GUYANA: DEVELOPMENT OF GUYANA MANGROVE INFO SYSTEM WEBSITE (CONSULTANT)

Please note that the deadline is based on Korean Standard Time Zone (KST, UTC+9)

INTRODUCTION TO GGGI

The Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) is a treaty-based international, inter-governmental organization dedicated to supporting and promoting strong, inclusive and sustainable economic growth in developing countries and emerging economies. To learn more please visit about GGGI web page. 

PROJECT BACKGROUND

The Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) supports the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) to enhance coastal resilience and improve mangrove monitoring by developing a user-friendly web-based platform that will serve as the primary repository and information hub for mangrove data in Guyana. The webpage will allow the staff at the Mangrove Department to continuously update GIS information on an interactive map with minimal technical supervision as well as allow non-technical users to perform limited web-based data analysis, while also serving as a central repository for reports, research papers, and GIS datasets for public use. 

The current webpage (https://guymis.servirglobal.net/), Guyana Mangrove Information System (GMIS), was developed with external support from SERVIR Amazonia in 2023. At the end of the project, all information and authority were transferred to NAREI. In an effort to support and enhance the effectiveness and user-friendly interface, a comprehensive revamp of the website is proposed, focusing on improving spatial data interactivity and system security.

The objective of this consultancy is to design, update/develop, and deploy a fully functional, user-friendly, secure, extensible, and compatible mangrove information portal, including a web-based GIS platform for Guyana Mangrove Information System Website that:

• Provides a comprehensive platform for sharing and accessing data and information related to mangroves.
• Supports interactive mapping and visualization of mangrove coverage and restoration activities.
• Facilitates stakeholder engagement, including researchers, policymakers, local communities, and conservation organizations.
• Ensures long-term sustainability and ease of management through a content management system (CMS).

KEY CONSIDERATIONS

• Easy to maintain platforms such as WordPress, Drupal and other CMS
• Automated update of applied software, extension (should not be expired)
• Mobile-friendly layout
• Security check of the used software, extension against NDMA standards
• Enable users to export maps and data layers in various formats (e.g., PNG, PDF, CSV) for offline use
• Incorporate analytical tools that allow users to perform basic spatial analysis, such as measuring distances, area calculations, area selection, etc.
• Integrate placeholders (pictures) at various mangroves intervention sites to allow quick view of a project information/intervention types
• (Optional) Enable a dedicated feature to allow communities to relay feedback on mangroves health/stock taking through GPS coordinate pining, photo upload, or text

SCOPE OF WORK

The consultant will be responsible for:

1. Requirement Analysis & Stakeholder Engagement

a) Conduct consultations with key stakeholders to determine website requirements.

b) Identifying necessary datasets and information for inclusion.

2. Website Design & Development

a) Designing a visually appealing and user-friendly interface.

b) Developing website functionalities, including data visualization, document library, interactive maps, and stakeholder communication features.

c) Ensuring mobile responsiveness and accessibility.

3. Integration of GIS Map and Data Management Features

a) Embedding GIS-based interactive maps to the website for mangrove monitoring and reporting.

b) Creating a structured database for mangrove-related documents and datasets.

4. Testing, Deployment & Training

a) Conducting user testing to ensure functionality and user-friendliness.

b) Deploying the website on a secure and scalable hosting platform.

c) Training relevant personnel in content management and maintenance.

5. Maintenance & Technical Support

a) Providing post-launch support and maintenance for an agreed-upon period.

b) Develop a user manual and training for maintenance of the webpage including update page content, interactive map and database.

 6. Providing post-launch support and maintenance for an agreed-upon period.

Front Page

• Video of Image that shows the beauty of the mangrove in Guyana to catch the eyes of the visitors

- The multiple slides demonstrate various benefits of the mangrove ecosystem one by one

- The event page can be shown on the front pages whenever applicable

• Menu on the top

- About: Overview of Guyana’s Mangrove Restoration Programme; Mangrove Action Plan 2022-32 Summary, Mangrove Centre, Team, Partners

- Mapping: Interactive Map, Download data 

- Projects: by region

- Resources: Publication, Promotional Materials, Educational Materials, Gallery  

- Event: Mangrove Symposium, Others

• Link to the social media (RSS feed), Global Mangrove Data

• Contact of the NAREI Mangrove Department

• Search for help navigating the website

Menu

• About

- Overview of Mangrove Programme; link to LCDS 2030: Text Image

- NMAP 2022- 32: Text, Image and download the document

- MMAN: Text, images

- Mangrove Center: Text, Image, (Reservation function or sending email)

- Team: Text, Image

- Partners: Text, Image (optional: partners’ webpage links)

• Mapping (priority task)

- Interactive mapping: GIS based map with several interactive features such as zooming, panning, area selection, clickable pinpoint with additional pop-up information, Synchronized dashboard….

