TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR HIRING OF IT FIRM

Country: Pakistan

Name of the Project: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Food Security Support Project

Loan Loan 4412-PAK: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Food Security Support

Project

Introduction
Agriculture contributes about 22.7% to the GDP and employs around 37.0% of the
Pakistan’s total labor force, whereas the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) agriculture sector accounts
for around 22.0% of the provincial gross domestic product and employs 44.0% of the labor force.
Compared to other provinces, KP has the smallest average land holdings, i.e., 1.5 hectares (ha).
Due to subsistence farming, use of uncertified and less-resilient seeds, inefficient use of
fertilizers, low soil fertility, poor weed and pest management practices and climate change, the
average yield of staple crops in the province is much less than the national average yield. To
address these challenges, KP Agriculture Department (KPAD) has designed the KP Food
Security Support Project funded by ADB through a loan of $80 million and a grant of $3 million.
The project has two components and aims to improve food security by introducing climate
resilient agriculture technologies and practices, capacity enhancement of the farming community
and agriculture staff. The training activities envisaged under two major components of the project
are given in table below:

Project Sub- Activities

Components Components
Increased 1A-Increased Farmers’ training on best climate adaptive and resilient crop
adoption of resilient management practices
climate-smart production Farmers’ training on vertical farming of vegetables through
and resilient practices Farmer Field School (FFS)
agricultural 1B-Increased Female training on seed cleaning and storage of staple crops
production resilience in along with safe handling of pesticide containers and fertilizer
practices by women-led bags
flood-affected livelihood Female training on kitchen gardening, food processing and
farming preservation
communities
Increased 2-Increased Staff training on modern seed production, quality assurance,
institutional institutional certification, seed storage, record keeping and
resilience and preparedness documentations, digitized seed inventory management
preparedness for climate system
for climate- induced
induced disaster
disaster
 The first component of the project will target the seven (07) flood-affected districts
including D I Khan, Peshawar, Charsadda, Nowshera, Swat, Malakand, and Upper Dir. The
project will provide the targeted flood-affected small farmers with the most critical agriculture
inputs for improved climate resilience in rural livelihoods and ensure food security along with
capacity building training. The project will also support the KPAD preparedness for future climate-
induced disasters for improved food security.
Project Background

The proposed project will address livelihoods, food security, and climate vulnerabilities of rural
farm households in the most flood-damaged districts of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.1 It
will contribute to (i) increased agricultural productivity through providing flood-affected
smallholding farmers with critical agriculture inputs and training in safe and efficient use of those
agricultural inputs; (ii) improved household nutrition through agricultural input support and
training to female farmers; (iii) improved digitalization for farmers to better access extension
services, markets and climate and disaster information; and (iv) increased institutional
preparedness for climate-induced disasters with interventions utilizing information and
communication technology (ICT).
The project will contribute to the government’s Resilient Recovery, Rehabilitation, and
Reconstruction Framework (4RF) strategy and investment priority.2 It will bolster the agriculture
sector’s response to the impact of the 2022 floods in the province and will support flood-affected
smallholder farmers (and tenants) with up to 3 hectares (ha) of land. The project will improve the
resilience, rural livelihood, and food security situation of rural households. Support activities will
cover 47% of the area of wheat, 64% of the area of rice, and 50% of the area of vegetables in
the project districts.
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Food Security Support Project is designed to achieve the following
results

Project impact: Food security, climate resilience and income need for the vulnerable sections of
the population to improve.

Project Outcome: Agriculture productivity and climate-resilient livelihoods of flood-affected farm

households in the project area improved.

The outcome of the KP Food Security Support Project will be achieved by the following two
intertwined outputs.

Output 1: Adoption of climate-smart and resilient agricultural production practices by

flood-affected farm households increased. This will support the urgent needs of the flood-
affected smallholder farmers to compensate for their losses and improve their productivity of
staple food and nutritious crops. The output will (i) provide high yielding, climate-resilient, and
certified seeds and fertilizer to more than 320,000 smallholding farmers in the project districts—

