Terms of Reference: Digital Ecosystem Consultant

1. Background

VillageReach is an implementing partner for the CHOICE Project (2025‑2028) funded by Global Affairs Canada (GAC) and Oxfam Canada. As part of the Digital Innovation component, VillageReach requires a vendor to develop, deploy, and maintain three interconnected digital components: an offline‑ready Youth Choice Progressive Web App (PWA), social media platforms (Facebook & WhatsApp), and a live interactive dashboard that integrates data from all CHOICE digital channels.

2. Scope of Work

Consultant will perform the following services:

a)    Youth Choice App Development (Offline‑Ready PWA)

-        Co‑design & prototyping, development of an offline‑first PWA with "Services Near Me" map, SRHR health topics, moderated community chat forums, and Support and Service Access Barrier Reporting. Deployment as a PWA on a cloud server.

b)    Social Media Setup (Facebook & WhatsApp)

-        Create Managed Facebook Page; set up WhatsApp Business API with Community structure, topic‑based Groups, Broadcast Channel, and moderation tools. Ensure data and engagement metrics are fed to the central dashboard.

c)      Interactive Live Dashboard (Open Source)

-        Deploy an open‑source BI platform (e.g., Metabase, Superset, Redash) on a cloud server. Build ETL pipelines to pull data from Youth Choice App, Facebook/WhatsApp, USSD, and CCPF hotline. Provide visualisations (feedback, SRHR products stock‑out alerts, channel usage trends, campaign effectiveness). Implement row‑level security and encryption.

d)     Ongoing Maintenance & Support (12 months after go‑live)

-         Bug fixes, security patches, compatibility updates; dashboard data pipeline maintenance; Dashboard API troubleshooting; hosting uptime monitoring (target ≥99%, response within 4 working hours); monthly reporting; up to 6 content updates and up to 3 dashboard visualization changes included. Additional updates billed separately.

3.  Deliverables & Timeline (Setup Phase – 4 months)

·        The vendor shall provide a feasible workplan for initial setup and commissioning for a period of 4 months.

4. Ongoing Maintenance Period (12 months after go‑live)

Deliverables and Timelines

• Monthly performance and usage report — submitted monthly, by the 5th of the following month.
• Bug fixes and security patches — addressed as needed, with critical issues resolved within 1 working day.
• Content updates — up to 6 updates during the contract period, as requested.
• Dashboard visualization major changes — up to 3 major updates during the contract period, as requested.
• Moderator training refresher sessions — up to 2 sessions during the contract period.
• Service completion report — submitted at the end of the contract.

Requirements

5. Qualifications & Evaluation Requirements (from the original Terms of Reference)

Shortlisted vendors were required to demonstrate:

• Proven experience developing offline‑ready PWAs for low‑bandwidth environments.
• Demonstrated success setting up and integrating WhatsApp Business API (official BSP partnership or track record) and Facebook communities.
• Experience deploying open‑source BI tools (Metabase, Superset, Redash, etc.).
• Strong understanding of data privacy for health/SRHR data in a Malawian context.
• Ability to conduct field testing in Balaka & Lilongwe.
• Proven ability to provide at least 12 months of ongoing maintenance and support.

Provide a costed budget for all planned activities

6. Application & Evaluation Criteria

Vendors submitted technical and financial proposals.

Evaluation weighting:

• Technical approach & methodology (including wireframe/prototype demo)
• Relevant experience & team qualifications
• Financial proposal (value for money over setup + 12 months)
• Data privacy & security plan

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until Thursday 28th May, 2026 COB.