Consultancy: Database Development

Terms of Reference for Database Development     Background Oxfam has been present in Lebanon since 1993. Oxfam, with national partners, has been providing humanitarian assistance to those affected by emergency situations in the country, while at the same time maintaining long term partnerships in areas of economic development, municipal service delivery and women's rights. As a result of the Syria conflict Oxfam has, like many humanitarian organizations, scaled up activities in Lebanon in response to the resulting refugee flows. Oxfam has been responding to the needs of the refugees and the host community through an integrated WASH (water, sanitation and hygiene), Livelihood and Protection intervention.  To support the information management and monitoring of Oxfam’s humanitarian programme, Oxfam wishes to hire a consultant with extensive experience in the design of database structures to develop an improved beneficiary and programme database system.   Purpose and Scope On the basis of its experience with the existing databases and the anticipated programmatic needs, the team in Oxfam in Lebanon has identified the desired functionalities and specifications for the improved database system.  The database should provide the platform for household profiling and vulnerability/needs assessment, tracking of assistance and services received, and reporting. The system should allow for updating of the household profiles on a regular basis through data collected with mobile devices, and it should be possible to retrieve data when out in the field. Data protection and security should be considered throughout, and in all processes. The database specifications document with further details can be obtained from abaan@oxfam.org.uk.   With support of the Programme Strategy & Impact Unit in Oxfam GB Headquarters, a comparison of different database options and software was completed. The Survey CTO platform (http://www.surveycto.com) was identified as meeting the priority needs of the Lebanon team, and the proposed database is therefore to be build on Survey CTO.   Key tasks and Deliverables Carry out an audit of existing data to assess the accuracy and quality of the data to be uploaded onto the database Design and construct a beneficiary and programme database using the Survey CTO platform; that includes deploy data table structures, forms, reports, and queries. Coordinate and work closely with the Oxfam Lebanon team and Strategy & Impact Unit to develop the database Ensure all database systems meet business and performance requirements Test/debug the database system Train assigned project staff on the use of the database Develop database/design documentation and an operating manual on how to use the database effectively, and how to ensure data consistency and data integrity in the system.  Ensure robust Information Security procedures and principles pertaining to relevant data protection and confidentiality aspects (including appropriate data backups), in accordance with Oxfam IT standards and procedures Liaise with the IT and information systems departments to ensure that physical checks and balances for data protection (including encryption) are in place and properly implemented   Timeline The workload is estimated at one month, including time required for testing, troubleshooting and debugging. The start date of this consultancy is as soon as possible and the database system should be finalized and delivered by 27 March 2017.       The consultant team will directly report to MEAL Officer based in Zahle, with technical support from the PMEAL Coordinator based in Beirut and field teams.     Qualifications Consultants that meet the following qualifications are encouraged to apply: Minimum of 3 years work experience in database design and programming, and data management Ability to design the structure of the database and write appropriate interfaces (e.g. Microsoft Excel) for data entry and ensure data quality and security Experience with mobile data collection technology and software - Survey CTO or any of the ODK tools Experience in training project personnel in the use of database management applications Maturity and professional ability to handle sensitive information and ability to respect the confidentiality of such information while working with Oxfam and even after the contract ends. Proven ability to work effectively with others - including in multicultural team – and strong interpersonal skills Ability to work under pressure, and commitment to meet deadlines Fluency in English   Desirable: Knowledge of/experience with Survey CTO Basic understanding of data security and encryption tools, and online databases Oxfam invites consultants/companies with the experience and skills described above to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI). The EOI must include: A cover letter of no more than 2 pages introducing the consultant(s) and how the skills and competencies described above are met, with concrete examples. Please also use this cover letter to confirm availability for the proposed period, and to outline the proposed methodology, including interim deliverables. Proposed budget including fees, and any other anticipated costs (excluding subscription fee for Survey CTO and hardware). Curriculum Vitae(s), including 2 referees (with phone number and email address)       Proposals including all the information described above, are to be submitted to lebanonjobs@oxfam.org.uk by March 02 2017 (1 week after advertisement).