1. Background
Our Rights, Our Lives, Our Future (O3) Programme
The Our Rights, Our Lives, Our Future (O³) programme commenced in 2018 and has grown to become the largest Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) programme in Africa.
The programme creates a path for safer, healthier, and brighter futures by providing adolescents and young people (AYP) with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to develop and sustain positive, healthy relationships and protect themselves from unsafe situations. Jointly funded by the governments of Sweden, France, Norway, and Ireland, the O³ programme is implemented across 35 countries in sub-Saharan Africa in collaboration with ministries of education and other partner organizations. It operates at the nexus of several key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
The programme is currently in its second phase, which began in July 2023 and is scheduled to run until June 2027. As the O³ programme continues to expand and evolve, the need for a live indicator dashboard has become increasingly critical. This dashboard will serve as a dynamic tool for monitoring and evaluating the program's progress, providing real-time data to support evidence-based decision-making and ensuring the programme's objectives are met effectively across all participating countries.
The Eastern and Southern Africa Commitment
The O³ programme is strategically aligned with the Eastern and Southern Africa (ESA) Commitment 2021-2030, a regional initiative aimed at advancing education, health, and wellbeing of adolescents and young people. As the most extensive CSE programme in sub-Saharan Africa, the O³ programme plays a critical role in driving progress towards the ESA Commitment’s targets by empowering adolescents and young people with knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary for making informed decisions and leading healthier and fulfilling lives.
Recognizing the importance of robust monitoring and accountability, the ESA Commitment has an established Regional Accountability Framework (RAF), developed in consultation with member states, to systematically track progress towards its targets. The RAF breaks down the ten ESA Commitment targets into a series of process, output, outcome, and impact indicators, providing a comprehensive mechanism for monitoring advancements at both country and regional levels. To complement this framework and strengthen these efforts, the development of a live indicator dashboard is crucial. This dashboard will function as a dynamic tool for monitoring real-time progress, enhancing data-driven decision-making, and ensuring that the targets set out in the ESA Commitment are effectively tracked and achieved at both the country and regional levels.
In light of this background, UNESCO is seeking the services of a professional consultancy firm to develop a live dashboard that visualizes progress in the implementation of both the O³ Programme and the ESA Commitment. This dashboard will be hosted on a single platform, with distinct sections dedicated to each.
2. Objectives
The purpose of the dashboard is to drive informed decision-making for O3 programme and ESA Commitment implementation success by translating key performance indicators into actionable insights through streamlined data tracking and visualization. The specific objectives of the dashboard are to:
1. Provide real-time data on key performance indicators and progress.
2. Improve indicator tracking and monitoring by streamlining data analysis and visualization of key performance indicators (KPIs) related to the O3 programme’s objectives.
3.Enhance data accessibility and transparency by facilitating easy access to programme data for all stakeholders, fostering trust and accountability.
4. Support data-driven decision-making by offering actionable insights, scenario modeling capabilities, and data visualizations that facilitate and inform strategic adjustments for optimal programme performance.
3. Features
The key features of the dashboard are shown below:
· Data visualizations: Utilize charts, graphs, and maps to present data in a clear and engaging manner, especially progress towards targets for the KPIs.
· Data Exploration: Allow users to explore specific data points and trends at different levels of aggregation, providing insights for informed decision-making.
· User Customization: Enable users to personalize their dashboards to focus on relevant indicators and metrics.
· Data Management: Ensure data is automatically updated in real-time or at regular intervals.
· Reporting and download: Facilitate the generation of reports and data exports for further analysis and dissemination.
· Sharing and exporting: Implement functionality to export data in various formats and facilitate sharing of visualizations and reports through various channels
· Alerts and Notifications: Setting up notifications for predefined thresholds or trends
· Integration with existing data systems [where feasible/applicable]: Connect seamlessly with existing national data systems to ensure consistency, and additionally enable addition of new indicators that are not in existing data sources.
· User Interface: User accounts, and filtering options.
4. Functional Requirements
Front-End: The front-end of the dashboard will consist of a user-friendly, responsive, and intuitive interface that allows users to visualize progress indicators, compare data at various timepoints, download reports, share and export data, and more. The key front-end requirements include:
· Interface for countries to input their data which will be automatically aggregated.
· Interactive Data Visualizations: Utilize modern charting libraries and data visualization techniques to present data in a clear, engaging, and interactive manner, such as charts, graphs, maps, and other visual representations.