1
Charsadda, Dera Ismail Khan, Malakand, Nowshera, Peshawar, Swat, and Upper Dir.
2
For strategic recovery objective 2: restore livelihoods and economic opportunities for food security for
medium- (up to 3 years) and long-term (up to 5 years investment needs).
vegetable production packages, including vertical farming material, will also be provided to
diversify the production base of 42,000 additional smallholding farmers, accompanied by
trainings and capacity building on climate-resilient agronomic practices, integrated crop and pest
management, and the safe use of agriculture inputs;3 (ii) provide packages of small agriculture
production tools as well as trainings to about 28,000 women to enhance household-level nutrition
and promote climate-resilient agriculture among female farmers; and (iii) deliver toolkits and
training on seed cleaning, better storage practices, and safer handling of pesticides containers
and fertilizer bags to about 25,000 female farmers. The Japan Fund for Poverty Reduction
(JFPR) will finance activities related to seed cleaning and the safer handling of pesticide
containers and fertilizer bags among female farmers. The achievement of community resilience
will be measured at project completion.4
Output 2: Institutional capacity and preparedness for climate-induced disaster
strengthened. The output will address the mid- and long-term needs for institutional capacity
enhancement. It will improve timely responses to increased climate-induced disasters and build
institutional preparedness. It will support (i) the establishment of a unified sex-disaggregated
digital database of farmers in the province for more targeted extension services delivery,
information availability, and financial services; (ii) integration of remote sensing technology in
monitoring crop stress for early warning to agriculture extension within the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Agriculture Department (KPAD); (iii) installation of an ICT-based pest surveillance system for
early warning and timely-management of climate-induced pest attacks; (iv) enhance the capacity
of the KPAD to expand the seed production and multiplication system; and (v) enhance the
capacity of the soil and water testing labs under agriculture extension and research. The output
will support minor civil works.5 This will strengthen the provincial government’s policy decisions
in agriculture and food security for emergency short, medium-, and long-term needs.
Background of the assignment
The agricultural sector in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa faces several challenges, including unpredictable
weather patterns, pest infestations, and a lack of timely, reliable data to inform decision-making.
KP-ASIS will address these issues by providing an integrated platform for real-time data
collection, analysis, and reporting, helping farmers and policymakers improve their strategies.
The project is part of a broader effort by the KP government to modernize agriculture and make
it more sustainable, while also supporting the livelihoods of farmers in the region. The KP-ASIS
will integrate spatial data on land use, crop yield, weather, and market prices with traditional
agricultural statistics, enabling stakeholders to make informed decisions.
2. Purpose of the Assignment

3
An e-distribution system will be established under the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Agriculture Department to efficiently
and sustainably distribute required farm inputs. This will be financed under the ongoing ADB. Islamic Republic of
Pakistan: Strengthening Food Security Post-COVID-19 and Locust Attacks (TA 6663).
4 For scalability and replication in future investments for enhancing community resilience, a small
study for designing measurement methodology and baselines of improved climate-gender-poverty resilience
will be conducted during project preparation.
5
This will include minor rehabilitation, none-core solar photovoltaic, and upgrading of existing government
facilities.
The Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (GoKP), through the Department of Agriculture, aims
to establish a state-of-the-art Agricultural Statistics Information System (KP-ASIS). This system
will improve data-driven decision-making, enhance agricultural productivity, and strengthen
service delivery by integrating real-time market data, GIS-based land monitoring, pest
surveillance, and mobile-based field support tools.
The system will also include the development of a mobile application to support pest
management, crop monitoring, and agricultural decision-making with integration into the already-
developed farmer registration system.
The scope of this assignment is divided into three key phases, with specific deliverables at each
stage to ensure the successful design, development, and deployment of the KP-ASIS.

1. Phase 1: System Design and Requirements Analysis

The first phase will focus on gathering detailed requirements, conducting needs assessments,
and creating the foundational architecture for the KP-ASIS platform. The firm will be required to:

• Conduct stakeholder consultations and needs assessments with Crop Reporting Services
(CRS), Agriculture Extension, and farmer groups.
• Analyze existing platforms (e.g., AMIS.pk) and systems to identify integration points and
gaps.
• Document system architecture including data flow, integration protocols, cloud
requirements, and GIS specifications.
• Produce
o Requirements & Needs Assessment Report
o Technical Architecture Design
o Functional and Security Specifications

2. Phase 2: Development of KP-ASIS GIS Platform

This phase involves the actual design and development of the KP-ASIS GIS platform, focusing
on the following core areas:

• Build a web-based dashboard for real-time data access (market prices, crop data, pest
reports, etc.)
• Develop an Android mobile application with features including geotagging, offline data
capture, pest monitoring, and integration with the existing farmer registration database.
• Integrate with:
o Local & international market data feeds
o GIS mapping tools (for land use, crop types)
o Legacy systems used by the Department
• Implement:
o Role-Based Access Control (RBAC)
o Cloud hosting / data center deployment
o Disaster Recovery mechanism
 • Deliver iterative development cycles with regular feedback from stakeholders every 2-3
weeks.

