Development of Networking Platform Specialist

1.0 Background:

Founded in 2002 in Palestine, the Small Enterprise Center (SEC) Association is a renowned non-profit organization committed to advancing the growth, competitiveness, and sustainability of regional MSMEs and social enterprises. Through strategic partnerships with leading international organizations, SEC actively strengthens the MENA region’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, positioning MSMEs and social enterprises as engines of economic development, poverty alleviation, and gender equality. Its policy advocacy efforts aim to establish an enabling environment that support their long-term success.

SEC delivers innovative market access initiatives, product development programs, sustainability strategies, regional market research, and tailored capacity-building interventions, equipping MSMEs with the tools to compete globally, expand export, and access international trade opportunities. Furthermore, SEC champions green business practices, fostering responsible entrepreneurship that promotes environmental sustainability. By empowering youth and women-led enterprises, SEC drives inclusive growth, shaping a resilient, equitable and prosperous economic future. Through a strategic partnership with the Swedish government, Global Communities

(GC) is implementing the Supporting MSMEs Competitiveness and Growth in Palestine (SMCGP) program. The 44-month program aims to improve the conditions necessary for increased competitiveness and growth of MSMEs, contributing to inclusive sustainable economic development, including better income generation and productive employment with decent working conditions, particularly for women and youth. The SMCGP adopts the Market Systems Development (MSD) approach by employing facilitative approaches with learning at its core. SMCGP will target the creative industries sector which comprises three sectors including Furniture, Footwear and Leather, and Handicrafts.

Within the sub-agreement between Global Communities and the Small Enterprise Center (SEC) under the Supporting MSMEs Competitiveness and Growth in Palestine Programme (funded by the Swedish government), SEC and Technopark are planning to develop a comprehensive design platform to support creative industries, connect designers and MSMEs, and facilitate market linkages.

The Palestine Technopark (PTP), established in 2016, stands as a research and innovation technology park registered as a non-for-profit company dedicated to nurturing the entrepreneurship ecosystem in Palestine. Its multifaceted approach encompasses the provision of essential physical infrastructure, impactful entrepreneurship programs, state-of-the-art Innovation Labs and Hubs, and Research and Development initiatives. The overarching goals of PTP include the introduction and promotion of science and innovative technologies, the commercialization of technological knowledge, and the bridging of the gap between the business sector and academia.

SEC invites qualified experts to submit technical and financial proposals to develop, implement, and activate a comprehensive design platform that supports creative industries, connects designers and MSMEs, and facilitates market linkages.

2.0 Questions and Requests for Clarifications

Questions regarding the technical or administrative requirements of this ToRs may be submitted no later than 3/06/2025 to [email protected]. Questions must be submitted in writing; phone calls will not be accepted. Questions, requests for clarifications and the responses thereto that SEC believes may be of interest to other offers will be circulated to all TORs recipients who have indicated an interest in bidding.

Only the written answers issued by SEC will be considered official and carry weight in the ToRs process and subsequent evaluation. Any verbal information received from employees of SEC, or any other entity should not be considered as an official response to any questions regarding this TORs.

3.0 Purpose of this assignment:

SEC is seeking technical and financial proposals from a qualified individual expert to develop, implement, and activate a design platform for the Creative Hub at Palestine Techno Park. The Platform will be designed to:

Provide a digital space for designers to showcase their products vial portfolio, multimedia displays, and custom branding options.

Facilitate networking by allowing designers to connect with buyers, investors, collaborators and industry experts

Support knowledge sharing through forums, webinars, and industry insights

Connect designers and MSEMs with skilled labor.
4.0 Expert’s key responsibilities:

The selected individual will work under the supervision of the Small Enterprise Center (SEC) and the overall guidance of the Director of Programs at Palestine Techno Park. S/he will undertake the following activities:

Coordinate Focus Groups:

1. Plan and facilitate at least three focus group sessions with designers, MSME representatives, and potential end-users.
2. Collect feedback on platform objective, features, usability, and content based on the stakeholders needs
3. Prepare focus group reports summarizing findings and recommendations.

Platform Design and Development:

1. Creating an intuitive, visually appealing interface
2. Design, prototype, and build a user-friendly online platform that meets project requirements (designer profiles, product listings, messaging) and based on the feedback from focus groups.
3. Build users Profile and Portfolio Management
4. Collaborate with Techno Park and SEC staff to finalize feature specifications, user interface, and technical architecture.
5. Present the Platform to project team and stakeholders.
6. Integrate all comments by project team and stakeholders
7. Develop a final version of the Platform.

Data Entry & Content Population:

1. Collect and upload initial data (designer profiles, product images, category tags) into the platform database.
2. Ensure accuracy, consistency, and quality of all uploaded content.
3. Establish a simple content management process for future additions and updates.

Platform Implementation & Activation:

1. Configure hosting, domain, and necessary security measures for the live platform.
2. Perform user testing (functionality, responsiveness, cross-browser compatibility).
3. Conduct a soft launch to a pilot group of stakeholders and gather feedback.
4. Resolve bugs, refine features, and move to full public activation.

