NGO Empowerment for Poverty Reduction“ (“NGO empowerment”) Program is grounded in the 2030 Agenda for sustainable development, UNDP Digital Strategy, UNDP’s Strategic Plan 2018–2021, and UNDP’s ongoing work to address the challenges in the Europe and Central Asia (ECA) region and in other regions as well, based on the work of UNDP Alternative Finance Lab which is a part of UNDP Innovation Team. This initiative builds on the successes of and lessons learned from two phases of the Transformative Governance and Finance Facility projects, and seeks to support mapping and categorizing NGOs, platform-based approach and alternative finance mechanisms in support of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through the further work on prototypes and expanding to new grounds to understand what has the potential to be catalytic in the context of CSOs, the project was set to support CSOs through intervention of various partners of the Tadamon platform. 

In this context, we are inviting reputable and qualified companies with a track record of success in designing and producing digital solutions to develop the Tadamon platform. The platform will provide a look-and-feel of the web and will support aggregating functionalities while displaying the content in organized, attractive and user-friendly manner. An aggregator website will be used as a site that collects data and crowdfunding campaigns from other sources across the internet (e.g. crowdfunding platforms) and puts the information in one place where users can access it. It will also be used as a tool for communication and collaboration between the stakeholders for the sharing of expertise, knowledge and resources.

Objectives of assignment 

• Creating online repository for mapped CSOs, crowdfunding campaigns and other relevant resources.
• Website design and development of the custom "scraper" script which automatically and regularly syncs the data from the partners pages and crowdfunding websites with Tadamon database.
• Website maintenance, which would include applying security patches, clearing out log files, enlarging disk space before it runs out, sorting out security certificates and fixing bugs in the code.

Duties and Responsibilities

The following are key deliverables for the assignment:

Provide technical design and development of the functionalities in an interactive user-friendly web application. 

The aggregating website must accommodate following functionalities:

• Crowdfunding campaigns aggregated and connected with crowdfunding platforms; 
• Sign Up Forms 
• Tag and sorting of content;
• Multimedia content (photo, video, animations, embedded links for webinars/live cast etc.);
• Blog component;
• Sign up and contact forms; 
• Social media share function
• Dynamic map illustrating areas of implementation and brief project info with link to project sub-page;
• Ability to embed third-party articles 
• Ability to perform website Google Analytics
• Create wireframes of the website design concepts. 
• Intuitive UX & Functional Design Content Management System with an easy interface that works across devices
• Handling 10000+ users including signups, error messages & email notifications
• Handling large number of database entries
• Filtering & Tagging - most powerful and useful UX features for websites with many entries
• Search (Smart (suggestions) and fast search across multiple fields like tags, titles, body text)
• Newsletter (optional, 2020)
• Campaign Builder (simple interface where NGOs can create their unique content)
• Partner Space / Website Builder (simple interface where partners can create their unique content)
• Automatic Scraper Mechanisms (modification by programmers necessary once for each platform)

Install and configure relevant server applications on the website host server for secure, efficient and easy access of the website across all web platforms. 
Maximum Automatization (aggregating function) a custom "scraper" script which automatically and regularly syncs the data from the crowdfunding websites with our database
Secure and authenticated access to the website using secure https transmission channels. 
A database and a document management system to store, manage and track documents uploaded to the website for downloads and easy access through remote sharing. 
Develop corresponding user accounts and interfaces for the website administrators. 
Administrator and end user training on the various website functionalities. 
Gradually develop guidelines for consistent web design, in collaboration with relevant team members, considering existing guidelines and best practices. 
Provide 24/7 support and server handling as part of standard ongoing support SLA.
Create visual and media design for Tadamon platform and project – according to the platform visual identity developed within the project (up to 36 days foreseen)

Deliverables 

Deliverable 1 (indicative work input app. 28%): Program and implement Tadamon platform. 31 days in total, expected to be delivered by 30 May 2020.

• Write an inception report that details how the assignments will be delivered (2%)
• Create detailed requirement gathering and website specification and functionality (9%)
• Create database for signing up CSOs (9%)
• Run security and functionality testing of Tadamon platform (8%)

Deliverable 2 (indicative work input app. 40%): Design a visual identity for Tadamon platform and Tadamon social media. 45 days in total, expected to be delivered by 30 June 2020.

• Create Tadamon website design and wire framing (15%)
• Deliver creative and innovative ideas for print, electronic, web-based and animated presentations (15%)
• Design of other communication materials for printing and electronic distribution (10%)

Deliverable 3 (indicative work input app. 10%): Design of the Tadamon Launching video up to 3 minutes long. 10 days, expected to be delivered by 30 July 2020.
Deliverable 4 (indicative work input app. 7%): Design of the Tadamon 5 short videos for social media and to show the progress of the project. 7 days, expected to be delivered by 30 September 2020.
Deliverable 5 (indicative work input app. 15%): Perform regular security and maintenance checks. Deployment and addressing feedbacks, user how-to guide. 17 days, expected to be delivered by 30 November 2020.

