WordPress Developer Consultant

Project Context and Scope

The International Organization for Migration (IOM), in partnership with the Directorate General of Vocational and Technical Education (DGVTE), is implementing a comprehensive initiative to strengthen Lebanon’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) ecosystem. This project aims to address the barriers to employment in high-potential sectors, invest in market-responsive TVET infrastructure and training, and engage national institutions, private sector actors, and development partners to align education with labour market demand. 

A key priority within this framework, is to strengthen access to information, digitalize student services, and ensure that TVET institutions and schools are better equipped to meet the needs of learners and the labour market. 

To achieve this, IOM is seeking a consultant to modernize the national TVET website managed by the DGVTE. The consultant will be responsible for upgrading the website to a flexible, WordPress-based Content Management System (CMS) with a modern and mobile-responsive design.   The upgraded website will feature course information, interactive maps of training centers, academic calendars, downloadable templates, and other relevant information. It will also enable administrators to seamlessly publish announcements, documents, and student cards. 

By ensuring adaptability and sustainability, this consultancy will strengthen DGVTE’s institutional capacity and improve communication with learners, educators, and potential employers.  

Organizational Department / Unit to which the Consultant is contributing   Emergency Recovery and Resilience (ERR) Tasks to be performed under this contract  

1. Redesign and improve user experience 
   1. Deliver a modern, initiative, and mobile-responsive design accessible across devices.
   2. Provide clear navigation and search functionality tailored to students, educators, and stakeholders. 
2. Develop a sustainable WordPress-based CMS
   1. Build a flexible and user-friendly content management system that allows DGVTE staff to easily update and manage content. 
   2. Ensure long-term sustainability by maintaining compatibility with evolving digital tools and minimizing the need for major redevelopment. 
3. Digitalize student services and expand access to information
   1. Integrate features that allow administrators to seamlessly publish announcements, documents, academic resources, and student cards.
   2. Publish course details, training center locations through interactive maps, and the yearly academic calendar with examination dates.
   3. Provide downloadable PDF templates commonly used across DGVTE institutions.
4. Ensure adaptability and scalability
   1. Develop a website structure that allows for future integration of new features and services. 
   2. Ensure the platform can expand in line with DGVTE’s evolving digitalization and service delivery needs. 

Under the general supervision of the Programme Officer  ERR, and the technical supervision of the Information Management team, the consultant will be responsible for performing the following tasks:

Activities

Deliverables

Dates

Payment

Activity 1. Planning and Design

• Kick-off meetingfor planning and defining scope.
• Participate in onboarding sessions on the existing website.
• Develop a work plan and methodology.
• Design and validate mockups for homepage, course pages, calendar, and resource library, etc.

1. Detailed project work plan and technical specifications.
2. Approved wireframes and website architecture.
3. Design mockups for homepage, course pages, calendar, and resource library, etc.
4. Content migration plan (from existing DGVTE materials).

2 weeks (Weeks 1 – 2)

10%

Activity 2. Website Development (CMS Setup)

• Investigate and systematize information from all resources.
• Conduct regular progress meetings (minimum 4) with key IOM and DGVTE staff.  
• Report regularly to the project manager on the status of development tasks and problems identified to propose actions and adjustments as   needed. 

1. Fully functional WordPress CMS configured.
2. Development of key modules: Courses, School Locator with interactive maps, Academic Calendar, Document/PDF library, Announcements.
3. Responsive design implementation (desktop, tablet, mobile).
4. Compliance with SEO and accessibility standards.

6 Weeks

(Weeks 3 - 8)

45%

 Activity 3. Integration & Testing

• Conduct at least 1 meeting with key staff to show the progress and work on any requested changes. 
• Implement security, user roles, and integration testing. 
• Address issues identified during testing.  

1. Integration of plugins/modules for PDF downloads, event calendar, and interactive maps. 
2. User/Admin access roles with permission levels. 
3. System integration testing (UX, navigation, browser compatibility). 
4. Security setup (SSL, HTTPS, backups, patch updates).

 2 weeks (Week 9 – 10)

15%

Activity 4. Content Population & Training

• Conduct at least 2 training meetings with DGVTE staff 
• Provide CMS user/admin manual.
• Ensure migration of DGVTE data.
• Conduct 1 meeting to talk about the user manual in more detail.

1. Migration of existing DGVTE data (courses, school details, calendar, forms). 
2. Training sessions for DGVTE staff on CMS management (adding/editing content, uploading documents, publishing updates) with training materials provided. 
3. Comprehensive CMS user/admin manual provided.

3 weeks (Weeks 11 – 13)

15%

 Activity 5. Launch & Post-launch Support  

• Deploy final website. 
• Conduct bug fixes and adjustments in the first month. 
• Provide final technical documentation and handover

1. Final website deployed on DGVTE domain. 
2. Hosting setup with monitoring tools and backup schedule. 
3. Post-launch bug fixes and adjustments (within the first month). 
4. Final technical documentation and handover (system architecture, plugins, configuration, maintenance guidelines) and handover

 3 weeks (Weeks 14 – 16)

15%

  Performance indicators for the evaluation of results

Professional Aspects

• Adheres to agreed work plan and delivers outputs on schedule. 
• Demonstrates effective communication and coordination with IOM and DGVTE staff.  
• Responds constructively and promptly to feedback and requested adjustments. 
• Maintains professionalism and confidentiality throughout the consultancy and adhering to IOM’s data protection policies. 

