TERMS OF REFERENCE
Technical Assistance - Web Application Developer for Environmental Monitoring Platforms
- BACKGROUND
African wildlife Foundation is committed to strengthening environmental conservation and monitoring efforts through innovative technology solutions. To support this mission, we seek to develop comprehensive web-based platforms that leverage community-based data collection and advanced analytics to provide actionable intelligence for environmental decision-making.
These platforms will serve as central hubs for partner institutions including the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) and the Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA), enabling real-time monitoring, analysis, and response to environmental and conservation challenges.
- OBJECTIVE
The primary objective of this assignment is to design, develop, and deploy robust, scalable, and user-friendly web applications that serve as central hubs for collecting, analyzing, visualizing, and responding to environmental and conservation data. These platforms will harness the power of community-based data collection to provide actionable intelligence for decision-makers.
- SCOPE OF WORK
The Technical Assistant will provide specialized web application development services on a framework contract basis, with specific tasks and time allocations agreed upon case-by-case. The scope includes but is not limited to:
3.1 Platform Development
- Impact Monitoring Dashboards: Develop interactive dashboards for tracking and visualizing environmental indicators
- Data Collection Mobile Applications: Design and build mobile apps for field data collection
- Youth Biodiversity Network Collaboration Platform: Create collaborative platforms for youth engagement in biodiversity conservation
- Additional Platforms and Applications: Develop other web and mobile applications as identified
3.2 Technical Responsibilities
Full-Stack Development
- Lead end-to-end development of web platforms including:
- Front-end Development: Design and implement user interfaces (UI) with focus on user experience (UX)
- Back-end Development: Develop server architecture, APIs, and database systems
- Ensure responsive design for desktop, tablet, and mobile devices
- Implement secure authentication and authorization systems
Data Integration & AI Implementation
- Collaborate with data scientists to integrate Natural Language Processing (NLP) and AI algorithms
- Develop systems to categorize, verify, and filter incoming reports from various sources
- Implement automated data validation and quality control mechanisms
- Create data pipelines for seamless information flow between systems
System Architecture & Scalability
- Design scalable and maintainable system architecture
- Ensure platform robustness and performance optimization
- Implement cloud-based solutions for data storage and processing
- Establish backup and disaster recovery protocols
- KEY DELIVERABLES
The specific deliverables will be defined for each task assignment and may include:
- Fully functional web applications and mobile apps
- Technical documentation (system architecture, API documentation, user manuals)
- Source code with comprehensive comments and version control
- Testing reports and quality assurance documentation
- Training materials for end-users and administrators
- Deployment and maintenance guidelines
- Progress reports as specified per task
- QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE
5.1 Educational Background
- Bachelor's degree or higher in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Information Technology, or related field
5.2 Professional Experience
- Minimum 5 years of experience in full-stack web application development
- Proven track record of developing and deploying scalable web platforms
- Experience with environmental monitoring systems, GIS applications, or data management platforms is highly desirable
- Demonstrated experience working with government institutions or international development projects is an advantage
5.3 Technical Skills (Required)
- Front-end Technologies: React, Vue.js, or Angular; HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript/TypeScript
- Back-end Technologies: Node.js, Python (Django/Flask), or similar frameworks
- Database Management: PostgreSQL, MySQL, MongoDB, or similar
- Mobile Development: React Native, Flutter, or native iOS/Android development
- API Development: RESTful APIs, GraphQL
- Cloud Services: AWS, Azure, Google Cloud Platform
- Version Control: Git/GitHub/GitLab
- DevOps: Docker, CI/CD pipelines, server management
5.4 Technical Skills (Desirable)
- Experience with AI/ML integration, particularly NLP
- GIS and mapping technologies (Leaflet, Mapbox, Google Maps API)
- Data visualization libraries (D3.js, Chart.js, Plotly)
- Experience with agile development methodologies
- Knowledge of accessibility standards (WCAG)
5.5 Personal Competencies
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Excellent communication skills in English (written and verbal)
- Ability to work independently and meet deadlines
- Experience working with multidisciplinary teams
- Adaptability and willingness to learn new technologies
- CONTRACT ARRANGEMENTS
6.1 Contract Type
Framework Contract with task-based assignments
6.2 Duration
12 months with possibility of extension
Individual task assignments will be defined with specific timelines and deliverables.
6.3 Level of Effort
To be determined on a task-by-task basis depending on project requirements
6.4 Location
Hybrid arrangement
- PAYMENT TERMS
- The Technical Assistant shall submit their daily rate as part of the proposal
- Payment for each task will be calculated based on: Daily Rate × Agreed Number of Days
- Specific tasks, time allocation, and deliverables will be agreed upon in individual Task Orders
- Payments will be made upon satisfactory completion and acceptance of deliverables as per each Task Order
- Payment schedule: Within 30 days of invoice submission and deliverable acceptance
- REPORTING & SUPERVISION
- The Technical Assistant will report to: Program Manager
- Regular progress updates as specified in each Task Order
- Participation in project meetings as required
- Final reports and documentation upon completion of each assignment
- APPLICATION PROCESS
Interested candidates should submit the following:
- Technical Proposal including:
- Understanding of the assignment
- Proposed methodology and approach
- Work plan and timeline
- Previous relevant experience with examples/portfolio
- Financial Proposal:
- Daily rate (in [specify currency])
- Any additional costs (if applicable)
- Supporting Documents:
- Updated CV/Resume
- Copies of relevant academic certificates
- Portfolio or links to previous work
- At least three (3) professional references
Application Deadline: 30 October 2025
Submission Email: rwprocurement@awf.org
Contact Person: jrukwaya@awf.org
- ADDITIONAL TERMS & CONDITIONS
- The selected candidate will be required to sign a contract and confidentiality agreement
- All intellectual property developed under this assignment shall belong to AWF
- The Technical Assistant shall maintain confidentiality of all sensitive information
- The Technical Assistant is responsible for their own equipment unless otherwise specified