Federated States of Micronesia
National Department of Education
P.O Box PS 87, Palikir Station
Pohnpei, FM 96941
Phone: (691) 320-2609 Fax: (691)320-5500
Call for Letter of Interest
for
Information and Data Advisor
Summary
Position | Information and Data Advisor |
Nature of the assistance | Remote |
Tentative Duration | 17 February 2025 to 30 September 2025 |
Deadline for Submission of Letter of Interest | 10 February 2025 |
Implementing Agency | National Department of Education, FSM |
Contact Person | TO: Miyai Keller (mkeller@national.doe.fm) |
Questions/Clarifications | TO: Weison Weital (wweital@national.doe.fm) |
Background
In order to improve Education Management Information System (EMIS) a joint-project[1] was launched in the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) in FY 2016/17. Through this joint project, an integrated system has been set-up by developing a platform for EMIS, equipping National Department of Education (NDOE) and State Department of Education (SDOE) with appropriate hardware and software upgrades, and has already digitized most of the historical data that were available in different formats and at the different State departments. Moreover, through the joint initiatives, capacity of school principals and data managers at SDOE has been built by giving them a thorough orientation on data management and hands on training to the data managers about the integrated platform called FedEMIS.
FedEMIS has laid down a platform that can cater basic data requirements at the national and State Department of Education. However, the needs in each State Departments vary to some extent and hence the need to incorporate them in the FedEMIS is crucial. While FedEMIS has been initially designed largely to addresses national interests and requirements[2], there has been requests for specific data requirement from SDOEs to be included in the EMIS or as a separate component to be integrated. This particular need is a simple Student Information System (SIS).
In view of all of these and also considering the nature and complexity involved in the development of an efficient EMIS, NDOE drafted a five-year master plan for EMIS for the FSM approximately five years ago. The Master plan was mostly completed with great success and the project is now transitioning into a more perpetual phase of maintenance and evolving needs, in particular with special attention to improving the data management at the state and school level of the FSM.
Over the last two years the FedSIS was upgraded to meet the highest quality standard, modern user interface and the ability to work faster over low bandwidth Internet (slow Internet). This new FedSIS is now in full operation with varying degree of use though active states have all the support they need to improve. FedSIS is a complete modern student information system rivaling any of the biggest commercial alternative in the world. The user interface is primarily web based and there is also a new mobile app.
Objective
NDOE is soliciting Letters of Interest (LOI) from qualified and competent individuals to provide technical assistance to maintain and update
- FedEMIS and all its components
- Scope of Engagement
The Consultant is engaged to provide expert services related to maintaining, supporting, training, advising, and developing software solutions for the following software projects:
- Federated States of Micronesia Education Management Information System (FedEMIS)
- FedEMIS Education Survey Tool (tablet app)
- FedEMIS Open Education Data (public phone app)
- Federated States of Micronesia Student Information System (FedSIS)
- Federated States of Micronesia Online Testing System (FedTEST)
- Integrated Plan and Quarterly Reporting System (IPQRS)
Furthermore, the Consultant is engaged to provide expert services related to the new setup, maintaining, supporting, training, advising the Client with their IT infrastructure upgrade.
- National Department of Education (NDOE) IT Infrastructure
The Consultant’s role encompasses technical, advisory, and training responsibilities across these projects. This engagement ensures continuity of services and expertise to meet evolving project requirements.
- Role and Responsibilities
2.1. General Role Definition
The Consultant shall act as a technical and functional resource responsible for ensuring the successful implementation, operation, and enhancement of the software projects. The Consultant will collaborate with stakeholders to address operational and developmental needs.
2.2. Key Responsibilities
- Maintenance and Support
- Ensure the stability and functionality of FedEMIS, FedSIS, FedTEST, and IPQRS through regular system maintenance and updates.
- Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues in a timely manner to minimize disruptions.
- Monitor system performance and optimize software for efficiency and reliability.
- Assisting with the maintenance of the upgraded NDOE network.
- Training and Capacity Building
- Provide structured and ad-hoc training to system users, administrators, and stakeholders.
- Develop training materials, user manuals, and resources to enhance user proficiency.
- Facilitate workshops and training sessions as required.
- Advisory Services
- Advise stakeholders on best practices for software management and utilization.
- Assist in the development of requirements specifications for new features, modules, or system enhancements.
- Offer strategic insights into system scalability, integration, and modernization.
- Software Development and Testing
- Design, code, and implement enhancements or new features as per approved requirements.
- Conduct rigorous testing of software components to ensure functionality, security, and compliance.
- Document software development processes and outcomes.
- Reporting and Communication
- Provide regular progress updates to project stakeholders.
- Develop and deliver quarterly and annual reports on the status of the systems and Consultant’s activities.
- Participate in stakeholder meetings and provide recommendations for ongoing improvement.
- Specific Deliverables
As part of Consultant’s roles and responsibilities a number of important deliverables should take place:
- All the new networking equipment procured at NDOE is to be installed and configured.
- Training on this new network equipment installation provided to Data Manager and IT Officer.
- Training on the next steps for FedTEST adoption (how to run the tests online, download results and load them into FedEMIS) provided to NDOE Certification Specialist.
- New Scholarship reports design and made available in the FedEMIS Scholarship module.
- Training on the new version of the IPQRS and all its new features.
- Time Commitment and Availability
The Consultant agrees to dedicate sufficient time and resources to fulfill the outlined responsibilities. Specific time allocations may be mutually agreed upon for:
- Routine maintenance and support tasks.
- Scheduled training sessions.
- System development cycles.
- Strategic advisory and planning meetings.
Selection Method
Due to the nature of the work this is not allocated to the lowest bidder but the overall most qualified one based on a number of internal criteria. Should there be more than one bidder with the same score the lower bid will then win.
Reports To
Consultant reports to the National Department of Education (NDOE) technical team. Consultant must confirm with the NDOE team before proceeding with any of the work as the team will define priorities based on the needs on the grounds here in the FSM and its states.
Experience Required
A minimum of 10 years of experience in:
- Training schools and other stakeholders in student information systems
- Education data
- Work in developing countries, small Pacific Island nation more specifically
- Managing teams of software developers to deliver reliable software features
Desirable experience
- Proficient in (or managing) .NET core/C# programming language/platform
- Proficient in HTML, CSS, Javascript, TypeScript framework to design responsive web applications (Angular)
- Proficient using the Vex theme for Angular
- Proficient in SQL, in particular MySQL and MS SQL Server
- Excellent English communication skills
Submission of Letter of Interest (LOI)
NDOE encourages submission of Letter of Interest (LOI) from qualified and competent individuals that meet the basic requirements. Submit your LOI including your detailed CV, proposed plan of activity with schedule and expected daily rates to the National Department of Education Acting Secretary Miyai Keller (mkeller@national.doe.fm) no later than 10 February 2025.