3. Phase 3: Deployment, Maintenance & Support

After the development of the KP-ASIS platform, the firm will be responsible for deploying the
system, conducting pilot tests, and ensuring that users are trained. Key activities include:

• Deploying the system on a secure, scalable cloud platform or government data center.
• Conducting comprehensive testing, including unit testing, functional testing, and user
acceptance testing (UAT).
• Provide
o Training for system administrators, master trainers, and field users
o Maintenance and technical support for 6 months post-deployment
o Documentation including manuals, backup strategies, and sustainability plan

The purpose of establishing the Agricultural Statistics Information System (ASIS) in the Khyber
Pakhtunkhwa Agriculture Department is to enhance agricultural productivity and improve
decision-making through the integration of modern information technology. Key objectives
include:

1. Data Collection and Analysis: To collect, store, and analyze data on crops, livestock,
weather, and market trends, enabling informed decision-making.

2. Resource Management: To optimize the use of agricultural inputs such as water,

fertilizers, and seeds by providing real-time information to farmers and policymakers.

3. Market Linkages: To facilitate better market access for farmers by providing timely
updates on market prices, demand, and supply trends.

4. Policy Support: To assist the government in formulating evidence-based agricultural

policies by providing accurate and timely data.

5. Farmer Empowerment: To empower farmers with accessible and reliable information on

modern farming techniques, crop advisory services, pest control, and weather forecasts.

6. Transparency and Accountability: To enhance transparency in the implementation of

agricultural subsidies, incentives, and other government schemes.

7. Improving Efficiency: To streamline operations and improve service delivery within the
agriculture department by digitizing processes and minimizing manual interventions.

8. Sustainability: To promote sustainable agricultural practices by monitoring environmental

impacts and encouraging eco-friendly farming techniques.
 9. Develop a centralized GIS-based system for collecting, managing, and analyzing
agricultural data.

10. Integrate the system with existing databases and data collection mechanisms used by the
KP Agriculture Department.

11. Create a mobile application to support field inspections, pest surveillance, crop monitoring,
and decision support for farmers.

12. Provide real-time data visualizations, trend analyses, and reports to various stakeholders.

13. Ensure the system is secure, scalable, and user-friendly, with disaster recovery protocols
in place.

14. Offer training and support to Agriculture Department personnel to ensure smooth
operations post-deployment.

The ASIS system serves as a vital tool for bridging the gap between stakeholders, fostering
innovation, and driving the agricultural sector's growth in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

3. Duration and Location of the Services

• Duration: The assignment will span a period of Eighteen (18) months.

• Location:

o Web Portal Server: Deployed on-premise at the Crop Reporting Services Office.

o Mobile Application Server: Hosted internally at the Agriculture Extension

Department.

4. Scope of Services

4.1 System Development

• Design and develop a web-based platform and mobile application for managing
agricultural crop statistics and decision-support information ‘
• Ensure the system supports real-time data collection and analysis on crop area, yield,
production, and pest incidence across KP
• Ensure the system supports real-time data collection and dissemination from various
markets across KP.
• Integrate modules for graphical representation and analytical tools for market trends.

4.2 Data Integration

• Incorporate local market data, including daily commodity prices, supply volumes, and
demand indicators.
• Integrate international commodity prices with real-time currency conversion to Pakistani
Rupees.
 • Ensure data synchronization between market committees, provincial departments, and
central databases.

4.3 User Accessibility

• Develop user-friendly interfaces in both English and Urdu to cater to a diverse user base.
• Implement features such as notifications, graphical reporting, and historical price analysis.

4.4 Training and Capacity Building

• Conduct training sessions for farmers, traders, and government officials on using the
ASIS platform.
• Develop and distribute comprehensive user manuals and video tutorials.

4.5 Maintenance and Support

• Provide ongoing technical support and system maintenance to ensure reliability.

