Consultancy – Bulk SMS System

TERMS OF REFERENCE

INSTALLATION AND SUPPORT OF BULK SMS SYSTEM

Purpose of this TOR:

Consultancy to advice, install and support a Bulk SMS system for the Tushirikishe Jamii project

1. Introduction:

Forum Syd is a Swedish NGO with regional offices in Nairobi and headquarters in Sweden. Forum Syd’s main focus is on democracy and rights. It does this mainly through the strengthening of civil society organizations. More details can be found in the website Forum Syd Africa Website or the Forum Syd Global Website

Forum Syd has received funds from the European Commission through the Ministry of Justice, National Cohesion and Constitutional Affairs for a 23 months Project entitled Tushirikishe Jamii aimed at increasing people participation in good governance and development in Rift Valley and Nyanza. The Project’s goal is to improve governance and community influence in constituency development initiatives. The objective is to increase the participation of targeted low income/slum communities in constituency development funds decision making/management processes. The Project will work with 30 ward-based youth and slum organizations/civil society organizations in 6 targeted constituencies in Nyanza and Rift Valley provinces (Kisumu Town East, Kisumu Town West, Nyando, Nakuru Town, Naivasha and Rongai. The project plans on reaching 20, 000 direct participants and 100,000 other indirect participants.

 

The Project will be implemented through a collaborative effort of 2 organizations, with Forum Syd being the lead partner. The 2 organizations, Youth Alive Kenya! and Muungano wa Wanavijiji (Federation of Slum Dwellers) are seeking to recruit 2 Field Officers to be based in Rift Valley and Nyanza. In Rift Valley the project will work in Nakuru Town, Naivasha and Rongai Constituencies while in Nyanza the project will work in Kisumu Town West, Kisumu Town East and Nyando Constituencies.

The project will use a Bulk SMS system as a communication tool to reach out to the target members of the community and also for feedback purposes.

2. Specific Objectives

The assignment will achieve the following:

• Equip Forum Syd with the relevant tools including software and short-code for the system.
• Assist in the installation and running of the system including continued support and maintenance of the throughout the project period system.
• Initial training for the key staff responsible for the management of the system.

 
 

3. Output/Deliverables

• Bulk SMS system Installed including
• Short code
• Relevant hardware installation including a server (if necessary based on our server capacity)
• Any other necessary tool for the system as recommended by the consultant.

 

• Continued technical support for the system during the project.

 

4. Evaluation Criteria

All applications received shall be evaluated using the following criteria and other critical criteria as may be deemed appropriate.

• Relevant qualification and years of experience of the Lead Consultant/firm
• Cognate work experience in the ICT/ Data/Information Management.
• Track record in installation/support of Bulk SMS especially focusing good governance, youth and community mobilization.

 

5. Qualification and Experience:

• The Consultant must have an experienced team with deep knowledge of ICT/Data/Information Management with a bias on social marketing and mobilization targeting the youth. 

• A minimum of 5 years cognate experience and evidence of working especially with Not for Profit organizations in the last five years will be an added advantage.

6. Duration:        

To be agreed upon with consultant.  Assignment will include;

1. Half a day briefing meeting between Forum Syd staff and the selected consultant.
2. A meeting between the consultant and the Bulk SMS management team including the partner organizations.
3. Final meeting between Forum Syd and the Consultant and commencement of the installation.

 

The installation of the Bulk SMS facility should be complete for use by Mid-March 2011.

Procedures 

1. Forum Syd shall give one week upon the date of advertisement for prospective firms to submit their quotations as specified in this TOR.
2. Your price quotation must be in Kenyan Shillings and must include the unit price and total price, excluding the VAT to be paid if the contract is awarded.
3. Forum Syd shall enter into further discussions with the selected service provider to facilitate final installation of the Bulk SMS facility.
4. Forum Syd reserves the right to accept or reject any quotation, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected firm or firms and to waive any minor defects or infirmities therein and to accept such quotations as may be considered advantageous to Forum Syd.

 
 
 

Application Procedure

All interested individuals/firms/consultants and corporate bodies are to submit detailed technical proposal and a financial proposal to the Project Officer, TJ Project, Forum Syd, P.O Box 1419 00502 Karen, Nairobi  

Via email

To: stephen.gichohi@forumsyd.org 

CC to virginiah.mukabi@forumsyd.org  and Elizabeth.mwangi@forumsyd.org

Please include “Consultancy – Bulk SMS System” in the subject line of your email.

Deadline for application is 11th February 2011 at 17.00. Applications received after this date will not be considered.  Only shortlisted consultants/firms will be contacted.