Consultant to evaluate, enhance the Somalia online Eviction monitoring portal and redevelop a new one with Automated Reporting and Field Data Analysis

Terms of Reference

Power BI Consultant to evaluate, enhance the Somalia online Eviction monitoring portal and redevelop a new one with Automated Reporting and Field Data Analysis Capabilities.

Location: Somalia

Department: Housing Land and Property Area of Responsibility (HLP-AoR)

Consultancy type: National/International consultancy – firms or individuals

Duration: 60 days (Development: Septemberjobsnear.org Testing: October 2024)

Reporting to: HLP AoR Advisor/Head of Program//ICLA PDM

Critical interface: HLP AoR/HoP/IMO/MEL/ICLA PDM

Travel: No travel required for this consultancy

BACKGROUND

In Somalia, a nation plagued by conflict and disaster, the plight of displaced persons remains a pressing humanitarian concern. With over 3.8 million internally displaced persons (IDPs) forced to flee their homes, the country grapples with a significant displacement crisis. The causes of displacement, ranging from conflict to natural disasters, have uprooted countless families, leaving them vulnerable and in need of support.

Within this context, the Housing, Land, and Property (HLP) issues faced by displaced populations emerge as critical challenges. Among these issues, Forced Evictions stand out as a particularly egregious violation of the rights of IDPs. Over the past eight years, more than 1.5 million IDPs have faced the harrowing experience of being forcefully evicted from their temporary shelters across Somalia. These forced evictions disrupt the already fragile process of recovery for individuals affected by conflict and disaster, exacerbating their vulnerability and compounding their hardships.

The detrimental impact of forced evictions extends beyond the immediate displacement of individuals. It undermines broader humanitarian efforts by disrupting the provision of essential services and infrastructure. Investments in crucial facilities such as nutrition centers, schools, and water points are destroyed alongside the housing and property of vulnerable IDPs, further exacerbating their already dire circumstances.

Recognizing the urgent need to address this issue, the Protection Cluster, under the leadership of the Housing Land and Property Area of Responsibility (HLP AoR) spearheaded by the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC), has implemented various interventions to mitigate the practice of forced evictions. One key initiative is the Eviction/Prevention monitoring exercise, which involves consistent monitoring of eviction incidents by specialized Eviction task forces. These teams collect crucial data on the individuals affected by evictions and coordinate prevention services offered by a network of protection partners led by the NRC.

Currently, the HLP AoR utilizes the Eviction Monitoring portal, an online system designed to analyze field data and generate summary reports in the form of charts detailing the total number of evictions and prevention interventions provided. However, the existing system falls short in producing comprehensive reports that can offer deeper insights and facilitate informed decision-making.

The overarching goal of this Terms of Reference (TOR) is to enhance the functionality of the Eviction Monitoring portal to better serve the needs of displaced populations and humanitarian actors in Somalia. As part of this objective, the TOR aims to solicit the expertise of Power BI and ICT specialists to evaluate and revamp the existing system. The envisioned enhancements seek to introduce more robust features that will significantly improve the effectiveness and efficiency of generating comprehensive reports.

By leveraging the capabilities of Power BI and advanced ICT solutions, the TOR intends to elevate the Eviction Monitoring portal to a new level of sophistication. The proposed enhancements will enable the system to process and analyze field data more efficiently, providing real-time insights and actionable information for decision-makers. Through the integration of cutting-edge technologies, the revamped system will empower stakeholders to extract valuable intelligence from the data collected, facilitating more informed and strategic responses to eviction incidents and prevention efforts.

In essence, the TOR sets out to transform the Eviction Monitoring portal into a dynamic and responsive platform that not only captures data on evictions and prevention interventions but also translates this information into meaningful reports with maps, vulnarabilities that drive impactful actions. By harnessing the power of Power BI and ICT expertise, the system will be equipped to deliver timely, accurate, and comprehensive reports that enhance the overall effectiveness of eviction monitoring and prevention initiatives in Somalia.