• Regularly update the system to incorporate new features and accommodate stakeholder
feedback.

5. System Architecture

The system architecture for KP-ASIS will be designed to integrate spatial and non-spatial data,
ensuring scalability, security, and ease of integration with other systems used by the Agriculture
Department. The architecture will encompass the following components:

5.1. Business Architecture:

The system will support the business processes of Crop Reporting Services (CRS) and
Agriculture Extension services by managing real-time data on crop areas, yields, and production
statistics. The business architecture will also align with the project objectives, ensuring efficient
and standardized data reporting.

5.2. Application and Data Architecture:

The KP-ASIS platform will include centralized data management, capable of handling vast
amounts of spatial and non-spatial agricultural data. The system will utilize advanced databases
and cloud services for secure and scalable data storage and processing. GIS layers for mapping
land use, crop yields, and pest monitoring will be integrated with analytics engines.

The platform will prioritize the management and visualization of core crop statistics, including
planted area, crop stage, yield forecasts, and seasonal trends

5.3. Technology and Security Architecture:

The technology stack will include web-based interfaces for data management and visualization,
with a mobile application supporting field inspections. Security protocols, including role-based
access control (RBAC) and disaster recovery measures, will be implemented to ensure data
protection.
5.4. Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity:

A disaster recovery plan will be placed to restore the system in case of hardware or software
failure, ensuring minimal disruption to operations. Backup data will be stored securely and made
available in case of system outages.

5.5. Integration Architecture:

KP-ASIS will integrate seamlessly with existing agriculture systems and platforms, including those
tracking agricultural loans, market prices, weather, and climate data and the previously developed
farmer registration system, avoiding duplication of functionality. The integration points will be
mapped clearly, ensuring compatibility and smooth data flow.

6. Functional Specifications

The functional specifications of the KP-ASIS platform will cover a wide range of technical and
operational requirements:

6.1. Hardware Requirements:

The firm will recommend server specifications, storage solutions, and networking hardware based
on system load estimates. The system must be scalable to handle increasing data volumes over
time.

6.2. Software and Network Requirements:

The software stack must include modern web-based applications, with back-end systems capable
of processing large datasets, spatial information, and real-time data collection. The firm must
ensure that the system operates efficiently in a networked environment, with secure connections.

6.3. Security and Scalability:

Security is a high priority, with access to the system limited to authorized users only. Role-based
access control (RBAC) and secure data encryption must be implemented. The system must be
scalable to support an increasing number of users and data points over time.

6.4. User Interface and UX Design:

The user interface should be intuitive and user-friendly, with easy navigation and customizable
dashboards for different user types. The mobile app will support geotagging, pest monitoring, and
task management, with offline capabilities to ensure uninterrupted use in remote areas.

6.5. Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity:

The firm must provide a detailed plan for disaster recovery, including regular backups, redundant
data storage, and a system to restore operations in case of failure.

7. Measurable Business Objectives

The system will be designed to achieve measurable business outcomes that align with the
strategic goals of the KP Agriculture Department. These objectives include:

7.1. Improvement in Agricultural Data Quality:

• KP-ASIS will enable the collection of accurate, real-time data, improving the quality of
information available to decision-makers. The data will include crop yield, pest
infestations, land use, and weather data.
• KPIs: Data accuracy to be verified at 95% or higher, reduction in manual data entry errors
by 80%.

7.2. Increased Farmer Engagement and Usability:

• Through the mobile application and farmer registration, the system will actively engage
farmers in the reporting and decision-making process.
• KPIs: Increase in the number of farmers registered in the system by 50% within the first
year of deployment.

7.3. Informed Decision-Making:

• The system will improve decision-making for agricultural officers by providing trend
analysis, dashboards, and real-time data on crops, pest control, and climate conditions.
• KPIs: Faster response times for pest outbreaks (reduction by 30%), improved forecasting
for crop yields, and better decision-making tools leading to a 20% improvement in
resource allocation.

8. Quality Assurance and Testing Plan

The Quality Assurance (QA) process will ensure that the KP-ASIS platform is delivered with
minimal defects, meeting the technical and functional requirements set out in the ToR. The testing
plan will consist of the following stages:

8.1. Unit Testing:

Each module of the system, including the mobile app, GIS platform, and analytics engine, will
undergo rigorous unit testing to validate functionality and ensure components operate as
expected in isolation.

