TORs for hiring the firm for Mobile Application Development for Digitalization Solutions

The swift increase in internet penetration and mobile phone usage in Pakistan offers a revolutionary chance to close information gaps, connect with hard-to-reach audiences, and raise awareness in an approachable and user-friendly way. Therefore, a web-based mobile application provides a creative and scalable way to connect with users in their local communities, allowing for private, self-paced, and contextually relevant learning.

The goal of this consultancy is to create and implement a web-based mobile application that provides digitalization solutions thorough instruction and awareness regarding SRH, GBV, and child marriage. The platform will include self-paced learning resources, awareness-raising materials, and interactive, inclusive, and captivating training modules and courses that accommodate different user requirements and learning preferences.

Beneficiaries and End Users:

With interactive modules, courses, tests, quizzes, awareness raising and multimedia materials catered to the following target audiences, the platform will primarily function as a digital learning and awareness tool:

·       Community-based organizations (CBOs), who can use the platform for community awareness and capacity building.

·       GBV service providers and frontline health workers, to enhance their knowledge and skills in responding to and preventing GBV and promoting SRH rights.

(Description of services, activities, or outputs)

The selected firm will be responsible for the following key tasks.

KEY TASK 1: Content Review and Alignment

·       Conduct an inception meeting with SPO and UNFPA to establish a shared understanding of the assignment’s objectives, agree on timelines and milestones, clarify roles and responsibilities, and outline expected deliverables for the pre-phase.

·       Collect, review, and critically analyze all available technical materials related on given thematic areas, ensuring they align with global best practices and national frameworks, and identifying their relevance for mobile application adaptation.

·       Conduct a structured needs assessment and comprehensive content audit of existing IEC materials, training manuals, and awareness resources to pinpoint gaps, duplications, and areas requiring revision, adaptation, or enhancement.

·       Align and streamline all gathered materials to ensure thematic consistency, logical flow, and suitability for integration into a mobile application, with attention to user engagement and accessibility.

·       Contextualize all content to the specific socio-cultural and linguistic realities of the intended audience, ensuring cultural sensitivity, appropriate terminology, and relevance to local norms and practices.

·       Co-develop separate, detailed content outlines for each thematic area (GBV, SRH, handling GBV disclosures, child marriage prevention), ensuring that information is simplified, user-friendly, and translated into locally understood language for diverse audiences, including those with low literacy.

·       Share the developed content outlines with SPO and UNFPA for review, gather detailed feedback, and incorporate revisions to ensure accuracy, clarity, and alignment with project objectives.

KEY TASK 2: Platform Design & Development

·       Design and develop a mobile-first, responsive application, ensuring Android compatibility and iOS compatibility as mandatory with web-based dashboard (Customized).

·       Incorporate thematic learning modules covering GBV, child marriage prevention, GBV In Emergency, engaging men and boys in preventing GBV, Disability and sexual and reproductive health (SRH).

·       Integrate interactive quizzes and assessments, along with knowledge tests, to reinforce learning and measure user understanding and progress.

·       Include a rich library of audio-visual materials such as videos, animations, and infographics to enhance user engagement.

·       Enable offline access through downloadable content, ensuring usability in low-connectivity areas.

·       Develop a user registration system with individual progress tracking to personalize the learning experience.

·       Apply gamification elements such as badges and points to encourage participation and sustained engagement.

·       Create a comprehensive user guidance section, including a self-explanatory video demonstrating the use of the app, to ensure ease of navigation and functionality.

·       Build a feedback and reporting mechanism to allow users to share experiences, suggestions, or issues securely.

·       Localize the platform with language customization options, including Urdu and English, to ensure inclusivity and accessibility for diverse user groups.

·       Incorporate a section to collect user and stakeholder feedback.

KEY TASK 3: Testing & Deployment

·       Conduct pilot testing of the application with representative target user groups to assess functionality, usability, and content effectiveness.

·       Identify and resolve technical issues through thorough debugging and refinement before full-scale deployment.

·       Host the finalized application on the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store.

·       Deliver orientation and training sessions for stakeholders and the project team to ensure effective use and management of the application.

·       Develop comprehensive admin and user guides to support onboarding and long-term usage.

·       Provide post-launch technical support for a period of 6–12 months to address issues and ensure smooth operation, including hosting server, domain name, Play Store and iOS Store accounts for a period of one year.

·       Implement periodic updates and enhancements based on user feedback, technological advancements, and evolving content needs.

·       Demonstrated experience in developing interactive, bilingual, and culturally contextualized digital learning platforms or mobile-based training/awareness tools.

·       Proven track record of creating user-friendly content in multiple formats (text, audio, video, interactive modules) for diverse and low-literacy audiences.

·       Experience working with UN agencies, INGOs, or government bodies on projects related to GBV, SRH, gender equality, or protection will be considered a strong advantage.

·       Proven capacity to conduct needs assessments, content audits, and contextual adaptation of learning materials.

·       Ability to provide hosting, maintenance, and regular updates for a minimum of 6–12 months post-deployment.

·       Strong data protection and confidentiality measures in place, compliant with relevant laws and best practices.

Availability of skilled staff for:

• Mobile app development (Android & iOS versions)
• UI/UX design localized for low-literacy users
• Content development, Urdu translation, and multimedia production
• Quality assurance and user testing
• Secure hosting and deployment including Play store and iOS store accounts.
• Post-launch maintenance and troubleshooting
• Data protection protocols compliant with national/international standards

• A Technical Expert with a Master’s degree in Gender Studies, Public Health, or a related field, and at least 7 years of experience with strong expertise in content contextualization, review, and quality assurance related to Gender, GBV and SRH.

• An IT Specialist / Developer holding a Bachelor’s or higher degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or Software Engineering, with a minimum of 5 years’ experience in mobile application development for both Android and iOS platforms.

• An Urdu Translator / Content Specialist with a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Urdu, English, or Translation Studies, and at least 5 years of professional experience in translating technical and educational content into Urdu, ensuring cultural and linguistic appropriateness.

The hiring of the above-mentioned personnel must be done on an in-house basis; proposals relying on external consultants or third-party contractors for these roles will not be accepted. Firms may also propose any additional personnel they consider relevant and suitable for the successful development, deployment, and maintenance of the mobile application.

·       Detailed Technical Proposal: outlining the approach, methodology, timeline, team structure, and roles.

·       Financial Proposal: clearly itemized budget with justification for each component.

·       Company Portfolio: highlighting past experience in similar assignments.

·       CVs of Key Team Members: demonstrating relevant qualifications and experience.

·       Proof of in-house capacity to deliver on all technical components outlined.