Senior Non-Key Expert - ICT / Software Specialist at DAI

Background

• The overall objective of implementing EU SDGN II is to foster a functioning, pluralistic, inclusive, participatory and representative democracy in Nigeria.
• These Terms of Reference (ToR) relate to and contribute to the specific purpose, under the direction of the EU Delegation, to support Output 5: Technology innovations are smoothly incorporated, publicly accepted and owned

Assignment Objective

• The systems were tested, and staff were trained; however, it is evident that there still are issues which, if not solved, will jeopardise the future deployment of these applications (for the elections in Anambra, Ekiti, Osun, FCT and the GE 2027).
• An external party (besides INEC and the developers) is required to review the documentation, the test protocols, the level of staff capacity and the quality of training and monitor further testing and the deployment in elections.
• In case the project initiates more ICT-related activities, the expertise of a senior ICT/Software Specialist will be required to assist in the preparation of ToR, the project budget, the evaluation of bids and the monitoring of the project implementation.

Services Required

• DAI is seeking a senior ICT/Software Expert (SNKE) to provide expertise to and assist the EU SDGN II project in undertaking its programme of work during the period specified.
• The SNKE will contribute to the implementation of: Output 5: Technology Innovations are Smoothly Incorporated, Publicly Accepted and Owned. 
• Output 5 is a key part of the project, especially for INEC, and the output where the EU has invested significant resources.

To improve election administration and make it more efficient, DAI has assisted INEC with the bespoke development, migration, training, and testing of the election administration applications listed below:

• The Collation and Returning Officers Management System (CROMS).
• The Political Parties Financial Reporting and Audit System (PFRAS).
• Election Results Management System (ERMS).
• The INEC Operations Management and Information System (OMIS).
• The election facility locator and PU decongestion tool (EF_LOC).
• The Election Monitoring and Support System (EMSC).
• The Virtual Election Training System (VETS).
• The Media Monitoring System (Media Trends).

Deliverables

• Terms of reference for topic experts and/or ICT projects (if required)
• Membership on evaluation panels (if required)
• Budgets for ICT projects (if required)
• Reports on the review of the documentation, test protocols, level of staff capacity, institutional buy-in and quality of training of developed applications, functionality of the applications
• Monitoring reports of mock tests, pilot tests and election deployment together with recommendations for improvement

Scope of Work (Tasks)

• In cooperation with KE1 and KE2, draft Terms of Reference for ICT projects
• Prepare project budgets
• Serve on evaluation panels
• Review the documentation, test protocols, staff capacity, institutional buy-in, and the quality of training of developed applications, and provide recommendations to complete all processes to have the applications ready for the elections in Anambra, Ekiti, Osun, FCT and the GE 2027
• Monitor further testing of applications and the deployment in elections.
• Advise INEC Directors and the PMU

Expertise Required

• Advanced degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Software Engineering or related field.
• A minimum of 10 years of experience in software development, testing, monitoring, and training
• Proven experience in software development and deployment
• Proven track record with election technology, civic tech, or large-scale government ICT systems.
• Knowledge of the Nigerian electoral context and INEC’s operations

Location and Support:

• The SNKE will be provided with offices in Abuja, Nigeria and any other assistance as may be reasonably required to undertake the duties identified in this ToR.
• The SNKE must be able to participate in project activities during business hours, as well as non-business hours, on a regular basis, as the consultancy demands.
• Travel will be required for the purpose of site visits, client and stakeholder meetings, and off-site personnel/ management.

Coordination and Reporting:

• The ICT/Software Specialist will report to KE1/Team Leader and will be required to submit monthly activity updates.

Commencement Date and Period of Execution:

• The SNKE must be prepared to commence the assignment no later than 14/10/2025.