icipe INFONET Project ICT Technical Consultant Job in Nairobi kenya

Technical Consultant for the INFONET Project
 

Terms of reference for a consultant to conduct activities and tasks leading to development of a new Infonet content management system (CMS) and transfer of the current content

Location: Nairobi
 

Duration: 7 months
 

Starting date: By 2nd June 2014 or thereabouts.

icipe wishes to urgently engage a suitable person to fill the position of TECHNICAL CONSULTANT FOR THE INFONET PROJECT under the Biovision Farmer Communication Programme (FCP). 

The overall goal of the Biovision FCP is to enable small-scale farmers and other users to access and utilise information on ecologically sustainable agriculture through integrated communication channels that include a Farmers’ Magazine, Farmers’ Radio Programme, Farmer Communication Outreach, and Infonet-Biovision web-based knowledge platform.

The Infonet-Biovision platform and other FCP products and tools recently underwent an assessment in order to identify gaps and derive realistic recommendations on developing an integrated content management system (CMS) that can make Infonet platform easy to access, more user-friendly, easy to manage, host and update locally for use by different user groups and partners (country and language versions).

Tasks of the Technical Consultant

Reporting to the FCP Coordinator, the successful candidate will be responsible for activities and tasks leading to development of a new Infonet CMS and transfer of the current content and hence will be required, among other things, to undertake the following duties and responsibilities:

• Undertake a rapid desktop review of the recent Infonet evaluation report recommendations, previous Infonet study reports, and other relevant reports provided by FCP;
• Synthesise the findings and recommendations from the desktop and internal programme reviews, to provide a basis for drawing a clear ToR for consultancy to develop a new CMS and link to other FCP products and tools,
• Work closely with icipe IT, Infonet-Biovision Manager and FCP Coordinator to distil the key recommendations (structural, functionalities and system boundaries) made therein that are relevant to Infonet’s reinvigoration;
• Develop a project management plan including a timeline, milestones, budget;
• Develop a call (international) for consultancy with clear tasks and requirements for competitive bidding and guide in recruiting suitable system developers;
• Work with the consultant contracted to design and develop functionalities of a new CMS;
• Guide in the migration and stabilisation of the Infonet content to the new CMS; and
• Liaise with the FCP Coordinator and Infonet-Biovision Manager to develop a strategy for managing Infonet platform to enhance wider access and use.

Expected Outputs:

The following are the minimum outputs expected from a successfully undertaken consultancy:

• A new CMS for Infonet-Biovision designed and developed;
• Current Infonet content migrated into new CMS;
• A strategy document for managing and keeping Infonet alive and attractive to users developed; and
• Documentation (3) developed: On CMS, the Database and a Manual for Content management.

Requirements / Qualifications:

The consultancy position requires an individual with proven understanding and experience in knowledge management and systems analysis, design and development. 

The following specific qualifications are desired:

• A university degree in Information Technology or a minimum of three years of relevant experience in ICT applications or related field;
• Excellent knowledge of computers, and use of information management systems and software packages for data collection, storage, retrieval, security and sharing;
• Demonstrated ability to assess complex situations in order to analyse critical issues succinctly and come up with strategies of addressing them;
• Demonstrated professional competence and efficiency in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving quality results as per workplan;
• Ability to work within a defined time-frame and to develop clear objectives as per agreed tasks, prioritising activities and assignments, preparing realistic work schedules, and using time efficiently;
• Excellent writing and communication skills that encourage two-way communication, speaks and writes clearly and effectively, and ability to work effectively and harmoniously with project colleagues; and
• Ability to plan and work with limited supervision.

Applications will be accepted up to 15th May 2014. 

Only applications of shortlisted candidates will be acknowledged.

How to apply for the Consultancy:

Please send your application, together with an indication of your availability, detailed curriculum vitae, university certificates and relevant supporting documents, expected consultancy fee, and names / addresses of three referees (with daytime telephone numbers, and email and fax numbers), and a one-page write-up on how you consider yourself suitable for the above consultancy. Electronic copies must be sent to icipehr@icipe.org. 

Women candidates are encouraged to apply.

icipe is an Equal Opportunity Employer