Terms of Reference (TOR) for Data Visualization

BLINKNOW FOUNDATION - A world where every child is educated, safe and loved.

The BlinkNow Foundation is a 501(c)(3) based in New Jersey which, through its country office in Nepal, oversees programs in rural Nepal including a school, a children’s home, and a women’s training center. We do this with our local implementing partner, Kopila Valley Sewa Samaj (KVSS), and through close ties with the local community. The two organizations work in partnership, with BlinkNow serving as the International Non-Governmental Organization (INGO) whose primary role is to provide funding and oversight, and Kopila Valley Sewa Samaj serving as the local Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) whose job is to implement programs. Our mission is to change the world by empowering Nepal’s children. 

Every day we strive to create a sustainable organization working to educate all of Kopila’s children until they are ready to enter the world as happy, skilled, confident, self-sufficient adults. We believe we can serve as a model for quality education in Nepal. We strive to provide our children with the skills required to enter the world as global citizens, and ambassadors for change.

SCOPE OF WORK : 

The Data Visualization Consultant will work closely with the BlinkNow Foundation and implementation project team to achieve the following objectives:

Assessment and Strategy Development

• Evaluate current data status and access visualization requirements based on current data-keeping practices and tools used by BlinkNow.
• Develop a comprehensive data visualization strategy that aligns with our visualization goals and enhances our ability to communicate data-driven insights.

Design and Development

• Create visually appealing, user-friendly, and interactive data visualization.
• Develop dashboards and info graphics reports that effectively communicate program impacts, Key Performance outcomes, and key metrics to internal stakeholders (BlinkNow Foundation, Kapila Valley Sewa Samaj Leadership and Individual Program.
• Ensure all visualizations are accessible and easy to understand by a non-technical audience.
• Work with the M & E Manager who will be the focal person for the assignment.

Training and Capacity Building

• Conduct workshops and training sessions for BlinkNow and Kopila Valley Sewa Samaj lead program staff to build internal capacity in data requirements for visualization and update systems.
• Provide documentation and guidelines for maintaining and updating data visualization including procedures for periodic updates and report generation.

Feedback, Refinement and Iteration

• Establish a process for gathering feedback from stakeholders and end-users to iteratively refine and improve data visualization tools and presentations.
• Implement modifications and enhancement based on collected feedback and evolving organizational needs.

EXPECTATIONS : 

The consultant is expected to follow a collaborative and iterative approach, including:

• Initial Consultation: Meet with key BlinkNow and partners to understand their needs, preferences, and objectives of the visualization.

• Data Review: Analyze existing data sources, structures, and current visualization methods and support required based on the data situation.

• Design Proposals for visualization and finalize: Present design mock-ups and prototypes for feedback before final development based on the data situation and organizational needs and finalize based on the inputs from the Organization. The internal data security inspection will be conducted like risk assessment, access control, data backup and recovery, security audit etc.

• Software: Use appropriate software and tools (e.g., Tableau, Google Data Studio (Looker Studio) Power BI, D3.js) to create data visualizations. The Licensed Software will be purchased by BlinkNow Foundation for visualization purposes.

• Capacity Building Training: Develop and deliver training sessions to ensure effective use and maintenance of visualizations and back up data update systems.

• Feedback Loop: Implement an iterative process to refine visualizations based on user feedback and effectiveness.

DELIVERABLES : 

The consultant will provide the following deliverables:

• Assessment Report: Detailed evaluation of current data visualization practices and recommendations for improvements.

• Data Visualization Strategy and Plan: A comprehensive strategy document outlining the proposed approach with plan and tools.

• Visualizations: A set of interactive, visually appealing data visualizations, dashboards, with downloadable reporting systems.

• Training Materials: Prepare screen recording documentation with brief guidelines, and training materials for BlinkNow staff for future reference.

• Training Sessions: Conducted at least one face to face workshops and training sessions for staff capacity building before system handover..

• Feedback Report: Summary of feedback received and actions taken to refine the visualizations.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED: 

• Educational Background: A degree in Data Science, Statistics, Computer Science, Information Design, or a related field.
• Experience: Proven experience in data visualization, preferably within the non-profit sector especially for international organizations.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI, Google Studio, and relevant programming languages).
• Design Skills: Strong graphic design skills and a keen eye for detail and aesthetics.
• Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex data simply and compellingly.
• Training Experience: Experience in conducting workshops and training sessions.
• Interpersonal Skills: Ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams and stakeholders.

DURATION AND TIMELINE: 

The consultant  is expected to last for 3 months, starting with the following milestones:

• Month 1: Initial consultation, assessment, and strategy development and demo agreement.
• Months 2: Design and development of initial visualizations, and Training sessions for skill transfer and capacity building.
• Month 3: Feedback collection and iteration. and final refinements and system handover.