Technical Aspects

• Website redesign and CMS meet the approved technical specifications and approved design mockups. 
• The platform is fully functional, mobile-responsive, user-friendly, and accessible (WCAG 2.1 or equivalent).
• SEO standards are met, and the website demonstrates reliable performance (navigation, speed, cross-browser compatibility). 
• All required modules (interactive maps, academic calendar, announcements, documents, PDF templates, student cards etc..) are delivered and tested successfully. 
• System integration, security features (SSL/HTTPS, regular patching, secure hosting, data backups, and recovery mechanisms) are implemented.  
• Technical documentation is comprehensive, accurate, and usable for future maintenance. 
• All training materials, user manuals, and technical documentation are delivered to DGVTE staff in both digital and editable formats.
• Bug fixes, technical support, and post-launch maintenance according to the agreed service level agreement (SLA).

Application Submission Guidelines:

1. Technical Proposal outlining how the Service Provider meets the selection criteria and their understanding of the ToR. A summarized description of the scope of work and the intended methodology to be used as well as a tentative work plan including time frames. Detail the number of days needed, the number of hours per day.
2. Curriculum vitae (CV) outlines relevant qualifications and experience of key staff proposed for the assignment. 
3. Financial Proposal - Proposed Budget  
4. Portfolio of previous work (company or individual) showcasing relevant assignments, including website development, upgrades, or digital transformation projects of a similar scale and nature.

Education

• Bachelor's degree in a related field like computer science, web development, or information technology

Experience

• At least 5 years of verifiable experience in the development of websites and digital platforms, preferably using WordPress CMS.
• Proven experience in designing and implementing responsive, cross-device websites with strong UI/UX focus.
• At least 2 years of experience working with educational institutions, governmental bodies, or international organizations on digital transformation projects.

Skills

• Proficient in front-end development (HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript, Bootstrap, jQuery, Ajax/JSON) and back-end development (PHP, MySQL)
• Ability to design and develop custom WordPress plugins when project requirements extend beyond standard functionality.
• Experience in website hosting, security management, data protection, and backup/recovery systems.

Languages

• Fluency in English and Arabic (oral and written).

Travel required

• Not applicable

Required Competencies

• Strong technical expertise in WordPress development, responsive design, and CMS management.
• Demonstrated ability to apply user-centered design principles (UI/UX) to create functional and accessible websites.
• Proficiency in web security standards, SEO optimization, and performance monitoring.
• Experience in preparing technical documentation, user manuals, and training materials for non-technical staff.
• Ability to troubleshoot, identify issues, and provide timely technical solutions under pressure.
• Ability to manage projects in complex institutional environments, including coordination with government bodies, educational institutions, and international organizations.
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, nationality, and age sensitivity and adaptability.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while meeting deadlines.
• Inclusion and respect for diversity: Promotes accessibility and inclusive design, ensuring digital tools are usable by all, including marginalized groups and persons with disabilities.
• Integrity and transparency: Maintains high ethical standards and adheres to best practices in data protection and security.
• Professionalism: Demonstrates technical competence, reliability, and commitment to high-quality outputs.
• Empathy: Designs user-focused solutions that address the real needs of students, educators, and stakeholders, ensuring respect and fairness in delivery.

  Values - all IOM staff members must abide by and demonstrate these three values: Core Competencies – behavioral indicators Level 2

• Teamwork: Promotes effective collaboration with colleagues, DGVTE staff, IOM, and external partners to achieve shared project goals and ensure the website’s sustainability. Actively contributes to a cooperative working environment.
• Delivering results: Produces and delivers high-quality outputs in a timely and service-oriented manner. Demonstrates commitment to achieving agreed objectives, meeting deadlines, and ensuring the functionality of the website.
• Managing and sharing knowledge: Continuously seeks to learn and apply innovative solutions. Shares technical knowledge and provides training to DGVTE staff to enhance long-term capacity in website management.
• Accountability: Takes ownership of responsibilities and ensures that all deliverables fully comply with the approved technical specifications and design mockups. Assumes responsibility for both individual and team contributions.
• Communication: Encourages and contributes to clear, open, and transparent communication with both technical and non-technical stakeholders. Explaining complex technical matters in a simple, accessible, and motivating way.

Notes

1. Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this vacancy notice is subject to funding confirmation.
2. Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, verification of residency, visa, and authorizations by the concerned Government, where applicable.
3. IOM covers Consultants against occupational accidents and illnesses under the Compensation Plan (CP), free of charge, for the duration of the consultancy. IOM does not provide evacuation or medical insurance for reasons related to non-occupational accidents and illnesses. Consultants are responsible for their own medical insurance for non-occupational accident or illness and will be required to provide written proof of such coverage before commencing work.
4. IOM has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and IOM, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities.
5. IOM does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process (application, interview, processing, training or other fee). IOM does not request any information related to bank accounts.
6. IOM only accepts duly completed applications submitted through the IOM online recruitment system. The online tool also allows candidates to track the status of their application.

For further information and other job postings, you are welcome to visit our website: IOM Careers and Job Vacancies