Technical Project Manager for DevTrac: Software for Online Mapping and Monitoring of Service Delivery in Uganda, Kampala

DURATION:

Phase 1 is 6 months (approximately August 2011 to February 2012); possibility for a second phase depending on need and funding available

BACKGROUND

UNICEF Uganda recently created a web and mobile based geo-spatial trip report and results tracking knowledge management software application called DevTrac (version 1.0), as part of a multi-stage process to build a national development-monitoring and information-sharing tool to track and monitor services and development projects in Uganda, and allow for visualization of both traditional and real-time data.

The development of DevTrac version 1.0 has allowed UNICEF staff to transfer their paper “trip report” system to a digital one. Staff are able to create trip reports directly on the DevTrac website, creating a rich history of visits for each location that is easily accessible to anyone within UNICEF, with some information available to the public. Staff is able to upload photos from the locations they visit, as well as enter data and assessments for their critical monitoring duties. The website also interfaces with a DevTrac Blackberry application, allowing for basic information to be collected offline for each location visited.

The long-term vision is to create a tool that will allow UNICEF and eventually other development and government partners to monitor and analyze service delivery, and the results of development investment, throughout the country.

In order to continue to advance the software and scale the system, UNICEF Uganda seeks to fill the position of Technical Project Manager for DevTrac. UNICEF has entered a second phase of software development for the DevTrac application, urgently needed due to the recent launch of the site and steady usage by the users, as well as increased use by managers. This second phase will upgrade the DevTrac 1.0 website to fulfill more of the needed functionality now apparent, including:

1. technical and workflow modifications to allow for improved data collection from the Blackberry application
2. development of more advanced “views”: for improved ability to manage the work of monitors, as well as to visualize, assess and use the collected data
3. general improvements to usability and workflow, in response to feedback from users, and
4. beginning to incorporate fiscal monitoring and project result data

The current system was built using the open-source Drupal platform, by an Ugandan software company.

PURPOSE

UNICEF Uganda is looking for a skilled technical project manager to guide and manage the future phases of software/Blackberry development and rollout of the DevTrac system to complement UNICEF’s strategy of creating a cross-organizational knowledge management tool. To support this initiative, the project manager will be responsible for:

1. Working with the external software development company based locally in Kampala. In this capacity, the project manager will:

1. develop and review all requirements, user stories, iteration summaries or notes and other documents created by the development team, request necessary corrections, and approve such materials;
2. provide requested information on existing systems, adequate facilities, hardware and data to enable the development team to work effectively;
3. advise the development team of any changes to requirements or stories and work with the team to re-estimate and control scope; and
4. where necessary, facilitate collaboration between UNICEF system users and the external company;

2. Act as the DevTrac focal point for all UNICEF Uganda staff using the system. In this capacity, the project manager will:

1. work with key UNICEF stakeholders to further define requirements and functionality of DevTrac
2. revise the implementation strategy, including mapping of future stages of DevTrac, with accompanying timeframe and budget
3. conduct routine analysis of system usage
4. assist with any day-to-day user support of DevTrac issues
5. develop/modify training materials and communications to users regarding new functionality
6. support integration of data with other UNICEF web and mobile based initiatives, such as Ureport, teacher absenteeism monitoring and the mHealth package
7. attend various team meetings, and undertake necessary field travels to gather feedback and new requirements from UNICEF users, key stakeholders, and PCR teams to ensure all user needs are addressed in future releases

3. Collaborate with UNICEF partners and outside institutions interested in the development of DevTrac. Partners may include various Ministries of the Government of Uganda, development partners, international NGOs, and District government officials, etc. For example, UNICEF Uganda is currently researching the incorporation of the IATI standard into DevTrac with several international organizations. In this capacity, the project manager will:

1. be expected support development and to maintain relationships with key partners
2. provide demonstrations of the software or other information when requested
3. collaborate with partners to create appropriate feedback mechanisms for the data being collected in DevTrac. For example, this include interfacing with appropriate persons at the Ugandan Bureau of Statistics to share information on the locations of water points throughout the country
4. draft concept notes, strategy documents and fundraising proposals as necessary

Additionally, UNICEF Uganda expects to begin the process for establishment of a new long term contract for the future software development effort of DevTrac during the term of the project manager. The project manager will be expected to contribute to this effort by creating necessary documentation in support of the contract process, assist in evaluating potential software partners, and work with the selected partner to continue both the development of the software and the management processes already put in place.

