Background

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the knowledge frontier organization for sustainable development in the UN Development System and serves as the integrator for collective action to realize the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). UNDP's policy work carried out at HQ, Regional Hubs and Country Office levels, forms a contiguous spectrum of deep local knowledge to cutting-edge global perspectives and advocacy. In this context, UNDP invests in the Global Policy Network (GPN), a network of field-based and global technical expertise across a wide range of knowledge domains and in support of the signature solutions and organizational capabilities envisioned in the Strategic Plan.

 

Within the GPN, the Bureau for Policy and Programme Support (BPPS) has the responsibility for developing all relevant policy and guidance to support the results of UNDP's Strategic Plan. BPPS's staff provides technical advice to Country Offices, advocates for UNDP corporate messages, represents UNDP at multi-stakeholder fora including public-private dialogues, government and civil society dialogues, and engages in UN inter-agency coordination in specific thematic areas. BPPS works closely with UNDP's Crisis Bureau (CB) to support emergency and crisis response. BPPS ensures that issues of risk are fully integrated into UNDP's development programmes.  BPPS assists UNDP and partners to achieve higher quality development results through an integrated approach that links results-based management and performance monitoring with more effective and new ways of working.  BPPS supports UNDP and partners to be more innovative, knowledge and data driven including in its programme support efforts.

UNDP’s partnership with the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB, and Malaria (Global Fund), in line with the UNDP HIV, Health and Development Strategy 2016-2021: Connecting the Dots, makes a vital contribution to UNDP’s Strategic Plan 2018-2021, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the SDGs and the pledge to leave no one behind. As a long-standing partner of the Global Fund, UNDP’s value proposition lies in providing an integrated package of development solutions to strengthen institutions to deliver health services. Through its contributions as interim Principal Recipient (PR) and provider of technical assistance to Global Fund grants for HIV, TB, and malaria programmes in 53 countries since 2003, UNDP’s provision of integrated policy, implementation and capacity development support to countries has yielded significant health and development results in challenging operating environments. While managing Global Fund grants, UNDP simultaneously works to develop the capacity of governments and/or civil society organizations to serve as PRs at interim when circumstances permit.  It works to develop national capacity with a focus on long-term sustainability, leveraging UNDP’s global experience and its experience in capacity development.

 

The BPPS Global Fund/Health Implementation Support Team (GF/HIST) provides support to UNDP Country Offices to implement high performing health programmes supported by the Global Fund and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, to manage both partnerships at the corporate level, and enhance complementary partnerships and UNDP service offerings to help governments strengthen systems for health. Knowledge management is a core element of this work, including efforts to capture, facilitate the exchange of, and translate lessons and experiences into practical guidance for Country Offices. As part of this support, GF/HIST manages several web-based platforms to share up-to-date guidance and resources for UNDP and partners’ health implementation and health systems strengthening activities. These include: the 1) Global Fund/Health Implementation Guidance Manual (Manual); 2) Capacity Development for Health website (CD website); and 3) Procurement and Supply Chain Management (PSM) eLearning platform.

GF/HIST is seeking an IC for Web Development and Management to provide technical support to the management and further enhancement of these three knowledge management and learning platforms. Specifically, priorities for this consultancy include:

Digital enhancements and ongoing technical support to the two primary external knowledge platforms for UNDP health implementation support (the Manual and CD website):

The Manual provides guidance on key aspects of Global Fund project implementation throughout the life of a grant, such as translating relevant lessons learnt from UNDP’s partnership with the Global Fund into practice pointers, providing clear links to the appropriate UNDP Programme and Operations Policies and Procedures (POPP) for each step of project implementation, and providing clear links to the appropriate Global Fund policies and procedures for each step of project implementation. The CD website provides extensive information about capacity development for health including step-by-step guidance, best practices, examples, case studies and stories; relevant resources and links; and templates and tools. It is a complementary resource to the Manual, with a scope that goes beyond the capacity development processes specific to the implementation of Global Fund programmes.  

