National Consultant-Upgrade and Maintenance of the Myanmar Teacher Platform

Call for Consultancy

National Consultant

Upgrade and Maintenance of the Myanmar Teacher Platform

(Consultancy with UNESCO Myanmar Project Office in Yangon, Myanmar)

TERMS OF REFERENCE

Terms of Reference

Functional Title: National Consultant - Web Development Specialist

Organizational unit: UNESCO Myanmar Project Office

Duty Station: Yangon, Myanmar

Duration of the contract: December 2022 – June 2023 (initial 7 months with possibility of an extension subject to the job performance and availability of funds)

Application Deadline: 9 November 2022, 17:00 Hours (Yangon time)

I. Background:

The work undertaken through this assignment will contribute to the Strengthening Pre-service Teacher Education in Myanmar (STEM) project. STEM project addresses four fundamentally important aspects of pre-service teacher education: to formulate a policy framework of pre-service teacher education and identify standards for quality assurance; to improve a system of pre-service teacher training institutions by restructuring and designing courses of teacher education and creating good networks to accumulate and share knowledge and experiences; to develop institutional/management and human resource capacities; and to mainstream inclusion and equity issues in teacher education.

In the light of current context, UNESCO recently launched the Myanmar Teacher Platform (MTP) as an effective and equitable online platform to enable educators, learners and other interested parties to access quality learning materials, videos and other resources in a safe and secure environment.

The aims of establishing MTP are:

• To ensure that the MTP is a key provision of continuous learning for educators, learners and other interested parties to access quality learning materials, videos and other resources in a safe and secure environment;
• To offer free courses through synchronous and asynchronous learning that suits learners’ needs and the country’s context; and
• To improve access to teacher education reference materials in various digital formats for use in continuing professional development, which are contextualized and adhere to international good practices.

II. Objectives of Consultancy

MTP (https://mmteacherplatform.net/en) includes both E-library and E-learning functions, where online courses are available. UNESCO Myanmar is looking into different options to upgrade the existing MTP to be an inclusive, user-friendly and responsive Web version and a native mobile Application version using cross-platform development tools. Therefore, UNESCO Myanmar is seeking

an Individual Specialist who will fully manage the upgrade and maintenance of the MTP.

II. Work Assignment:

The Individual Specialist will perform the tasks under the overall authority of the Director of UNESCO Asia and Pacific Regional Bureau for Education, the direct supervision of the Head of Office of UNESCO Myanmar Project Office, and in close collaboration with the STEM project team. The Individual Specialist will lead the development, improvement and management of the E-library and E-learning Platforms, by working closely with the STEM project team. The Individual Specialist’s responsibilities include the following:

1.1. Develop, coordinate and manage both Web version and App version of UNESCO’s Myanmar Teacher Platform

1. Upgrade the design layout of the existing E-library.
2. Develop new features on the existing E-library and E-learning Platforms based on the needs of internal colleagues and users.
3. Revise the features of the existing E-learning and E-library Platforms based on the feedback of internal colleagues and users.
4. Develop new features on the existing E-learning Mobile App based on the needs of internal colleagues and users.
5. Provide technical advice to the project team - for the improvement and development of E-library and E-learning Platforms.
6. Communicate with the project team on a regular basis to understand and ensure their needs is well reflected in the platform development and management.

1.2. Maintain Web version and App version of UNESCO’s Myanmar Teacher Platform

1. Maintain the Mobile app of E-learning platform to be optimized and well-functioned.
2. Maintain the server of the E-library and E-learning Platforms to be optimized and well functioned.
3. Closely monitor and manage the performance (up/down) of E-library and E-learning.
4. Troubleshoot and fix bugs in E-library/E-learning Platforms and E-learning Mobile App.
5. Modify the database system to align with the E-library and E-learning Platforms.
6. Monitor back-end data of E-library/E-learning Platforms and users.
7. Optimize the APSs (Application Programming Interface) of E-library/E-learning Platforms to improve overall functions.
8. Provide any technical support related to the development and management of the E-library/ E-learning Platforms and E-learning Mobile App.
9. Ensure that the following programmes are running on a regular basis:
   • Security patch update service – (CMS Core, Modules, Database Security Patch)
   • Site recovery- (removal of file and database injections, malicious scrips web service log checking, and site recovery service (Upon Request/Upon Case)
   • DDoS attack- (Denial-of-service attack)
   • Restore and backup recovery