SCOPE OF WORK:

Below are the key tasks to be completed:

1. Report on technical development and implementation of DevTrac to T4D, UNICEF staff, and relevant partners

2. Work directly with external software partner to facilitate agile software development process, ensuring that regular, consistent progress is visible to the user community

3. Refine project implementation plan using agile methodologies, with detailed requirements prior to each software release cycle

4. Monitor the reporting behavior of DevTrac users and if necessary, take corrective action in the form of trainings, reports to appropriate persons, other communications, or modifications to scope of upcoming software releases

5. Provide recommendations and coordinate integration between DevTrac Blackberry application upgrades and web application

6. Provide support to selection of software partner to sign Long Term Agreement for future development of DevTrac system

7. Provide recommendations on integrating other platforms, both internal and external to UNICEF Uganda, into DevTrac (for example, UReport, internal UNICEF monitoring tools, IATI standards, district-level reports, etc.)

8. Develop strategy to ensure that data is fed to relevant stakeholders and followed up on; this

includes mapping key duty bearers, developing mechanisms to feed them relevant data, and creating accountability measures to encourage follow-up.

9. Demonstrate software for relevant partners at various meetings and events

10. Monitor and make recommendations for the possibility for DevTrac to become a generic tool used by other UNICEF offices

KEY DELIVERABLES:

1. Updated scope of requirements for development plan before each software development sprint, keeping in mind the overall implementation schedule (every two weeks)

2. Preparation and completion of regression and acceptance testing plan for each software development sprint, before software modifications can be officially accepted by UNICEF (every two weeks)

3. Gathering of user requirements (and proper communication to software development partner), to be addressed in overall software development iteration – ie. issues to be addressed during Management/District/etc. View iteration (every 6 weeks)

4. Assessment of DevTrac usage for Zonal Offices and PCR teams with lessons learned and clear recommendations for strengthening system effectiveness. Analysis should be both quantitative and qualitative (monthly)

5. Working with T4D Technical Specialist and Blackberry software development partner, assess and communicate implications of planned technical changes to Blackberry and website development teams (end of Month 1)

6. Working with T4D Section Coordinator, completion of appropriate documentation necessary for creation and support of a Long Term Agreement (LTA) contract competition (end of Month 2)

7. Working with Development Gateway and software development partner, 3-5 page report detailing integration strategy for IATI standards into DevTrac (end of Month 3)

8. Working with internal UNICEF Ureport development team, 3-5 page report detailing integration strategy for Ureport data into DevTrac (end of Month 3)

9. 3-5 page report proposing data export/import requirements, based on discussions with appropriate GEO-IM working group members and software development partners to ensure openness and usability of DevTrac data in updating official datasets (end of Month 4)

10. 2-5 page recommendation paper for the future development of DevTrac as a resource for other country offices (end of final month)

TECHNICAL EXPERTISE REQUIRED:

1. Advanced degree in International Affairs, International Relations, International Development, Business Management, Information Systems Management or a related field. A combination of an advanced degree and practical experience in international development work may be substituted for the particular fields mentioned.
2. 5 years experience designing and implementing solutions for large-scale technical projects – including supervising engineers and software developers; responsibility for budgets, contracts and procurement, etc.
3. Experience with ICT hardware, mobile phones and web-based technologies in Africa, particularly designing or deploying tools appropriate to low-bandwidth environments.

1. Proven skills in negotiation, networking, strategic thinking, and management
2. Proven ability to conceptualize, plan and execute ideas as well as to transfer knowledge and skills.
3. Strong writing and communication skills and the aptitude to handle competing messages and priorities with multiple audiences
4. Ability to travel and work in remote and sometimes insecure locations
5. Fluency in written and verbal English is a must; another UN or local language is a plus
6. Residence and work experience in East Africa, current or past, is advantageous.

It is highly recommended that the project manager have:

1. Experience working within key UNICEF programmatic areas (Health and Nutrition, HIV/AIDS, Child Protection, Education, WASH, Communication and Emergencies).
2. Understanding of UNICEF programmes and policy, including knowledge of communication, technology, youth participation and partnership goals, as well as sound interpretation and judgment to present these programmes and policies in a way that enhances UNICEF’s image.
3. Experience in supporting and coordinating project activities across a large organization and with other international partner organizations.
4. Ability to interact diplomatically with high-level officials as well as experience working directly with community-level partners.
5. Ability to manage relationships with UNICEF partners, including government ministries, other donors, academia, NGOs and the private sector
6. Experience with monitoring and evaluation principles
7. Understanding and experience with agile software development processes
8. Knowledge of open-source principles and Drupal software
9. Experience giving user-based feedback to the development of software applications
10. Experience directly supporting day-to-day issues of software application users
11. Experience with design and leading of software training sessions for small and large groups

TO APPLY

Send letter of interest, CV and any relevant sample work (links or attachments) to jobst4d@gmail.com and cayado@unicef.org by Friday 12 August 2011