Background

As of 3 June 2020, Laos had 19 confirmed cases of COVID-19 following 7,491 tests; all 19 cases have been declared COVID free after treatment and have since left the medical facilities. The country had been implementing lockdown procedures and physical distancing since 29 March. During the COVID-19 lockdown, the Government of Lao PDR (GoL) made efforts to strictly enforce the prevention measures promulgated, at the national and sub-national levels in all 18 provinces. Only selected officials are considered critical and able to work from offices.  The GoL officially (Ref PM 580) eased the nation-wide lockdown from 15th May 2020, however the potential for a second wave of COVID-19 pandemic, especially after the international borders re-open in the predictable future remains a very real and daunting possibility.

Despite the limited number of cases in Lao PDR, the outbreak in the region has significantly affected trade, construction, tourism, and other sectors adversely, which also implies a significant impact on the economy.

UNDP’s support to the Government of Lao PDR to address the complex nature of COVID-19 has been and continues to rapidly evolve to meet country demands and is continuously being shaped by global experience and learning.

One area of support includes the potential need for a Quarantine Facility Profile and Registry Dashboard to improve access to information and services related to quarantine and isolation facilities. Such data required will include but is not limited to the available assets and facilities as well as a registry of individuals and families entering and exiting the facility.

To produce a functional, informative, and user friendly Dashboard, the UNDP seeks a qualified Software Developer with experience in designing stable and reliable databases and dashboards according to client requirements. He/she will be responsible for developing, testing, improving and maintaining new software and hardware solutions (including Apps to access or input data) to enhance the archiving, sharing, and updating of data.

TIMELINES   

The consultant / service provider will work no more than 60 consecutive calendar days within an expected contract duration period of 22 July to 22 October 2020).

Duties and Responsibilities

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

The consultant / service provider will report to the Project Manager of the UNDP.  The consultant / service provider will work closely with all implementing partners (UN agencies as well as Government Ministries, Provincial, District Officials) and other UNDP service units such as procurement. Travel to provinces will be required and supported by UNDP.

The consultant / service provider will be responsible for designing a dashboard for UNDP and its Lao PDR Government counterparts, such as Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA). He or she will:

• Collaborate with Government officials, WHO, and UNDP to comprehend needs in order to design and develop a functional dashboard and quarantine facility monitoring system for report generation and sharing solutions.
• Test and monitor Dashboard integrity to ensure of stability, security, reliability, and performance.
• Perform an IT needs assessment at locations where the Dashboard will be utilized, provide details of IT hardware and software requirements such as PCs, tablets, apps, connectivity needs, etc.
• Support the implementation of common Dashboard  procedures such as upgrade, backup, recovery and etc.
• Collaborate with other team members and stakeholders. 
• Support monitoring of database usage and modify according to requests and test results.
• Resolve database issues and malfunctions.
• Code secure log in access to enter and edit data, log user access data.
• Develop Microsoft based standard reporting templates and facilitate optimizing reports via user feedback.
• Develop training curriculum , user guides, and materials related to data management, security, report generation, hardware and software care.
• Provide face to face or online trainings to users and data entry officers alike.

Competencies

 Corporate Competencies:

•         Commitment to UNDP’s mission, vision and values including working in a culturally diverse environment;

•         Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;  

•         Demonstrates ability to function in a team environment and shares knowledge and experience. 

Functional Competencies:

•         Excellent Lao verbal and writing skills (English is an asset).

•         Ability to present coherent and convincing positions both in writing and orally.

•         Strong ability to take initiative to move complex processes forward to achieve articulated results, work at varying levels and on different initiatives simultaneously (personal organization and ability for multi-tasking).

•         Demonstrable networking capability, interpersonal skills and strong ability to promote teamwork.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Degree from a reputed institute Software development, IT Information Management, or other relevant field.

Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in the field of Software and Database Development.
• Relevant Application/Database platform experience (Commercial to Open Source Engines).
• Microsoft certification in database Administration/Development is a plus.  
• Knowledge of software development and user interface web applications.
• Experience with SQL and familiarity working with .Net Framework, JavaScript, HTML and Ms SQL beneficial.
• Database and Dashboard development for Government of Lao PDR an asset.
• Experience with TCP/IP Networking and remote access data entry.
• In-depth understanding of data management (e.g. permissions, recovery, security and monitoring).
• An ability to understand front-end users requirements and a problem-solving attitude.

• CRITERIA FOR SELECTING THE BEST OFFER

  Individual consultants will be evaluated based on cumulative analysis of technical and financial criteria using the following methodology:

  * Technical Criteria weight: 70%

  * Financial Criteria weight: 30%

   Only candidates obtaining a minimum of 49 points would be considered for the Financial Evaluation.

  	Weight	Max Points
  Technical Competence (based on CV and Proposal)	70%	100
  Criteria A: Understanding of scope of work;	20%	20
  Criteria B: Relevant academic background. Technical knowledge and experience in Dashboard Development.	25% 25%	50
  Financial Proposal (Lower offer/ offer*100)	30%	30
  Total Score (Technical Score + Financial Score)	100%	100

     GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR INDIVIDUAL CONTRACTS:

  https://www.la.undp.org/content/lao_pdr/en/home/procurement.html

• TOR