*Reference site1.   https://maps.oceanwealth.org/#/mangrove

**Reference site 2. https://www.globalmangrovewatch.org/

- Download data with the option to select the required data (Specific year, region or dataset)

• Project (The contents can be linked to the pinpoint on the map)

- Story map with pinpoint (different icons by type of intervention) on the interactive map  

• Event: Text, Photos, with registration functionality

• Resources: Data repository with download function

• Overview of the developer's proposed approach, architecture, and methodology.

• Visual mockups for UI/UX design and layout of key pages.

• Technology stack details (e.g., CMS, APIs, GIS libraries).

2. System Design Document (SDD)

• Description of the system architecture (frontend, backend, database).

• GIS integration and mapping tools (e.g., Leaflet, PostGIS).

• Data flow diagrams, user roles/permissions, and file management logic.

3. Implementation Plan / Work Plan

• Step-by-step schedule with phases and deliverables.

• Assigned responsibilities and estimated time per task.

• Risk mitigation and change management approach.

4. Database Schema & GIS Layer Structure

• Design of how GIS layers are stored and organized.

• Field names, data types, and metadata standards.

• Downloadable formats and expected upload formats.

 5. Admin & Content Management Manual

• Step-by-step instructions for uploading GIS layers, documents, and publications.

• Guide for maintaining the interactive map and managing access roles.

• Troubleshooting common errors (e.g., data upload failures).

 6. Testing & Validation Report

• Documentation of functional and user testing.

• Bug list and resolution log.

• User feedback summary from pilot test.

 7. Final Deployment Report

• Confirmation of successful deployment.

• URLs, credentials, and admin access details.

• Hosting environment and system resources used.

 8. Security Configuration Report

• SSL certificate and domain protection setup details.

• Authentication and access control settings.

• Backup and recovery plan documentation.

 9. User Manual / Web-Based(preferred) Help Guide

• Designed for non-IT expert management team.

• Clear instructions/script with screenshots or videos for all regular operations.

• Includes how to toggle layers, download data, view documents, etc.

 10. Training Materials

• Presentation slides for training sessions.

• Quick reference guides or cheat sheets.

• Recordings of training sessions (if delivered remotely).

  11. Final Consultancy Report

• Summary of activities and achievements.

• Challenges encountered and solutions applied.

• Recommendations for future upgrades and sustainability. 

Post Launch Support

• Post-launch support to address any issues and ensure the website operates smoothly.

• Warranty for 3 month after completion of consultancy.

The description of required expert may be split into following parts:

Qualifications and Skills

• Master's degree in Computer Science, GIS, Web Development, or a related field
• Strong technical expertise in GIS-based web applications
• Good command of spoken and written English.

General Professional Experience

• Minimum 5 years of working experience in the area of IT or web development
• At least 3 years of experience in web development and GIS applications.
• Experience in developing and maintaining interactive mapping platforms (3 or more is preferred).

Specific Professional Experience

• Proficiency in GIS tools and mapping APIs (e.g., Leaflet.js, Google Maps API, ArcGIS, QGIS).
• Experience with backend content management systems (e.g., WordPress, Drupal, etc.)
• Experience in front-end interactivity and back-end processing languages for web-based mapping applications
• Strong security and data protection experience for web applications.
• Experience in training non-technical users on platform usage.
• Ability to create a simple and intuitive backend system that enables the Non-IT experts to upload and manage data without requiring advanced technical knowledge.

Required Documents to be submitted

• Portfolio or Examples of previous GIS-based web development projects (w/accessible link)
• CV/Resume highlighting relevant qualifications and experience.
• Cover letter

 Selection Method

• Applications will be evaluated based on technical competency, relevant experience, and other considerations in compliance with the GGGI’s recruitment guidelines.

• Shortlisted candidates will be invited for a presentation on the technical approach.

Timeline

Applications submitted after the deadline will not be considered Application. All required documents such as Cover Letter, and CV must be written in English. A consortium, or a firm may not be engaged for the individual consultant assignment.

Child protection – GGGI is committed to child protection, irrespective of whether any specific area of work involves direct contact with children. GGGI’s Child Protection Policy is written in accordance with the Convention on the Rights of the Child.