Enhancing functionality of the Disaster Risk Monitoring System at the National Emergency Coordination and Operations Centre (NECOC)

PROJECT/ASSIGNMENT TITLE:Enhancing functionality of the Disaster Risk Monitoring System at the National Emergency Coordination and Operations Centre (NECOC)

Level: NOB

Duty Station: Kampala

Duration: 2 months

WORKPLAN CODE NUMBER:

The consultant will improve the functionality of the Disaster Risk Monitoring system at the National Emergency Coordination and Operations Centre (NECOC).

Justification

UNICEF has invested in innovative approaches to provide information aimed at mitigating the effects of Disasters especially to the vulnerable groups (children and women). UNICEF has supported the GOU in establishing a Disaster Risk Monitoring System (DRMS); an SMS based system that sources real-time information by receiving alerts from DRM focal persons and forwarding them to a dashboard at the NECOC. The system also makes it possible for the NECOC to receive alerts in real-time and validate them by deploying a fairly detailed rapid survey to District Disaster Management Committees (DDMCs) via mobile. The ultimate output of this process is an inventory of up-to-date gender-specific data on localized and recurrent catastrophes highlighting both micro- and macro vulnerabilities & risks at sub-national level. It is used for tracking early warning signals and immediate humanitarian needs of vulnerable populations and offers a strong basis for localized and integrated solutions to resilience building.

UNICEF supported the pilot including a Training for 100 volunteers in the Elgon and Teso region and a table top simulation at the NECOC which led to several recommendations for enhancement of the system. These recommendations form the basis for this assignment.

Scope of Work

1. Designing and testing new/enhanced features: Improve the functionality of the NECOC Disaster Risk Monitoring System by including new features proposed during stakeholder consultations and those that were postponed during phase 1 of system development as shown in the attached master story line.


2. System testing, installation and training: System testing, installation and training on system support and maintenance.

Expected Deliverables and Time Frame

Tasks 1: Designing and testing the enhanced/New features. Deliverable 2: An enhanced system with as per the Master Story Line.(See Methodology Section)

Task 1: System testing, installation and training. Deliverable: Updated user guide and technical trouble-shooting guide

Responsibilities

The consultant shall be responsible for;

· All software development

· Engaging UNICEF in weekly updates or “software showcases”.

· Orienting System Administrators on appropriate skills required

UNICEF shall be responsible for;

· Providing necessary funds to ensure implementation of the assignment

· Supervising the consultant and designating among product owners, a focal point to prioritise requirements and software showcases.

· Ensuring a smooth handover process to the NECOC.

Ensuring that the SMS short code is available at the time of deploying the software.

Timing / Duration of the contract

The consultancy is expected to last not more than 42 working days staring on the 15^th September 2015. All deliverables as shown above should be completed within the said time frame.

Reporting requirements

The contract will be supervised by ICT Manager, UNICEF Uganda.

The consultant will be required to;

1. Arrange an inception meeting within Week 1 of signing the contract.


2. Provide an enhanced and fully functional version of the product within 30 days after signing the contract.


3. Provide a comprehensive user’s troubleshooting guideline on submission of an acceptable final version of the product.

Qualifications and Requirements

A respectable software developer with experience in real-time mobile / web data collection applications and with the following qualifications:

· A Degree in Computer Science, Statistics or Mathematics that demonstrates the ability to perform the duties and responsibilities as described.

· At least 3 years’ experience in Database Management Systems (DBMS) administration, and maintenance, database design, analysis, and management, 2 of which are in administration and maintenance of management information systems, and / or server hardware and software technologies (including Linux and Windows NT-based servers), standard computer hardware and software, and Internet connectivity and technology.

· Fluency in at least two of PostgreSQL, MySQL, MS SQL Database Systems

· Fluency with at least two Object Oriented Programming languages, including Java, PHP5 and Python

Recommended – Knowledge of:

· Data communications and networked systems

· Database integration on the Web (web platforms in the cloud)

Skill and Ability to:

· Communicate effectively in both oral and written forms; interact with users and office staff in non-technical, clear terms.

· Work independently and as a team member.

· Set priorities and organize work to meet strict deadlines.

· Make decisions on a variety of complex matters

· Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contracted during the course of work.