· Data Exploration and Filtering: Enable users to explore specific data points, trends, and dimensions at different levels of aggregation (e.g., country, region, age group) through intuitive filtering and drill-down capabilities.
· User Customization: Allow users to personalize their dashboards by selecting relevant indicators, metrics, and visualizations, as well as customizing the layout and appearance.
· Responsive Design: Ensure the dashboard is optimized for various devices and screen sizes, providing a seamless experience across desktops, tablets, and mobile devices.
· Accessibility: Adhere to Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) to ensure the dashboard is accessible to users with disabilities.
· Back-End: The back end of the web application will handle data processing, storage, and the generation of visualizations and reports. The key back-end requirements include:
· Data Integration: Develop a robust and scalable data architecture that can integrate with existing data sources, such as national data systems, Application Programming Interfaces (APIs), and databases, ensuring data consistency and integrity.
· Data Processing and Transformation: Implement mechanisms for cleaning, transforming, and aggregating data from various sources into a standardized format suitable for analysis and visualization.
· Data Storage: Leverage a reliable and secure database management system to store and manage the data required for the dashboard.
· Server-side Rendering: Implement server-side rendering techniques to improve performance and search engine optimization (SEO) for the dashboard.
· Caching and Performance Optimization: Implement caching strategies and performance optimization techniques to ensure efficient data retrieval and optimal user experience, especially for large datasets.
· Security and Access Control: Implement robust security measures, such as authentication and authorization mechanisms, to protect sensitive data and ensure only authorized users can access and modify data.
Data Management and Administration:
· User Roles and Permissions: Implement a role-based access control system to manage different user roles (e.g., administrators, data entry personnel, viewers) and their respective permissions for data management, visualization, and reporting.
· Data Entry and Validation: Develop an intuitive and user-friendly interface for authorized personnel to enter and update indicator data, with built-in validation rules to ensure data quality and consistency.
· Audit Trails and Logging: Implement audit trails and logging mechanisms to track changes made to the data, including user actions, timestamps, and other relevant metadata.
· Notifications and Reminders: Develop a system for sending notifications and reminders to relevant stakeholders for data entry, updates, or any other critical events.
· Reporting and Analytics: Provide tools for generating customizable reports and performing advanced analytics on the collected data, including trends analysis, forecasting, and scenario modeling.
Integration and Interoperability:
· API Development: Develop a robust and well-documented Application Programming Interface (API) to enable seamless integration with external systems, data sources, and third-party applications.
· Export and Sharing: Implement functionality to export data in various formats (e.g., CSV, Excel, PDF) and facilitate sharing of visualizations and reports through email, social media, or other channels.
Testing and Quality Assurance:
· Unit Testing: Implement a comprehensive suite of unit tests to ensure the correctness and reliability of individual components and functions.
· Integration Testing: Conduct thorough integration testing to verify the seamless integration and communication between different components of the system.
· Performance and Load Testing: Perform performance and load testing to assess the system's ability to handle high volumes of data and concurrent user loads.
· Usability Testing: Conduct usability testing with representative end-users to identify and address any usability issues or areas for improvement in the user interface and experience.
Deployment and Maintenance:
· Deployment Strategy: Develop a robust deployment strategy, including continuous integration and continuous deployment (CI/CD) pipelines, to ensure seamless and reliable deployments to production environments.
· Monitoring and Logging: Implement comprehensive monitoring and logging mechanisms to track system performance, identify issues, and facilitate troubleshooting.
· Backup and Disaster Recovery: Implement backup and disaster recovery strategies to protect data integrity and ensure business continuity in case of system failures or other unexpected events.
· Scalability and Extensibility: Design the system with scalability and extensibility in mind, allowing for future growth and the addition of new features or integrations.
Documentation and Training:
· Technical Documentation: Provide comprehensive technical documentation, including system architecture diagrams, API documentation, and code comments, to facilitate future maintenance and enhancements.
· User Manuals and Training Materials: Develop user manuals, training materials, and video tutorials to assist end-users in effectively utilizing the dashboard and its features.
5. Inspiration
We reference the below sites:
6. Key Tasks
The selected consultant or firm will:
a. Support conceptualization of the dashboard with UNESCO.
b. Design and develop a user-friendly front-end interface.
c. Construct a secure and efficient back-end for data handling, integration, and visualization generation.
d. Collaborate with the UNESCO ROSA team for iterative feedback and improvements.
e. Develop a fully functioning dashboard and admin portal.
f. Test and iterate the solution based on feedback.
g. Finalize the dashboard and provide training for UNESCO staff.
h. Support the launch of the dashboard.
i. Provide 4 months of post-launch support.