8.2. Integration Testing:

Integration testing will confirm that the system’s components work together seamlessly. This
phase will test data sharing, GIS layers, reporting, and mobile app integration.

8.3. User Acceptance Testing (UAT):

• UAT will involve the Agriculture Department staff and selected end-users (such as field
inspectors and farmers) to ensure the system meets their expectations and is easy to use.
(After Deployment)
 • The firm must deliver UAT manuals and training materials and coordinate multiple rounds
of testing until all user feedback is addressed.

8.4. Performance and Load Testing:

• This testing phase will ensure that the system can handle high user loads and large
datasets, without compromising performance.
• KPIs: The system should maintain response times of less than 3 seconds under standard
loads and no more than 10 seconds under peak loads.

9. Risk Management and Mitigation

Identifying risks and creating mitigation strategies is crucial to the success of the project. The
following risks have been identified:

9.1. Technical Risks:

• Risk: Integration issues with existing systems or new features may delay project
completion.
• Mitigation: Conduct early-stage integration testing and regular reviews with the Agriculture
Department’s IT team.

9.2. Data Security Risks:

• Risk: Unauthorized access to sensitive agricultural data.

• Mitigation: Implement role-based access control (RBAC), encrypt data, and ensure secure
data backups.

9.3. Operational Risks:

• Risk: Inadequate training for end-users leading to low system adoption.

• Mitigation: Provide comprehensive training sessions, user manuals, and ongoing support.

9.4. Environmental Risks:

• Risk: Unforeseen events like natural disasters could disrupt system deployment or data
collection.
• Mitigation: Develop a disaster recovery plan, including cloud-based backups and offsite
data storage.

10. Legacy Data Migration

The KP-ASIS platform will need to integrate and migrate legacy data from existing systems
currently used by the Agriculture Department. The data migration plan includes:

10.1. Data Assessment:

Conduct a comprehensive review of all existing data sources, including crop reporting, pest
control, and agricultural extension data.
10.2. Data Mapping and Transformation:

Map legacy data to the new system’s data structure, ensuring that all critical fields and formats
are compatible.

10.3. Data Cleansing:

Remove redundant, obsolete, or duplicate entries to ensure that the migrated data is accurate
and current.

10.4. Data Validation:

Post-migration data checks will be performed to ensure the integrity and completeness of the
migrated data.

11. Deliverables:

• Phase-1:
o Inception Report, Requirements Document, System Architecture Design
• Phase-2:
o KP-ASIS Web Portal, Mobile App, Integrated Database, APIs
• Phase-3:
o Deployment, UAT Reports, Training Materials, Maintenance Logs
• Final
o Project Completion Report, Sustainability and Exit Strategy

12. Detailed Outputs of the Assignment

12.1 Key Timelines or Milestones

• Phase 1: System Design and Requirements Analysis (Month 1–3)

o Conduct stakeholder workshops and farmer interviews
o Needs assessment and gap analysis report
o High-level system architecture and functional specifications

• Phase 2: Development of KP-ASIS Platform (Month 4–11)

o Iterative development of web portal and mobile app
o GIS integration and real-time data dashboard
o Pilot testing and mid-term evaluation

• Phase 3: Deployment, Maintenance & Support (Month 12–18)

o Final deployment and user training
o 6-month maintenance and upgradation period
o Final report and sustainability plan

13.2 Team Composition and Qualification Requirements

Key Experts – National

 Sr. No Name of Expert No of Experts Input P/M Total P/M
1 Team Leader / IT Specialist 1 Continuous 12 12
2 Senior Software Engineer 1 Intermittent 8 8
3 Mobile Application Developer 1 Intermittent 6 6
4 GIS Specialist 1 Intermittent 6 6
5 Database Administrator (DBA) 1 Continuous 6 6
6 UI/UX Designer 1 Intermittent 4 4
7 QA & Testing Expert 1 Intermittent 4 4
8 Cybersecurity Expert 1 Intermittent 4 4
9 Training & Capacity Building Expert 1 Intermittent 6 6
Total Key Experts 9 56 56
Non-Key Experts
1 Enumerator/Field Coordinator 16 Intermittent 4 64
2 Content Developer / Translator 2 Intermittent 2 4
3 Junior Developer 2 Intermittent 6 12
4 M&E Officer 1 Intermittent 4 4
5 Technical Writer 1 Intermittent 3 3
6 IT Support Technician 1 Intermittent 3 3
Total Non-Key Experts 23 23 89
Total Person Months 145

For the development of ASIS system and App for pest management the firm and its personnel
have a vast experience in the following areas:

• Experience in developing and implementing information systems in the agricultural sector.

