First Consult PLC
ABOUT FIRST CONSULT First Consult is a leading economic development consulting firm implementing projects in Ethiopia. Founded in 2006, First Consult (FC) has grown to design and implement projects across the agriculture, manufacturing, and service sectors. Our multidisciplinary teams combine a capacity to execute with clarity of the local context. As a result, we have delivered at-scale real impact in terms of job creation, business formation, business growth, and investment attraction and mobilization. ABOUT THE PROGRAM MESMER is a 5-year program launched in October 2022 to support 72,200 MSMEs and 410,800 jobs by creating access to finance for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME)’ to realize their growth prospects and resilience. MESMER will also work to provide support to MSMEs through business development support, psychosocial services and technical assistance to financial institutions. MESMER is a countrywide program implemented by First Consult in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation as part of the Foundation’s Young Africa Works strategy and will strive to create dignified and fulfilling work for the youth, the majority of them women. The FDRE Ministry of Labour and Skills will be the main government counterpart for the program. Other partners include financial institutions (microfinance institutions, banks, and digital financial service providers), BDS, and psychosocial support providers. BACKGROUND, RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES OF THE ASSIGNMENT MESMER is a scale-up of the resilience facility (CRRP), which was developed to support  MSEs in Addis Ababa that were heavily affected by COVID-19 pandemic, and protect jobs created by the MSEs.  As the economy at large faces multiple shocks and challenges such as conflicts, soaring inflation and other macroeconomic challenges, MESMER program is designed to support informal and formal enterprises in all the regional states of Ethiopia through the provision of targeted financial and non financial services. The wider area coverage and a large number of enterprises targeted need a strong system to ensure smooth data handling, processing and reporting.  MESMER proposes to take full learning from the resilience facility and embark on technology adaptation and consideration for digital options, by closely assessing the practicality and in a way that supports the achievment of project objectives in a more efficient manner. Technology considerations at the onset will primarily focus on aspects of enabling digital registration & screening of applications for grant and credit services, data analysis & tracking of grant & loan disbursements in a web-based portal and database.  The system is expected to generate unique identity codes for all applicants and supports the screening of applications based on preset criteria fed into the system. With this background, the main objective of the assignment is to develop a web-based portal and database to enable digital registration and screening of applications for grant and credit services, as well as other forms of data entry, analysis, storage and reporting on the various services provided by the program.  The system is expected to enable efficient data processing, tracking and reporting results, facilitate & document learning and facilitate other M&E activities.  The system is to be developed in such a way as to enable access by multiple end users with varying roles ranging from only data entry access to full control of the database including modifying parameters and reporting formats. The database will be instrumental to ensure information is collected, processed and analyzed on a regular basis to allow for real-time, evidence-based decision-making. The database will help to gather and store relevant data required to track progress especially relating to predefined program  indicators. SCOPE OF WORK The service provider will develop a web-based portal and database with the following features; Design an online application submission form with a feature allowing the uploading of relevant documents The online portal should support multilingual functionality Enhance Search engine optimization (SEO) to increase visits and ensure high, relevant traffic. Database with functionality for data entry by multiple partners (banks, MFIs, BDS and psychosocial support providers, and others as required) Admin functionality to allow data and information manipulation (editing) by selected users, and the logging of such changes. Interactive dashboard displaying key information, and data download functionalities. Dynamic system selection is enabled using screening criteria fed to the system. Informative design for the landing page with eligibility and selection criteria, FAQ page and other relevant information. Provide technical support and ongoing security maintenance and bug fixing for the application portal. Develop reporting platform that allows users to easily access reports in any format using existing data sets and data processing, analyzing and visualizing tools with an access control module Develop a system that allows real-time data visualization The project is structured with a  Design Operate and Transfer (DOT) Ensure First Consult’s ownership and control of the database, and accordingly ensure the system is compatible and aligned with FC’s database and its data security protocols User experience and accessibility User-friendly administrator interface for all features User-friendly front-end design and development to optimize public use Responsive design on mobile devices: accessible on various devices including desktops/laptops, and mobile phones Compatible with all modern browsers Optimal performance in low-bandwidth locations. DELIVERABLES AND TIMEFRAME    The service provider shall deliver:   Development of application portal.  Development of applicant and beneficiaries’ registry database. Develop user friendly system with an easy process to import/extract digital data in excel and other simple formats. Development of a database dashboard as per reporting template required to allow monitoring and evaluation of key indicators, such as loan and grant disbursements. Continuous maintenance of the portal and database to ensure the proper functioning of the system.  Train users (First Consult staff) and all stakeholders as appropriate. The web developer will provide a detailed proposal with technical advice and a financial breakdown of the specifics listed above. After discussions on the presented technical proposal and agreement to proceed, the web portal and database development works should be completed within one month.