Terms of Reference

Individual Consultancy Title:

DiiA Digital Signature Integration

Expected Start Date:

Sep 25 2024

Expected duration of the assignment:

Sep 25 to Dec 25, 2024

Location:

Kyiv, Ukraine

TOR Summary:

Call for applications: DiiA Digital Signature Integration (35 working days)

Are you an IT consultant with a knack for integrating cutting-edge technologies? We need your expertise! Join us to lead a pivotal project integrating the Norwegian Refugee Council’s cash application process with the Diia digital signature platform. This role requires extensive experience in digital solutions, particularly Diia, and a passion for making a significant impact in humanitarian efforts. If you excel in managing complex IT projects and thrive in dynamic environments, apply now to help us drive efficiency and security in aid distribution. Transform lives with your skills!

Note: this consultancy is for an individual.

Proposals are due by Sep 15, 2024

1. 1.Background

In response to the ongoing conflict and humanitarian crises in Ukraine, a comprehensive financial aid program is being launched. It aims to quickly address the urgent needs of the affected population. The project covers the entire country, including areas with active conflict and occupation. Recognizing the urgency, the program prioritizes delivering financial support to individuals and communities facing challenges due to armed conflicts.

Integrating a humanitarian cash assistance program with digital signature solutions in Ukraine, DiiA, offers significant value by enhancing the efficiency, security, and reach of aid distribution. Digital signatures streamline the verification process, ensuring that financial aid reaches the intended beneficiaries swiftly and securely. This technology eliminates the need for physical presence and paperwork, which is crucial in conflict zones where accessibility can be compromised.

Moreover, digital signatures reduce the risk of fraud and mismanagement, providing a transparent trail that aids in auditing and compliance efforts. The implementation of this technology can also improve data management, allowing for the tracking of aid distribution in real time and enabling quick adjustments to meet changing needs on the ground. This approach supports a more tailored aid delivery, as digital systems can handle complex criteria for aid distribution, ensuring that the most vulnerable populations are prioritized. Ultimately, the integration of digital signatures in humanitarian cash assistance programs in Ukraine fosters a more efficient, secure, and effective response to crises.

1. 2.Objectives, Target groups, and Methodology

2.1 Objectives

Six key objectives for integrating digital signatures into the humanitarian aid program in Ukraine:

1. Enhance Efficiency: Speed up the verification and distribution process to deliver aid more quickly.
2. Increase Security: Secure transactions to ensure aid reaches the intended recipients without interference.
3. Improve Accessibility: Enable recipients in conflict zones to access aid without the need for physical travel.
4. Reduce Fraud: Minimize risks of fraud and mismanagement with secure, tamper-evident digital records.
5. Facilitate Compliance and Auditing: Provide a transparent trail for easy auditing and ensure compliance with regulations.
6. Integrate NRC services with national services: Give potential beneficiaries of cash assistance access to DiiA range of options for digitalization.

2.2 Target Group and Location

• Geographic target group: across all of Ukraine
• Applicants for NRC financial aid.
  1. Methodology

Methodology for integrating the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) cash application process with the Diia digital signature platform:

• Review Diia’s Technical Documentation:

1. Investigate Diia’s technical specifications, documentation, and system requirements to ensure compatibility with NRC systems and to understand security and integration capabilities. A clear understanding of the API and the token approach is fundamental to the project.

• Requirement Analysis and Planning:

1. Perform an in-depth analysis of the current cash application process.
2. Determine specific needs for digital signature integration.
3. Create a detailed project plan with timelines and key milestones to be managed individually.

• Technical Setup and Configuration:

1. Configure the necessary digital signature technology from Diia, ensuring it integrates seamlessly with existing NRC systems, including Kobo Collect.
2. Establish secure connections and verify all systems function correctly in a standalone environment.

• Pilot Testing:

1. Conduct a pilot test with a select group to assess the integrated system.
2. Solicit feedback to evaluate usability and efficiency, identifying any issues for resolution.

• Full-Scale Implementation:

1. Roll out the integrated cash application process across all relevant areas of operation.
2. Monitor the implementation closely, troubleshooting any issues as they arise, ensuring the system functions as intended.

• Evaluation and Feedback Collection:

1. Evaluate the performance of the system based on criteria like processing speed, user satisfaction, and reduction in errors.
2. Collect and analyze feedback from users to measure the impact and effectiveness of the integration.

This methodology streamlines the integration process to be feasible for a single consultant, focusing on thorough preparation, careful implementation, and detailed evaluation to ensure success. In the timeline see the distribution of 35 days over the consultancy timeframe.

1. 3.Deliverables

Here are four key deliverables for the project of integrating the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) cash application process with the Diia digital signature platform:

1. Integration Project Plan:

A comprehensive document detailing the project scope, objectives, timeline, key milestones, and resource requirements for the integration of digital signatures.

1. Technical Setup and Configuration Report:

A report outlining the technical setup, configurations completed, and any customizations made to align the Diia digital signature system with NRC’s existing infrastructure.

1. Pilot Testing Feedback and Analysis:

A compilation of feedback gathered from the pilot testing phase, including user responses, identified issues, and overall system performance analysis.

1. Final Implementation Review Document:
2. A thorough review of the full-scale implementation, detailing the deployment process, any challenges encountered, solutions implemented, and an evaluation of the system’s performance against the project objectives.

These deliverables will provide a structured and detailed overview of the integration process, from planning through to the final review, ensuring transparency and accountability throughout the project.

1. 4. Timeframe

This is the proposed timeline for the project to integrate the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) cash application process with the Diia digital signature platform:

• Integration Project Plan: Sep 25, Sep 30, 2024 (total days: 8)

1. Completed project plan document outlining the full scope and schedule for integration.

• Technical Setup and Configuration: Sep 30, 2024 Oct 15, 2024 (total days: 10)

1. A comprehensive report detailing the technical configurations, system compatibility checks, and initial setup.

• Pilot Testing Feedback and Analysis and Launch: Oct 15, 2024 Oct 30, 2024 (total days: 5)

1. Detailed feedback analysis from pilot testing, including performance data, user experiences, and recommended adjustments.

• Final Implementation Review: Nov 10, 2024 Dec 10, 2024 (total days:12)

1. A final review document that evaluates the full-scale implementation, identifies any outstanding issues, and confirms the system’s readiness and effectiveness.

This timeline provides a structured approach to the project, ensuring each phase is allocated sufficient time for thorough completion and review.

1. 5.Eligibility and Qualification Requirements

Educational Background:

A degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field.

Professional Experience:

At least five years of experience in IT consulting, particularly with projects involving digital solutions or system integration.

Proven track record in managing and implementing technology projects, preferably in humanitarian or emergency response environments.

Prior experience specifically with the Diia digital signature platform, demonstrating familiarity with its technical specifications, capabilities, and integration processes.

Technical Expertise:

Strong technical proficiency with digital signature technologies and related software systems, particularly the Diia platform.

Experience with systems integration, particularly integrating new technologies into existing IT infrastructure.

Knowledge of data security, encryption techniques, and compliance regulations relevant to digital transactions and signatures.

Deep knowledge of working with API’s and tokens for intraplatform integration and the sequencing of steps along the signature process.

Working with IOS and Android platforms in and ODK environment.

Project Management Skills:

Demonstrated ability to manage projects from inception to completion, including planning, execution, monitoring, and reporting.

Experience in working independently, managing time effectively, and meeting deadlines.

Communication Skills:

Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly articulate technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.

Proficiency in Ukrainian and English.