Both websites are managed by a GF/HIST Site Coordinator, with content inputs from various GF/HIST thematic focal points. While the Coordinator is trained in the CMS, GF/HIST requires an IC with expertise in web development to support troubleshooting and updates that cannot be completed in-house. Additionally, a set of planned enhancements are envisioned for the optimization of both websites, including improvements to back-end functionalities, end-user experience and engagement, and new features such as language translations.

 

Support to PSM eLearning site management and migration to a new host:

UNDP’s Procurement and Supply Chain Management (PSM) team has developed an online PSM training since 2011. Its purpose is to teach the basics of procurement & supply management in health programs to UNDP staff in the country offices, staff of national counterparts such as staff of national central medical stores and medicines regulatory agencies, and staff of development/health organizations willing to learn more about PSM. The idea is also to develop more specialized modules for specific topics.

These online guidance and training modules will develop capacity and promote a better understanding of key PSM topics to UNDP staff as well as PSM professionals and Managers. The course is an essential showcase of UNDP international PSM work and an important capacity development tool. As part of this assignment, the IC will support the hosting, maintenance, user management, platform management and marketing of the new PSM Online eLearning platform.

To reduce current costs of the platform and optimize in-house capacities for its management, the IC will also support the migration of the eLearning site from its current host, Empower, to a UNDP-hosted platform. It is expected that the migration process will be carried out over 1.5 months. The IC should work in close collaboration with Empower and document the processes and steps taken in order to increase the maximum transfer of institutional knowledge.

Objectives

Overall objectives of this assignment are to:

  • Utilize new technologies, software and approaches to develop faster, improved global access, mobile responsive, relevant and up-to-date, low cost, easy to manage and user friendly dynamic websites for the UNDP Global Fund Capacity Development for Health platform and Global Fund/Health Implementation Guidance Manual.
  • Facilitate the migration and continued maintenance of the UNDP PSM eLearning platform to a UNDP-managed host.

Duties and Responsibilities

The consultant will work with relevant team members and leverage data and end-user feedback to identify additional requirements and solutions to support the objectives of the Manual and CD website. Under the supervision of the Programme Analyst, GF/HIST, the consultant will develop a workplan with timelines and outputs for the two websites based on agreed tasks and priorities for site enhancements and maintenance, which may include but are not limited to the following activities:

1. Health Implementation Guidance Manual

1.1. Improve the overall admin experience

  • Support the testing and roll-out of a new modern CMS;
  • Identify bugs or areas for simplifying CMS features for ease of use;
  • Provide support to updating content in parts of the site requiring HTML experience;

1.2. Improve end-user engagement

  • Create a download as PDF functionality for site sections;
  • Create and test the utility of a chatbot feature to lead users to relevant sections;
  • Review and optimize the mobile experience of the website, and implement available updates;
  • Analyze user statistics and site feedback to inform further updates and enhancements and produce a report on Google Analytics metrics on a quarterly basis;
  • Provide support to the Site Coordinator to address technical issues, including checking for broken links, supporting amendments to visual elements of the site;

1.3. Develop language translation functionalities

  • Develop a feature that allows for automatic translations of page contents into multiple languages (e.g. via Google Translate) across the entire site, obtain feedback from end-users, and adapt as needed;
  • Alongside the automatic translation feature, support the incremental development of more robust French-language content by incorporating a set of manually-translated French pages and resources onto the site.

 

2. Capacity Development for Health website

2.1. Develop language translation functionalities

  • As with the Guidance Manual, apply a whole-of-site language switcher function for a range of languages, whilst supporting the integration of a set of manually-translated French pages and resources into the site;

2.2. Enhance the general user experience

  • Working with the Site Coordinator, assess site statistics and user feedback to determine areas for improvement to the overall site layout and ease of navigation;
  • Maximize the templates and design features available in Netlify for ease of navigation, including through well-designed menus and enhancements to the home page;
  • Create a download as PDF functionality;
  • Enhance the mobile experience of the site for end-users;
  • Support further development of the resource library;