Follow-Up & Support:

1. Provide ongoing technical support and troubleshooting for platform users during the initial three months post-launch.
2. Track platform usage metrics (login counts, profile updates, inquiries) and report weekly.
3. Implement minor enhancements based on user feedback and data analytics.

Assistance & Coordination of Project Activities and Events:

1. Work closely with SEC and Techno Park teams to integrate the platform into upcoming hackathons, trainings, and promotional events.
2. Coordinate logistics for platform-related workshops (e.g., user onboarding, training sessions).
3. Attend project meetings to align platform rollout with other activities and timelines.

5.0 Main Deliverables

The individual will submit the following deliverables in English Language:

Platform Design Documentation & Development Plan

1. Detailed wireframes, user flows, and technical architecture.
2. Development timeline with major milestones (prototype, beta, launch).

Focus Group Reports

• At least three reports summarizing focus group findings, participant feedback, and platform refinement recommendations.

Populated Platform Data

• Initial upload of designer profiles, product listings, and relevant metadata (minimum 50 designer profiles and 200 product entries).
• Documentation of data entry methods and quality checks.

Activated Live Platform

• Fully functional platform accessible via a public URL, meeting all specification requirements.
• Evidence of user testing, bug fixes, and final deployment logs.

Support & Follow-Up Reports

• Weekly usage analytics for the first three months (user registrations, inquiries, engagement metrics).
• A log of technical issues reported and resolutions provided.

Coordination & Event Integration Report

• Summary of platform-related coordination tasks (workshops, hackathon integration, training sessions).
• Feedback from event participants on platform usage.

Comprehensive Final Report

• Narrative detailing all activities, achievements, challenges, and lessons learned.
• Recommendations for platform maintenance, future feature enhancements, and sustainability strategies.

6.0 Copy Rights

All platform code, design assets, documentation, and related intellectual property developed under this contract will become the exclusive property of SEC and Palestine Techno Park. The expert waives any claim to ownership or royalties for future use. The expert will not retain any rights to request fees or compensation for subsequent uses of the platform by SEC, Techno Park, or their appointed staff.

7.0 Qualifications and Work Experience of the Expert/s

Minimum of 5 years of proven experience in designing, developing, and deploying web‐based platforms or portals (preferably e-commerce or marketplace style) for MSMEs, designers, or creative industries.

Strong proficiency in front-end (HTML/Angular/ react) and back-end (e.g., PHP, Python, Node.js) technologies, including database integration.

Demonstrated ability to conduct user research (focus groups, stakeholder interviews) and translate findings into user-centered design features.

Familiarity with content management systems or custom CMS development to facilitate data entry and ongoing updates.

Experience in testing, debugging, and optimizing platform performance, security, and responsiveness across devices.

Excellent project management skills, with the ability to deliver against tight deadlines and collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.

Outstanding oral and written communication, fluent in Arabic and English with proven report-writing and documentation capabilities.

Proficiency in common office software (Microsoft Office: Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and basic version control (e.g., Git)..

8.0 Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or a related field.

Demonstrated knowledge of user experience (UX) design principles, database design, and web-application architecture.

Certifications in web development frameworks, platform security, or UX/UI design (e.g., Certified UX Designer, AWS Certified Developer) are a plus

9.0 Venue and Duration of Appointment:

The platform development and implementation activities will be based at Techno Park premises in Birzeit, Ramallah. The appointment period begins June 1, 2025, and concludes October 31, 2025, aligned with the project timeline. The expert should plan for on-site presence at Techno Park at least three days per week (or as mutually agreed), with remote work flexibility for tasks such as coding, documentation, and follow-up.

10.0 Travel
The selected individual must be able to commute to the Techno Park office in Birzeit without logistical support from SEC or Techno Park. If the expert is unable to attend on-site sessions as required, SEC reserves the right to terminate the contract immediately. The expert will not be entitled to any compensation for work performed if the agreement is canceled due to inability to travel or appear on-site.

11.0 Logistic Support for the Consultant

SEC and Techno Park will provide:

Access to existing documentation, branding assets, and any preliminary platform requirements.

Workspace at Techno Park (desk, internet access, and meeting room availability for focus-group sessions).

Required hardware (e.g., test servers, if applicable) or access to cloud-hosting environments.

Software licenses for design, collaboration, and remote-meeting tools (e.g., Zoom, MS Teams) as needed for stakeholder consultations or emergency remote work.

12.0 Deadlines for Submitting CVs and Technical and Financial Offers

All interested candidates must submit:

Up-to-date CV detailing relevant experience.

Technical proposal outlining approach, technology stack, timeline, and milestones.

Financial proposal with a budget breakdown of professional fees and any projected expenses.

Submission Deadline: No later than June 5, 2025 (Ramallah local time).

Proposals must be emailed to:

Kindly send the offers to SEC email:

 [email protected]

Late applications will not be accepted.