Consultancy to Develop a Microsite that Supports WUSC’s Refugee Youth Inclusion Initiatives at World University Service of Canada

Scope of Work: 

The Consultant undertakes to perform the services with the highest standards of professional and ethical competence and integrity. The following activities will be undertaken:

• Design and develop a user-friendly microsite using WordPress, integrating English and French language functionality.
• Ensure the site is accessible to users with disabilities.
• Develop a system for filtering resources and content based on specific user needs (e.g., higher education institutions, funders, employers).
• Create a content submission framework for external publishers.
• Record a training session to support WUSC in ongoing microsite management and onboarding new users.
• Develop tools for the ongoing maintenance and sustainability of the site, including identifying content updates and ensuring the process for publishing new resources is streamlined.
• Integrate the microsite with WUSC and Mastercard Foundation platforms.

Roles and Responsibilities

Consultant/Firm Responsibilities:

• Design, develop, and deliver a user-friendly and bilingual microsite using WordPress.
• Ensure the site complies with accessibility standards for users with disabilities, including a responsive design for mobile and desktop users.
• Create a filterable content system to make resources easily navigable for different stakeholder groups (higher education institutions, funders, employers, etc.).
• Develop a content submission framework to allow external publishers to submit relevant resources for inclusion on the site.
• Record a comprehensive training session and ensure sustainability by developing instructions for future site maintenance.
• Collaborate closely with the Project Committee to refine the site’s design, ensuring alignment with the objectives and vision.
• Troubleshoot and resolve any technical issues that may arise during development and testing.
• Maintain regular communication with the Project Committee to report on progress, including submitting weekly or biweekly updates as agreed.
• Assist WUSC in ensuring the microsite is integrated with WUSC and the Mastercard Foundation websites.
• Recommend suitable options for an information-sharing and project management platform tailored to the needs of the DREEM project.

WUSC’s Responsibilities:

• Provide timely feedback, resources, and guidance to the consultant.
• Ensure all necessary content is available and prepared for integration.
• Facilitate access to any additional technical or content expertise needed for development.
• Manage external relationships and communication with other key stakeholders

Project Deliverables: 

The Consultant will deliver the following outputs:

• A detailed work plan outlining the key stages, deliverables, and timelines, submitted for review and approval within two weeks of contract commencement.
• A robust system for managing external content submissions, including publisher outreach processes and submission guidelines.
• A Beta version of the site (by April 2025)
• Final web testing and bug resolution completed before the site launch.
• A recorded training session and instruction manual to guide WUSC in maintaining the microsite and onboarding future users.
• Fully functional, user-friendly, and bilingual microsite, designed and developed to meet WUSC’s specifications, including accessibility and responsiveness,  ready by June 2, 2025.
• A report outlining at least 3 recommended information-sharing and project management platform options, including an analysis of features, costs, and implementation considerations.

Qualification and Experience:

The Consultant/Firm is expected to have the following qualification and experience:

• Proven experience in designing and developing websites on the WordPress platform, including bilingual/multilingual sites.
• Prior experience working with non-profits or development-focused organizations, particularly in creating knowledge-sharing platforms or resource hubs.
• Strong understanding of web accessibility standards and the ability to design sites compliant with these guidelines.
• Experience developing content-rich, filterable databases for various stakeholder groups 
• Demonstrated ability to provide training and ongoing technical support, including developing tools for sustainable site maintenance.
• A portfolio showcasing relevant web development projects, particularly in the education or humanitarian sectors.
• Ability to manage projects that require the development of bilingual content (English and French) and address challenges associated with multilingualism.