Payments will be made only upon confirmation of UNDP on delivering on the contract obligations in a satisfactory manner.

Competencies

Corporate Competencies:

• Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’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.
• Treats all people fairly without favoritism.
• Fulfills all obligations to gender sensitivity and zero tolerance for sexual harassment.

Functional Competencies:

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, ability to work in team and multi-cultural environments.
• Openness to change and ability to receive/integrate feedback.
• Ability to work under pressure and tight deadlines.

Core Competencies 

• Strong knowledge of the field of expertise with good analytical skills, ability to understand complex problems and to deliver appropriate solutions. 
• Good spoken and written communication skills, including the ability to liaise with technical staff and present information in a clear and concise style. 
• Good interpersonal skills and ability to establish and maintain effective working relations in a multicultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity. 
• Ability to plan projects and activities, work to tight deadlines, and manage conflicting priorities. 
• Ability to understand users' needs and to customize services and products accordingly, in order to provide user-friendly and ergonomic solutions that meet user requirements. 
• Expert knowledge in the field of web design and user experience. 
• Willingness to keep abreast of new developments in the field of expertise.

Required Skills and Experience

Education: 

• Secondary education is required. Bachelor's degree in visual production will be considered as an advantage.

Experience: 

• At least 4 years of graphic designer professional experience.
• Strong theoretical and practical background in graphic design, including the use of design software such as Adobe Design Premium, In-Design, CorelDraw, web design tools such as Dreamweaver and Flash, etc.
• Proven experience of graphic production from start to published/printed product with knowledge of printing processes and color management.
• At least 4 years of experience working with new and evolving technologies and digital platforms such as Augmented Reality AR, Virtual Reality, Mixed reality.
• Experience of working with standard software packages, including MS Office– MS Access–MS; Visio –Adobe Acrobat.
• Created graphic designs for at least 20 crowdfunding campaigns (add links to your CV or P11 form).
• At least one year of working experience in the area of development in international organizations is an asset.

Language:

• Fluency in oral and written English is required.

Evaluation of Applicants

Individual consultants will be evaluated based on a cumulative analysis taking into consideration the combination of the applicants’ qualifications and financial proposal. 

The award of the contract should 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 weighted technical (P11 desk reviews, interviews) and financial criteria specific to the solicitation. 

Only candidates who will get at least 70% of points in desk review (Criteria A-H) will be invited for interviews. Only candidates who will get at least 70% of points in technical evaluation (Criteria A-J) will be considered for financial evaluation.

Technical Criteria - 70% of total evaluation – max. 35 points:

• Criteria A - (desk review) 4 years of graphic designer professional experience – max points: 4;
• Criteria B - (desk review) Strong theoretical and practical background in graphic design, including the use of design software such as Adobe Design Premium, In-Design, CorelDraw, web design tools such as Dreamweaver and Flash, etc.– max points: 4;
• Criteria C– (desk review) Experience of working with standard software packages, including MS Office– MS Access–MS; Visio –Adobe Acrobat - max points: 3;
• Criteria D – (desk review) 4 years of experience working with new and evolving technologies and digital platforms such as Augmented Reality AR, Virtual Reality, Mixed reality – max points: 3;
• Criteria E – (desk review) Created graphic designs for at least 20 crowdfunding campaigns (add links) – max points: 3;
• Criteria F – (desk review) One year of working experience in the area of development in international organizations – max points: 3;
• Criteria G – (desk review) Bachelor's degree in visual production – max points: 3;
• Criteria H – (desk review) Copy of catalogue or samples of the design work – max points: 3;
• Criteria I – (interviews) Proven experience of graphic production from start to published/printed product with knowledge of printing processes and color management - max points: 4;
• Criteria J - (interviews) Fluency in English - max points: 5. 

Financial Criteria - 30% of total evaluation – max. 15 points.

Application procedures

The application submission is a two-step process. Failing to comply with the submission process may result in disqualifying the applications.

Step 1: Interested candidates must include the following documents when submitting the applications (Please group all your documents into one (1) single PDF attachment as the system only allows upload of one document): 

• Cover letter explaining why you are the most suitable candidate for the advertised position and copy of catalogue or samples of the design work (you can provide link of  minimum 20 samples). Please paste the letter into the "Resume and Motivation" section of the electronic application. 
• Filled P11 form or CV including past experience in similar projects and contact details of referees (blank form can be downloaded from http://www.eurasia.undp.org/content/dam/rbec/docs/P11_modified_for_SCs_and_ICs.doc); 
• Incomplete applications will not be considered. Please make sure you have provided all requested materials

Step 2: Submission of Financial Proposal - Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and requested to provide a financial offer.

Payments will be made only upon confirmation of UNDP on delivering on the contract obligations in a satisfactory manner. 
Individual Consultants are responsible for ensuring they have vaccinations/inoculations when travelling to certain countries, as designated by the UNDP Medical Director. Consultants are also required to comply with the UN security directives set forth under dss.un.org
General Terms and conditions as well as other related documents can be found under: http://on.undp.org/t7fJs.