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BACKGROUND

Abt Associates is seeking strategic communications support for HETA, a Power Africa flagship initiative, to guide website development and content strategy. The consultant will report to HETA’s communications lead and will collaborate with the HETA communications and operations teams to guide development, design, and launch of a compelling, information-rich, partnership-focused, and U.S. government–compliant website that will be HETA’s primary public-facing communications tool.

The consultant will have expertise leading or managing website development and web content strategy processes for global development purposes, working with web development vendors, and training colleagues on content management best practices. HETA anticipates that this position will require 8–12 hours per week for a period of 9 months, beginning in July 2023.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Scoping and vendor selection: Advise on the content of the request for quotes (RFQ) and participate in reviews of quotes received to ensure HETA selects a web development vendor that will provide the best value for money. (A draft RFQ exists; finalizing this would be the consultant’s first task.)

Deliverables: Written assessment of the RFQ and then of quotes HETA receives from potential vendors in response to the RFQ.

• Content strategy: Collaborate with the HETA web development vendor and communications lead to finalize the scope for the HETA website, including tasks such as:
  • Developing a questionnaire to understand end users’ needs and requested or required features for a HETA website
  • Interviewing HETA team members and partner representatives to understand which features would contribute to HETA’s programmatic goals
  • Reviewing requested features for their alignment with USAID/U.S. government accessibility and privacy requirements
  • Coordinating with the web developer to ensure requirements documents reflect the end users’ programmatic needs and requirements for a USAID-funded website

Deliverables: Content strategy document and presentation delivered to HETA communications lead and other project stakeholders. User journey maps completed in partnership with the vendor.

• Coordination of design process: Work directly with the HETA web development vendor to ensure the design and development of the HETA website adheres to the website content strategy, USAID requirements, and user-centered design best practices.
  • Act as HETA’s primary liaison with the web development vendor. Establish regular cadence of check-ins/status reports to keep the project on schedule.
  • Advise web development vendor and HETA team members on USAID-specific web design requirements and other user-centered considerations as the design process moves forward.
  • Proactively advise HETA’s communications lead of any issues that need to be addressed; communicate progress, and solicit stakeholder feedback.

Deliverables: Weekly status reports delivered to the HETA communications lead; more frequent updates if and as issues arise that must be addressed immediately. Lead and/or participate in user experience testing workshops. Pre-launch, conduct a detailed review to ensure content and page designs, content, and functionality adhere to the content strategy and anticipated user experience, documenting issues for resolution.

• Content management: Collaborate with the HETA web development vendor and communications lead to ensure appropriate HETA staff members are fully trained in content management once the site is launched.
  • Provide initial direct support for content management for the first 2–3 months after launch.
  • Provide technical support, training/mentoring, and guidance for the HETA staff member(s) who will take on this responsibility for the long term. This should also include essentials for coordinating with the web hosting team on routine site maintenance.

Deliverables: Ongoing content management for the first 2–3 months after the site is launched. Training materials and workshops delivered to selected HETA staff members. End-of-consultancy briefing and file transfer to HETA communications and operations teams.

• Ad hoc support: Pending HETA’s need for surge support and the consultant’s availability, there may be opportunities to support related tasks, such as reviewing knowledge management and social media strategies and drafting web copy, or developing web analytics tools and templates.

HETA’s communications lead will oversee the consultant’s work in executing these tasks.

Period of engagement: The anticipated duration for this engagement is 9 months (July 2023 through March 2024), with potential to be extended if the project requires continued engagement of the consultant’s expertise and the consultant is still available.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Record of successful website development and management for USAID or U.S. government implementing partners
• Experience overseeing website developers, especially to ensure quality of the user interface and underlying site structure, compliance with U.S. government requirements for accessibility (508 compliance) and privacy, timeliness of deliverables, and responsiveness to requests for information or troubleshooting
• Ability to develop and deliver training on web content management and related topics in English
• Collaborative, proactive communication style

TO APPLY : Please provide (1) your CV, (2) a portfolio (at minimum, site URLs and summary of your role in the sites’ development/management), and (3) contact information for three references who can speak to your skills and experience in web development.

To learn more about HETA, visit Abt’s website .