OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST:

Background
The UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS), established in 1999, serves as UNESCO’s statistical agency for 193 member states and 12 associated members. Its mission is to provide cross-nationally comparable data in education, science, culture, and communication, supporting countries in making informed decisions and monitoring progress toward global goals. UIS works closely with international organizations like UNICEF, the World Bank, and the OECD to address emerging data needs and has played a key role in shaping education by providing data on learning outcomes and responding to challenges such as AI and machine learning. UIS also contributes to the SDG 4 benchmarking process, helping countries track progress in education and achieve sustainable development goals.

This consultancy will focus on transforming the UNESCO Institute for Statistics’ (UIS) online presence. The consultant will be responsible for managing and maintaining UIS websites, microsites, and data visualizations, ensuring that they meet accessibility standards and adhere to best practices. Key tasks will include contributing to design, usability, content management, and technical aspects, as well as supporting systems such as hosting and databases. The consultant will also play a strategic role in evolving UIS’s online presence through the use of digital technologies, aiming to increase the visibility and engagement of UIS resources among diverse global audiences.

Scope of Work:
Management and Maintenance of UIS Online Presence:

• Oversee and maintain UIS website, microsites, and shared visualizations on platforms like Drupal, Apache, IIS, SOLR, and WordPress.
• Contribute to the design, user experience (including search optimization), navigation, content management, page templates, and graphics integration.
• Ensure the security and performance of the online presence through timely application of security patches and updates.
• Maintain and update UIS shared visualizations for enhanced data presentation and user engagement.
• Establish and document non-functional requirements for accessibility, usability, mobile responsiveness, and SEO, ensuring adherence to industry best practices.

Support for UIS Systems:

• Provide expert support for UIS systems, including hosting infrastructure (MS Azure Cloud and on-premises).
• Offer ongoing support for UIS Data API, Shared Visualization Components (React.js, D3.js), and related systems.
• Ensure the integrity, availability, and security of UIS databases like UIS.Stat, NADA, and the Learning Outcomes (LO) Database.

Evolution of UIS Online Presence:

• Develop and implement strategic initiatives to enhance UIS’s online presence, leveraging digital technologies to improve user engagement and accessibility.
• Contribute to innovative, user-centric design principles to improve the online experience.

Contribution to UIS Digital Strategy:

• Collaborate with the UIS communications team to create data-driven strategies for increasing visibility and engagement with the UIS website, open data, and social media platforms.
• Conduct audience analysis to optimize content and outreach strategies.
• Assist in content creation, social media engagement, and other activities aligned with the digital strategy.

Deliverables and Timeline:

• Enhanced User Experience: Improve design, navigation, content types, and page templates for better user experience: Ongoing.
• Security and Patch Management: Ensure timely security patches and updates for UIS online presence: Ongoing.
• Shared Visualizations: Maintain and update visualizations to improve data presentation and engagement: Ongoing.
• Online Presence Standards: Develop and document technical standards for accessibility, usability, mobile responsiveness, and SEO: Ongoing.
• Content Optimization: Regularly create, update, and optimize content on the UIS website: Ongoing.
• Hosting Support: Provide ongoing support for UIS online presence hosting (MS Azure Cloud and on-premises): Ongoing.
• API & Component Maintenance: Support UIS Data API and shared visualization components (React.js, D3.js). Ongoing.
• Evolution Strategy: Develop and implement a strategy for evolving the UIS online presence: Ongoing.
• Performance Reporting: Monitor and report on the effectiveness of digital strategies: Ongoing.

Evaluation Criteria
Proposals will be evaluated using the following criteria:

• Technical expertise and relevant experience (40%).
• Approach and methodology (30%).
• Cost-effectiveness and value for money (30%).

COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)

–

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Education

• Completion of secondary, technical, or vocational education is required.

Work Experience

• Minimum 8 years in web development, specializing in Drupal and WordPress, including advanced site-building, custom module development, and plugin management.
• Extensive knowledge of web technologies:
• Expert in HTML/HTML5, XML, CSS/CSS3.
• Proficient in PHP, JavaScript, D3, REACT.js, Node.js, and FLUX Framework.
• Experience with version control systems, responsive design (Bootstrap), and cross-browser compatibility (IE, Firefox, Safari, Chrome).
• Skilled in web content management architecture and server configuration.

Skills and Competencies

• Knowledgeable in SEO, usability, and accessibility best practices.
• Familiar with web development processes, Agile methodologies, and continuous improvement principles.
• Strong understanding of data-driven visualizations.
• Excellent communication skills in English and basic French.
• Collaborative team player with strong attention to detail, problem-solving, and time management abilities.

Languages

• Excellent knowledge of English or French.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS:

Education

• A bachelor’s degree in computer science or related field would be an asset.

Work Experience

• Advanced knowledge of all Adobe CC suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, Indesign, etc) or other professional graphic design environments
• Transforming design and product vision into a working UI/UX in a business context.
• Experience in designing print and digital graphic content.
• Past experience as a frontend developer.

Languages

• Good knowledge of the other language (English or French)

APPLICATION PROCESS

All applications should include the following:

1. Technical Proposal:
   • An updated curriculum vitae (CV).
   • A 1–2-page approach and methodology for the assignment.
2. Financial Proposal:
   • The monthly fee for the assignment, quoted in US dollars, Canadian dollars, GBP, or Euros.