• Proficiency in real-time data integration and dissemination.
• Ability to provide training and technical support to diverse stakeholders.
• Knowledge of agricultural market dynamics and trade practices.

Key Experts
Position Qualifications Experience Responsibilities
Team Leader / Master’s degree in project Minimum 10 years of Ensure project milestones
IT Specialist (1) management, Information experience managing are achieved on time and
Technology, Information large-scale IT within budget.
Communication projects, preferably in
Technology or a related GIS and agricultural Coordinate with internal
field. information systems. teams, government
Proven experience in
stakeholders, and
managing cross-
functional teams and development partners
handling projects such as ADB.
funded by
international
development
agencies such as
ADB.
Senior Master’s degree in Preferably 8 years of Lead the architectural
Software Computer Science, hands-on experience design, coding, testing,
Engineer Software Engineering, or in software and deployment of the KP-
related field. development, ASIS platform (web and
including full-stack mobile components).
development,
preferably in large- Develop and maintain
scale public sector or back-end services,
data systems. databases, APIs, and
integration logic for third-
Proven experience in party systems (e.g.,
developing enterprise- weather, market data).
level applications with
GIS integration, REST Ensure that the system
APIs, and real-time adheres to established
analytics features. security protocols, role-
based access control
Strong command of (RBAC), and data
programming protection regulations.
languages such as
JavaScript (Node.js, Support mobile application
React), Python, or development (Android)
Java. with features such as
geotagging, pest reporting,
Deep understanding and offline access.
of relational and non-
relational databases Optimize performance and
(PostgreSQL, ensure scalability for large
MongoDB, etc.). datasets and user loads.

Familiarity with GIS Collaborate with GIS

frameworks (e.g., specialists to embed
Leaflet, OpenLayers) spatial data visualization
and geospatial features into the platform.
databases (PostGIS).
Mentor junior developers
Proficient in designing and provide code reviews
secure and scalable and quality control.
system architectures.
Participate in stakeholder
Experience with review sessions and
DevOps tools (CI/CD iterative development
pipelines, Git, Docker, sprints.
etc.) is a plus.
Mobile Bachelor’s degree in Preferably 5 years of Design and develop the
Application Computer Science, experience in mobile KP-ASIS mobile
Developer Software Engineering, application application for Android and
Mobile Development, or development, iOS platforms.
related field. particularly in projects
with public service, Implement core
agriculture, or GIS functionalities including
components. farmer registration,
GPS/geotagging, image
 Prior experience capture, pest monitoring,
building apps that and task management.
function offline and
use GPS/location- Ensure offline functionality
based services. with data synchronization
once connectivity is
Proficiency in Android restored.
development
(Java/Kotlin) or cross- Integrate the mobile app
platform frameworks with the KP-ASIS web
such as React Native platform via secure APIs.
or Flutter.
Optimize app
Strong understanding performance,
of REST APIs and responsiveness, and
JSON for mobile-web usability in low-bandwidth
integration. rural environments.