2.3. Provide support to content updates

  • Support the Site Coordinator in the uploading, formatting, and quality assurance of the dynamic content of the website;
  • Assist in updating the ‘Results’ section of the website, including changes to charts, infographics, maps, and other visualizations;

2.4. Increase engagement with target audiences

  • On a monthly basis, analyse metrics from Google Analytics and Hotjar to generate progress reports and insights to inform further enhancements;
  • Support the Site Coordinator to leverage and build on the existing subscriber list to promote user engagement;
  • Create a chatbot to lead users to relevant site sections;
  • Maximize the tools available in Netlify to enhance the visibility of the site in search engines;

2.5 Test the application of cloud dashboards to enhance the visibility of existing capacity development tools at country and global level;

 

3. PSM e-learning migration

The overall objectives of this component is to 1) Carry out the design, migration and setting up a new server for the PSM e-Learning platform; and 2) Manage the maintenance of the platform, administration of the users and support to content owners and stakeholders after migration to the new platform. Under the overall supervision of the Senior Health PSM Advisor, the eLearning PSM web development and web management consultant will support:

3.1. Migration and setting up a new server for the e-Learning platform

  • Analyze, identify and acquire a new hosting platform
  • Coordinate with the previous supplier to make sure that the technical requirements of the hosting environment match the one which currently hosts the eLearning platform
  • Configure, create a test instance of the cloned eLearning website, and migrate the platform to the new environment
  • Configure the other necessary tools on the server (monitoring, email server)
  • Plan and execute a comprehensive testing procedure to make sure the transition from the old hosting platform to the new works flawlessly

3.2. Maintenance of the platform, administration of the users and support to content owners and stakeholders

  • Platform maintenance, including ongoing technical support for users, regular software updates and other minor administrative tasks
  • Course administration and addressing user queries related to technical queries
  • User analytics including monthly, quarterly and annual reports.
  • Setup a backup system and create a process to make sure the system is up to date (operating system, security patches)
  • Give support for the content owners to edit and modify course contents
  • Advise the stakeholders regarding the technical feasibilities for developing the platform further, create plans and roadmaps for further developments

Expected deliverables*

  • The development and preparation of guidance to support the adaption of the Manual to a new CMS system and optimized admin experience (5 days)
  • Updates and new features, including chatbot and PDF function, integrated into the Manual (7 days)
  • New features tested and design changes and updates integrated into the different web pages of the CD website to enhance end-user experience and utility (14 days)
  • Mobile optimization for both websites (4 days)
  • Periodic reports produced on user analytics data for the Manual and CD website to inform further site improvements and plans to increase user engagement (6 days)
  • French-language version of both websites launched, as well as an overall language switcher function (17 days)
  • Ad hoc support provided to the Site Coordinator and end-users for the maintenance of the Manual and CD website, with technical issues addressed and solutions implemented in response to issues (12 days)
  • Current PSM eLearning platform migrated in a new in-house, secure environment, with all functionalities working as in the current platform, write documentation of the new server setup and provide any required troubleshooting after the launch (20 days)
  • Create and manage PSM eLearning links with other relevant UNDP strengthening health systems platforms and resources (5 days)
  • Required support given to the end-users as well as for the UNDP course content owners after the PSM eLearning migration to the new platform (10 days)

 

*The exact scope and number of days for each deliverable subject to change through workplan to be developed in consultation with the Programme Analyst and PSM Advisor for the respective workstreams

 

Reporting

For activities pertaining to the two websites, the consultant will report to the Programme Analyst, GF/HIST, acting as coordinator for both platforms.

For activities pertaining to the PSM eLearning Platform, the consultant will report to the Senior Health PSM Advisor.

Travel

In the case of unforeseen travel, all travel costs will be covered by UNDP according to its rules and regulations. Travel, payment of travel costs including tickets, lodging and terminal expenses will be agreed upon, between UNDP and the Individual Consultant, prior to travel and will be covered and paid by UNDP. The fare will always be “most direct, most economical” and any difference in price with the preferred route will be paid for by the expert.