OBJECTIVE

The following are some of the Objectives the revamping process would like to achieve;

1. Enhance System Functionality: The primary objective is to enhance the functionality of the Eviction Monitoring portal by incorporating advanced features and technological solutions, particularly leveraging Power BI and ICT expertise. For example, interactive dashboards, real-time data updates with location maps or geospatial analysis etc.
2. Improve Report Generation: To overhaul the existing system by adding and removing data sets like districts, vulnerability, maps to ensure more efficient and effective generation of comprehensive reports (excel, word, ppt & pdf) providing stakeholders with valuable insights and data-driven decision-making tools.
3. Real-Time Data Analysis: Enable real-time processing and analysis of field data related to eviction incidents and prevention interventions, allowing for timely responses and interventions.
4. Enhanced Data Visualization: Implement robust data visualization capabilities within the system to present information in a clear, concise, and visually appealing manner, facilitating better understanding and interpretation of complex data sets example using different charts.
5. Support Informed Decision-Making: Empower stakeholders with actionable intelligence derived from the data collected, enabling informed and strategic decision-making in addressing eviction challenges and enhancing prevention efforts.
6. Optimize Efficiency: Streamline processes within the Eviction Monitoring portal to improve operational efficiency, reduce manual intervention, and enhance overall system performance.
7. Ensure User-Friendly Interface: Develop a user-friendly interface that is intuitive and accessible to all stakeholders, ensuring ease of use and maximizing engagement with the system.
8. Enhance Monitoring and Evaluation: Strengthen monitoring and evaluation mechanisms within the system to track the impact of eviction prevention initiatives and assess the effectiveness of interventions over time also be able to store information in a safe and secure manner for a long period of time.
9. Promote Collaboration: Facilitate collaboration among stake holders or users (update contact information) to allow feedback from users as well as link different sections to relevant sources or references.
10. Incorporate Housing, Land, and Property (HLP) Module Integrate an HLP module to address specific issues related to housing, land, and property rights of displaced populations. This module should include functionalities for monitoring HLP violations, documenting cases, generating reports and visuals on HLP interventions.
11. Migrate the system into or be hosted by NRC data base (to be guided)

DELIVERABLES

1. System Enhancement Plan: A detailed plan outlining the proposed enhancements to the Eviction Monitoring portal, including a roadmap for incorporating advanced features and technological solutions.
2. Report Generation Framework: Develop a framework for efficient and effective report generation within the portal, specifying the link to data sources, report templates, and automation processes to streamline the reporting workflow.
3. Real-Time Data Analysis Module: Design, input and implement a real-time data analysis module that enables the processing and analysis of eviction data as it is collected, ensuring timely insights and actionable intelligence.
4. Data Visualization Toolkit: Create and upload a suite of data visualization tools within the portal, including interactive dashboards, geospatial analysis capabilities, and customizable reporting options to enhance data presentation and interpretation.
5. Devolop PDM,Baseline and Endline dashboards using power Bi
6. Develop Dasbord for Eviction Risk Mapping tool using power Bi
7. Review and improve the Eviction Alert tool design.
8. User Interface Redesign: Propose a user-friendly interface redesign that improves usability and accessibility for all stakeholders, with a focus on intuitive navigation, clear information display, and responsive design for mobile compatibility.
9. Monitoring and Evaluation Mechanisms: Establish monitoring and evaluation mechanisms within the portal to track the impact of eviction prevention initiatives, measure system performance, and generate insights for continuous improvement.
10. Collaboration Platform Integration: Integrate collaboration features within the portal to facilitate search and mergeing data.
11. Training Materials and Workshops: Develop training materials and conduct a single workshop to selected NRC staff to educate them on the enhanced features of the portal, ensuring that they can upload, update and generate data efficient and are able to guide users on how to get what they want.
12. Data Security Protocols: Incooperate robust data security protocols to protect user information and ensure compliance with NRC and global data privacy regulations, including encryption measures, access controls, and data anonymization techniques.
13. Final Implementation and Handover: Facilitate the smooth transfer of knowledge, Oversee the final implementation of all deliverables, conduct testing and quality assurance procedures, and provide a comprehensive handover of the enhanced Eviction Monitoring portal to the HLP AoR (NRC), ensuring a smooth transition and continued support.

Sample layout.

The enhanced layout will have similar outlook to the current Somalia Eviction Information Portal but with slight improvement because of additional features such as maps, a chart for genda , vulnerability and Eviction loses.