7. Deliverables and Timeframes
Deliverables:
a. Full concept following inception and alignment with UNESCO’s requirements.
b. Mockups and wireframes approved prior to development.
c. Develop a fully functional dashboard web application with front-end and admin back-end capabilities.
d. A comprehensive user manual detailing features, usage, and troubleshooting.
e. 4-month post-launch support for bug fixes, updates, and enhancements.
8. Required Qualifications and Experience
Team Leader
Mandatory
· A minimum of an advanced degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Software Engineering, Data Science, or a related field. A PhD in the above or related field will be an added advantage.
· At least 5 years of experience in information technology, with a specific focus on dashboard development.
· At least 2 years experience leading a development team.
· Demonstrated experience in software development, supported by at least 3 examples/references
· Demonstrated proficiency in data visualization, including the ability to translate complex data into user-friendly, interactive dashboards, supported by at least 3 references/examples
· Proven experience in database development and management, supported by at least 3 references/examples
· Demonstrated experience in managing projects of regional scale supported by at least 3 references/examples.
Desirable
· Previous work with UNESCO, other UN agencies or another international organizations and/or major institutions in development of educational web apps.
· Previous work on software solutions with education institutions in a developing country.
Technical Team Members:
The project team must include individuals with competencies in data visualization, database management, software development, and computer science
Mandatory
· A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Software Engineering, Data Science, or a related field.
· At least 2 years of experience in information technology, with a specific focus on dashboard development
· Experience in dashboard development, supported by 3 examples/references.
· Experience in software development, supported by 3 examples/references.
· Proficiency in data visualization, supported by 3 references/examples
· Proven experience in database development and management, supported by at least 3 references/examples.
Timelines:
The dashboard should be fully operational by end February 2025. The consultancy is projected to span six months starting in September 2024. Detailed milestones and deadlines will be co-defined with the selected consultant or company.
9. Submission of Proposals
Reporting requirements
The Team Leader of the selected contractor will be expected to provide an updated status in
a written format on a weekly basis. Formal reporting is expected upon delivery of each deliverable. Additional reporting activities may be requested by UNESCO ROSA on a need basis.
Budget and Payment
The consultant will be selected following a competitive bidding process. Candidates must
submit a lump sum cost estimation (in USD) as an expression of interest, clearly itemizing costs per production stage. Payment will be done upon submission of each deliverable.
Copyright, Patents and Other Proprietary Rights
All rights, including but not limited to title to property, copyright, trademark, and patent; in any work produced by the consultant by virtue of his/her contract, shall be vested in UNESCO which alone shall hold all rights of use.
Evaluation of Proposals
All interested Contractors are required to submit, as sperate documents, a Technical and Financial proposal separately via email.
The technical proposal shall be concisely presented and structured to include the following information:
· Presentation of your company/institution (including registration and tax documentation)
· Description the steps that will be followed for the development process.
· Proposal of detailed workplan, including milestones for key deliverables.
· Proposal of timeline
· Information which the bidder considers confidential, if any, should be clearly marked as such.
The Technical proposal should be no more than 10 pages and will be evaluated on the basis.
of responsiveness to the requirements including:
· The company’s experience and expertise that will be of benefit to the proposed assignment.
· Approach to task that demonstrates extent to which the company understands the requirements.
· Feasible and technically sound methodology, appropriate for fulfilling the overall objectives of the assignment.
· Realistic work plan with specific treatment of key deliverables, and clear repartition of tasks amongst team members
· Qualifications and experience of Team Leader and other personnel, including the work tasks to be assigned to each team member.
· Quality of previous work sample
The financial proposal should be no more than 2 pages and should detail the following: An appropriate Price Schedule which includes, as a minimum, the consultancy rate (in USD) and indication of which items may be negotiated, if applicable, or which items can be modified as per the budget. Full and final costing should include all taxes.
Performance Monitoring
During the consultancy period the Contractor will be evaluated on:
· their capacity to deliver products of an optimal technical quality within the agreed timelines;
· their proper and smooth project management (including communication with all stakeholders); their service orientation and responsiveness to UNESCO’s needs and expectations.
Submissions of Proposal
Interested companies may submit technical and financial proposals separately (technical and financial proposal)for) via email to vacancies.harare@unesco.org no later than 6 December 2024. Use the subject line "Proposal to develop O3 and ESA Commitment Live Dashboard"
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