Terms of Reference for Establishment of a Digital Information Portal as Hub of Information Sharing

1.0 BACKGROUND

The Zambia National Education Coalition (ZANEC)’s core mandate is to conduct evidence-based advocacy for quality education for all Zambians. The organization is specifically involved in conducting research as well as in policy analysis, monitoring, and influencing. ZANEC is also known for mobilizing education Civil Society Organisations and communities to promote access to quality education for all through its Member Organisations located in various parts of the country.

2.0 RATIONALE OF THE DIGITAL PORTAL

The resource centre is the hub for information for the Coalition. Education sector reports and information is collected and centrally located for members and other stakeholders to access. The digital platform needs to become a crucial part of the organization’s strategy. Every process or activity needs to be planned in coordination with the platform and its functioning. The digital portal will create value and the digital platforms will only be successful if they are user-friendly.

ZANEC through this platform expects to change the way of thinking and functioning, without recruiting new specialists who will be responsible for different processes regarding the digital platform.  The Coalition is aware that technology is constantly changing and organizations need to adjust to these changes.

ZANEC is looking for a consultancy team to develop the digital information portal as a hub of information sharing.

2.1 Objective

To ensure that ZANEC has a modern work management platform that helps accelerate and orchestrate work across Member Organizations, systems, and geographies and throughout the entire lifecycle of the Coalitions work.

To roll out an interactive online digital platform to provide continuous communication and advocacy to ZANEC Member Organisations.

2.2 Specific Objectives:

• Enable Secretariat and Member Organisations discharge their roles competently as a coalition.
• Entrench professionalism in the services offered by the Coalition ;
• Keep the Coalition up-to-date with Civil Society work in Education and Skills.
• Create a user friendly digital platform for communication and learning.

3.0 SCOPE OF WORK

The consultancy team is expected to work to provide the following:

1. Conduct an assessment and determine the process and system requirements/specifications for the interactive online digital platform;
2. Create a registration service and membership update channel
3. A payment processor point on the portal.
4. Convert the Coalition research evidence and related advocacy information to digital content.
5. Upload validated training materials/content onto the platform.
6. Develop user manuals to guide the use of the digital platforms for all users.
7. Facilitate training of trainers on management of online training platform.
8. Mount a social media marketing campaign.

4.0 DELIVERABLES AND DURATION OF CONSULTANCY

The assignment is expected to be completed within 20 working days to be jointly agreed between the ZANEC Secretariat and the Consultancy team, with the following deliverables.

1. Inception report- an assessment and determination of the process and system requirements/specifications for the interactive online digital training platform
2. Run Dummy on line platform – Pilot the interactive online digital training platform and manage the entire pilot phase of the platform: Not defined
3. Consolidation of feedback from feedback meeting.

NB: The consultancy team where possible will undertake some of the activities concurrently to try and maximize on time. All such activities should be indicated in the proposal.

5.0 REQUIRED COMPETENCIES

QUALIFICATIONS: 

The assignment will require the consultant team with required ICT competencies and also have knowledge of education development work.

ICT Expert: 

The consultant must have at least a degree in computer science/ Information Technology, with expertise in the following web development technologies;

• Developing web applications on Drupal platform or similar web CMS
• Configuration and set up of websites on Production Web Servers (e.g. set up public sites on Nginx, Apache or IIS)

In addition, the consultant team must have the following experience;

• At least 5 years’ experience in developing web applications
• System Design, Implementation, and Testing
• Front end User Interface Design and Development

Subject Matter Expert:

The technical expert must have at least a Degree in Education, Development Studies and Public Policy, Education Administration or any other related Social Science degree.

He/she must have over 5 years’ experience working or undertaking research and Advocacy.

The Consultant team must be knowledgeable and experienced in Civil Society advocacy work. Knowledge and experience of working with regional and international Education Sector.

Deadline for submission is 15^th May, 2020         

PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATIONS TO:

The Executive Director

Zambia National Education Coalition (ZANEC)

Baptist Fellowship Building

Conner of Makishi and Great East Road

Plot 3061/2

Lusaka, Zambia

Telephone number +26011226422/+260976198152

Or E-mail: [email protected]