1.3. User experience design (UX) and user interface design (UI) of the E-library and E-learning Platforms to reach the wider audience and promote Myanmar Teacher Platform among the public

1. Update page UX and UI for template and features of the E-library and E-learning Platforms.
2. Renew and update pages of E-library and E-learning Platforms when required.
3. Revise and modify updated news flash as per advice by the project team.
4. Support digital content creation and the promotion of MTP to attract more users to the platform.

1.4. Upload and manage online courses systematically, once the E-library/E-learning Platforms are established

1. Upload all materials (modules, content, video, audio, quiz, etc.) of the online courses, developed and requested by project team.
2. Test and ensure that all uploaded online courses function without any flaws on a regular basis and provide technical advice to improve the learning features.

1.5. Provide developer guide version 2 for E-library/E-learning Platforms and E-learning mobile app

a. Revise English version of the existing developer guide including step-by-step explanations on the development process of new features with screencasts and documents.

1.6. Perform any required IT support as may be required by the project team

III. Submit the deliverables to UNESCO for approval as follows:

1. Submit monthly progress reports on the achievements/progress, website maintenance and challenges encountered in delivering the output related to the work assignment by the end of each month.
2. Final report summarizing the activities including website and app maintenance, achievements, challenges and lessons learnt over the contract period, at the end of the contract.

IV. Location and travel:

Assignment to be carried out remotely (Home-based) and reliable internet access is required.

V. Fees:

• Middle-level national consultant.
• The lump sum is established based on a daily rate based on UNESCO rules and regulations and depending on qualifications.

VI. Required Qualifications for Specialized Knowledge/Experience:

Education and experience:

• Minimum advanced degree in Computer Sciences (or) Information Technology (or) a related field.
• Certificate/Diploma in web programming is preferable.
• Have good competencies in developing web applications using Backend (PHP, Python, and MySQL) and Frontend (HTML, CSS, JavaScript).
• At least 5 years of experience in developing and/or managing web development.
• Experience working at the UN, INGO, or NGO is desirable.
• Experience working on an education portal is preferable.

Other qualifications:

• Have working experience with WordPress, Moodle and similar customizable solutions.
• Have interest in educational initiatives.
• Strong knowledge and skills in image editing and customized content management systems written in Laravel.
• Good system management skills with high attention to detail and analytical skills.
• Ability to organize and manage multiple priorities for maximum delivery result.
• Strong interpersonal, presentation and communications skills in both English and Myanmar.
• Solid IT skills including MS Office, Outlook, MS Team: especially in MS Excel, Word and PowerPoint.
• Proactive to explore new technology.
• Excellent written and spoken Myanmar, and ability to type in Myanmar in both Zawgyi and Pyidaungsu.
• Fluent written and spoken English; good report writing skills and persuasive oral communication.

How to apply

Interested applicants are invited to submit in writing to the UNESCO Myanmar Project Office:

1. A cover letter (in English) clearly referencing “Web Development Specialist” and indicating how your qualifications and experience make you suitable for the assignment:
2. An up-to-date CV, with expected monthly salary and contact details including telephone numbers and email address; and
3. The contact details of three referees.

UNESCO places great emphasis on ensuring that the objectives of the work assignment, as described in the Terms of Reference, are met. Accordingly, in evaluating the proposals for the assignment, attention will focus primarily on the technical elements. From those proposals deemed suitable in terms of the criteria in the Terms of Reference, UNESCO shall select the proposal that offers the Organization best value for money.

Your application should reach yangon@unesco.org by email no later than 17:00 Hours (Yangon time) on 9 November 2022.

No requirement of photo or copy of certificates and only short-listed candidates will be contacted.