Eviction Trend Statistics, the contact information, date and logos of Protection cluster, HLP AoR and NRC will be position in a fixed horizontal bar under which the menu bar will appear, but the menu bar will be contractable as users scroll down the page. The menu bar will include i) Home, ii) Eviction, iii) Prevention, iv) risk analysis, v) flash alerts, Vulnarability, Eviction losses and vi) downloads.

• Home: This page will similar to the current portal.
  • Eviction: Just as in the current portal but with enhanced features to give correct data, better analysis.
• Prevention: All of the existing charts and graphs for prevention will be available under this tap. See the current portal but with improved or enhanced features.
• Flash alerts: same
  • Downloads: This should have a search option and linked to the data analysis and can download report just as instructed by the user through search for example an excel for Eviction numbers or prevention or a charts etc.
    • Additional of HLP module
    • Any other relevant features (open to innovation or new idears)

User training, maintenance and other outputs

• Develop a user manual and deliver a webinar for the support staff and system administrators to perform content upload, system maintenance and administration.
• Support and maintenance: Administrative and technical support, quality control for a period of 3 months. The consultant will adjust concept based on feedback and comments from NRC team.
• Source code handover: Full source code including all developed libraries shall be handed over to NRC. The contract may be amended with a time and materials to capture new specific developments on the system upon request of NRC.
• Migrate current dashboard from a html to PowerBI based interractive dashboard hosted by NRC.
• Create a downloadable component of the dashboard to allow for download of dashboard for ecternal use.
• Create an interactive Eviction threat analysis that allows for realtime update.
• Implement a map concept on the eviction matrix system to allow for a graphic overview of eviction status in Somalia.

WORKING ARRANGEMENT

The work setting for the assignment will include different aspects:

• Timing and duration of the assignment: The duration of the contract will be eight weeks with a starting date of 10st September 2024. The development will be done in one-months’ time starting from the date of signing the contract.
• The user manual, webinar and the maintenance of the new webpages will be done in the scond month.
• Briefing/debriefing arrangements: The company will work in close consultation and under the supervision of the HLP AoR or his assigned representative with technical support from NRC’s Regional or Global Data Analyst. As a technical assignment, the Regional or global colleagues will ensure its hosted by NRC, verify the quality of each of the aforementioned deliverables and advise the HLP AoR accordingly.
• NRC will grant access to the current evictions system website code and content , all documents and pages, plugins, themes and additional files.

Required Qualifications and Experience

The consultant, firm or individual, is expected to meet the following minimum requirements.

Technical and academic

• Minimum of 3 years documented experience in the area of programming, IT project management, database systems and mobile application development, etc.
• Knowledge of relevant programming language for development of server client applications.
• Track record of successful similar projects undertaken that are relevant to the requirements of this consultancy.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in power bi

Eligibility

• Detailed profile of the consultancy firm
• At least two samples to live functional systems previously developed.
• Two references (with contact information) from previous clients
• Technical proposal containing detailed list with technical information of the technologies, languages/frameworks intended to be use, and a clearly articulated work plan
• Domain knowledge of the humanitarian sector
• Itemized budget proposal
• Presentation of the team: CVs and functional responsibilities of the key people to be engaged in the project.

TECHNOLOGY

• Typescript application
• PostgreSQL for Database
• Docker based deployment
• Azure Web App
• Blob Storage for file management
• User Authentication with Okta
• Security first approach and Privacy by design

Limitations of Scope

• The consultant is not authorized to speak on behalf of NRC unless expressly authorized by NRC in writing.
• The consultant shall represent himself/herself/themselves, vis-à-vis his contract as an International Consultant to the NRC Somalia program.
• NRC shall have full ownership of the system following completion.
• NRC will have right and ownership to all of the codes used in the system.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• The Consultant/s will be hired under NRC terms of employment and shall work under the direct supervision of the HLP AoR Adviser for Somalia or his designate for administrative and management purposes, and Regional/global Data Analyst for technical purposes. Other critical interfaces include the Head of Program.
• NRC, through its Mogadishu office, shall provide all the necessary support to the consultant for the execution of the assignment specified in this Terms of Reference, including but not limited to i) access to relevant documents and samples; ii) an office space to work from while in Mogadishu, iii) internet access, iv) the facilitation of meetings, and v) ground transportation for movements related to the assignment only.