TERMS OF REFERENCE WEBSITE REDESIGN CONSULTANCY

ABOUT FAIRTRADE AFRICA

Established in 2005, Fairtrade Africa (FTA) is a member of Fairtrade International and the umbrella network organization representing Fairtrade-certified Producer Organizations in Africa and the Middle East. It has four (4) regional networks – Eastern & Central Africa; Southern Africa; West Africa; and the Middle East & North Africa. FTA currently represents 1,354,294 farmers and workers in 660 producer organizations spread across 28 countries in Africa and the Middle East by providing services to them that contribute to the improvement of their livelihoods. www.fairtradeafrica.net

ASSIGNMENT BACKGROUND

Fairtrade Africa is accepting proposals from vendors to redesign the existing FTA website [www.fairtradeafrica.net]The current website was redesigned in 2020. FTA is looking to incrementally redesign its website moving to a responsive layout, revised architecture, and a custom CMS to show the world who we are and what we offer, to improve the usability of the website for key audiences, communicate the FTA brand more effectively, and motivate people to participate in the organization. The project will cover concept, design, development as well as post-launch maintenance support.

DELIVERABLES

One-off development work to implement new features.

The services required and activities will include:

• Design a new look-and-feel site capturing the different functionalities ensuring a continentalfeel, and consistent visual language on the new site by introducing fixed styles in templates ensuring consistency in fonts, formatting, icons, images, and layout techniques.
• Develop a layout and structure for the dynamic website capturing the latest trends for website presentations that are compatible and easily accessible to most common devices (Laptops, mobiles, and other handheld devices) and browsers (Firefox, Internet Explorer, Safari, and Chrome)
• Integration with a Content Management System (CMS) – preferably WordPress- based on the best user-friendly tools and implement new features that add value e.g., subscription options
• Develop a user guide for the website and the CMS, complete with the most common troubleshooting guidelines.
• Secure the existing site during the transition to the new platform; preservation of all current website content (images, text, embedded video, PDFs, HTML, photo albums, etc.)
• Implement a basic “blog” function with integrated platforms (FTA has active LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube platforms; the website should facilitate the streaming of information between these different platforms. Include newsletter sign-up from the home page.
• Optimize the site for low bandwidth users.
• Deliver a website with off-shoots to regional network sites
• Integrate Document Management System (DMS): Document upload (in PDF format) with Description – Who uploaded – Date of upload – File Format
• Producer listing – being a membership organization, the solution should allow users to access the profiles of all active members.
• Calendar integration – Integrate calendar, events, and reminders – authorized users should have the ability to create and administer events and event details
• Deliver a multiple-language website- (English, French, and Arabic)
• Incorporate data on disability inclusion (speech–to–text)

Search Engine Optimization and site analysis

The contracted web development company will ensure search engine optimization. The SEO work will include:

• • Keyword research & analysis
    – Site analysis
    – Competitive analysis
    – Site content optimization
    – HTML code optimization
    – Search Engine submission (free search engines)
    – Link exchange
    – Web ranking report

Website maintenance

• Web site content updates: the contracted web development company will assist with content updates when the changes that have to be made are NOT possible from the CMS user interface.
• The contracted web development company will maintain a full backup of the website throughout the duration of the contract. The backup, code, and source files will be delivered in full on the closing of the contract.
• The contracted web development company will have an automated testing system that checks for broken hyperlinks on the site.
• The contracted web development company will verify regularly that the site is up and running, and will revert to the backup whenever necessary.
• The contracted web development company will give guidance on using the admin interface of the CMS through train two key FTA staff on how to manage content on the new website.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Proposals that meet the mandatory requirements will be evaluated with the following criteria in mind:

• • Experience working with nonprofit organizations
    – Experience creating sites with a similar level of functionality (such as a knowledge center, events calendar, and eCommerce platform)
    – Aesthetic capabilities based on the quality of portfolio and project references provided
    – Expertise in communicating appropriate technical and creative solutions
    – Proven track record with successful project delivery
    – A reasonable financial proposal based on the deliverables outlined in this ToR document.

ASSIGNMENT TIMELINES

Here is a summary of timelines:

• • RFP Call :09th December 2023
    – Proposals Submission Due: 23rd December 2023
    – Selection of consultant: 10th January 2023
    – Project Commencement: 16th January 2023
    – Technical Development/Programming Due: 17th February 2023
    – Testing: 19th February 2023
    – Content Migration Due:20th February 2023
    – Go Live/Launch: 01st March 2023.

PAYMENT PLAN

The payment plan to the firm/ individual who will be awarded the assignment with an initial 40 % pay and 60% after completion of deliverables.

How to apply

APPLICATION PROCESS

The proposal from consultants should include the following elements:

1. The lump-sum fee indicating the breakdown of all costs. This fee should be inclusive of ALL considerations.
2. Designer profile CV (with experience and qualifications, portfolio of previous works-web links),
3. Proposed delivery timeline based on the deadlines provided in this document.
4. Consultant(s) are encouraged to include any additional information they believe demonstrates added value within the scope of this assignment.

Proposals must be submitted not later than 23rd December 2022 to [email protected] with the subject line Website Re-design Consultancy.

Any proposals received after this date and time will not be considered.

All proposals must be signed by an official representative of the consultants submitting the proposal.

Only shortlisted candidates shall be contacted.