 

Evaluation

Candidates will be evaluated using a combined scoring method with the qualifications and methodology weighted at 70% and the price offer weighted at 30%.  Only candidates obtaining a minimum of 49% (out of 70%) points on the technical qualifications part will be considered for the Financial Evaluation.

 

Criteria for technical evaluation (70 points maximum)

  • Relevance of education to the consultancy (10 points);
  • A minimum of 5 years of experience in optimizing and maintaining web systems, database server infrastructure or equivalent (15 points);
  • Experience creating technical proposals and project management plans for website and ICT development (10 points);
  • Experience in developing and managing a website using a modern static website generator for uploading and formatting of website content that is easy to navigate (10 points);
  • Experience managing websites using Netlify servers and Content Distribution Network (CDN) or equivalent is an advantage (10);
  • Analyzing google analytics and other webmaster tools, and applying this to the design of websites to improve the experience of end users is an advantage (5 points);
  • The candidate must provide a link to a website that they have been actively involved in the development and management of together with a description of their role (10 points);

 

Criteria for financial evaluation (30 points maximum)

  • p = y (µ/z), where
  • p = points for the financial proposal being evaluated
  • y = maximum number of points for the financial proposal
  • µ = price of the lowest priced proposal
  • z = price of the proposal being evaluated

Payment Method

  • Payment: All-inclusive Daily Fee
  • The consultant will be paid as a daily rate (based on the number of days worked).
  • Payments will be based on the Certificate of Payments that will be submitted on a monthly basis;
  • Time Sheet will be attached and verified by the direct supervisor; and

Final tranche upon performance evaluation from the direct supervisor.

 

Competencies

Corporate:

  • Demonstrates integrity by modelling 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.

 

Functional Competencies:

  • Strong analytical, negotiation and communication skills, including ability to produce high quality practical advisory reports and knowledge products.
  • Professional and/or academic experience in one or more of the areas of international development, public health or related field.

 

Project and Resource Management:

  • Ability to produce high quality outputs in a timely manner while understanding and anticipating the evolving client needs.
  • Strong organisational skills.
  • Ability to work independently, produce high quality outputs.

Required Skills and Experience

  • Bachelor’s degree in ICT, Computer Science, Web Design, or equivalent with relevant experience.

Experience:

  • A minimum of 5 years of experience in optimizing and maintaining web systems, database server infrastructure or equivalent.
  • Experience creating technical proposals and project management plans for website and ICT development.
  • Experience in developing and managing a website using a modern static website generator such as Jekyll, Hugo, GatsbyJS or equivalent, for uploading and formatting of website content that is easy to navigate.
  • Experience managing websites using Netlify servers and Content Distribution Network (CDN) or equivalent is an advantage.
  • Analyzing google analytics and other webmaster tools, and applying this to the design of websites to improve the experience of end users is an advantage.

Language:

Fluency in written and spoken English is required for this consultancy

 

Application Submission Process:

Step 1: Interested individual consultants must include the following documents when submitting the applications in UNDP job shop (Please note that only 1 file can be uploaded therefore please include all documents in one file):

  • Personal History Form (P11), 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 (the template can be downloaded from this link: http://sas.undp.org/Documents/P11_Personal_history_form.doc
  • Kindly provide a link to a website you have been actively involved in the development and management of, together with a description of their role.

Step 2: Submission of Financial Proposal

The term ‘all-inclusive” implies that all costs (monthly professional fees, travel related expenses if applicable, communications, utilities, consumables, insurance, etc.) that could possibly be incurred by the Contractor are already factored into the financial proposal

Security: Individual Consultants are responsible for ensuring they have vaccinations/inoculations when travelling to certain countries, as designated by the UN Medical Director. Consultants are also required to comply with the UN security directives set forth under https://trip.dss.un.org

ANNEX 1 - INDIVIDUAL CONSULTANT GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS is provided here: http://www.undp.org/content/dam/undp/documents/procurement/documents/IC%20-%20General%20Conditions.pdf