Experience with Conduct user testing and

mobile database incorporate feedback into
solutions (SQLite, app iterations.
Room, or Realm).
Collaborate closely with
Familiarity with app the Senior Software
deployment, Engineer, UI/UX Designer,
debugging tools, and and QA team for consistent
performance platform experience.
monitoring.
Document code and
Knowledge of UX/UI provide technical input for
design principles and training and maintenance
mobile accessibility materials.
standards.
GIS Specialist Master’s degree in GIS, Preferably 8 years of Design and develop GIS
Geography, hands-on experience layers and maps for
Geoinformatics, Remote in GIS system agricultural land use, crop
Sensing, Environmental development, distribution, pest
Science, or a related field. especially in outbreaks, and
agriculture, land use, environmental monitoring.
or environmental
monitoring. Integrate spatial data with
non-spatial datasets to
Experience in working provide actionable insights
with government and visualizations in the
systems or KP-ASIS platform.
development projects
involving spatial data. Support the development
of geospatial dashboards
Proficient in GIS tools and mobile app
such as ArcGIS, geotagging features.
QGIS, ERDAS
 Imagine, and open- Provide technical input on
source alternatives. spatial database design
and integration using
Strong knowledge of platforms like PostGIS,
spatial database QGIS, or ArcGIS.
management systems
(PostGIS, Train Agriculture
GeoServer). Department staff and field
teams on GIS tools,
Experience with spatial data collection, and
satellite imagery interpretation.
analysis, GPS data
processing, and Conduct quality assurance
spatial modeling. on spatial data collected
from the field, ensuring
Familiarity with accuracy and consistency.
agricultural zoning,
land classification, Contribute to disaster
and pest/disease recovery and climate-
mapping. related layers for
resilience planning.
Ability to translate
complex spatial data
into user-friendly
visual outputs and
decision-support
tools.
Database Bachelor’s in Database Preferably 6 years of Design and implement
Administrator Management, Computer experience years robust database structures
(DBA) Sciences, Software Database (both relational and spatial)
Engineering or related Management, for KP-ASIS.
field. PostgreSQL, MySQL).
Manage installation,
Proficiency in configuration, and
PostgreSQL (with maintenance of databases
PostGIS), MySQL, or on in-house servers.
similar enterprise
RDBMS. Optimize database
performance for real-time
Experience with data ingestion, reporting,
spatial data and GIS and analytics.
database
management. Ensure data security, user
access control, encryption,
Familiarity with SQL and compliance with data
scripting, stored protection policies.
procedures, indexing,
and database tuning. Perform routine backups,
disaster recovery planning,
Strong understanding and restoration
of data security procedures.
 practices, backup
strategies, and Support integration with
disaster recovery. legacy systems, GIS
modules, and the mobile
Experience with app.
database replication,
ETL processes, and Collaborate with
data migration. developers, GIS
specialists, and QA staff for
Familiarity with Linux seamless data flow and
server environments testing.
and command-line
database Develop and maintain
administration. database documentation,
including ER diagrams,
procedures, and admin
guides.
UI/UX Bachelor degree in Preferably 5 years of Design intuitive,
Designer Graphic Design, Human- experience in accessible, and
Computer Interaction, or designing user responsive user interfaces
related field. interfaces for web and for both the web platform
mobile applications. and mobile application.

Collaborate with
stakeholders (including
farmers and government
personnel) to gather
design requirements and
incorporate their feedback
into the system design.

Develop wireframes,
prototypes, and high-
fidelity visual designs that
are consistent with the KP-
ASIS branding and user
needs.

Conduct user testing and

usability assessments to
improve design and
usability.

Implement design best

practices to ensure that the
platform and mobile
application are easy to
navigate and accessible to
all user levels.
 Create design assets
(icons, buttons, screens)
and provide specifications
for developers to
implement the designs.

Ensure the mobile app

design supports offline
functionality, geotagging,
and field-based data
collection features.

Develop and maintain

design documentation,
user interface guidelines,
and user experience
reports.
QA & Testing Bachelor’s in CS, Software Preferably 5 years of Develop and implement a
Expert Engineering or related experience in IT comprehensive QA and
field. Quality Assurance and testing strategy for both
testing. the web and mobile
applications.

Define and document test

cases, test plans, and
quality metrics to ensure
system functionality,
usability, performance,
and security.

Conduct unit testing,

integration testing, system
testing, regression testing,
and user acceptance
testing (UAT) for all
components.

Ensure that the platform

meets business
requirements by verifying
that features and
functionalities work as
intended.

Execute performance
testing to ensure the
system can handle
expected user loads and
data volumes.
 Coordinate and manage
UAT with end-users,
ensuring that feedback is
captured and addressed.

Identify and document

bugs and issues, working
with developers to resolve
them efficiently.

Ensure that security

testing is performed to
identify vulnerabilities and
prevent unauthorized
access.

Prepare detailed testing

reports and track issues
through resolution.

Provide recommendations
for improving the system
based on testing results.
Cybersecurity Bachelor’s degree in Preferably 5 years of Conduct a thorough
Expert Cybersecurity, Information experience in security assessment of the
Technology, or a related cybersecurity, with a KP-ASIS platform,
field. strong background in identifying vulnerabilities,
securing web security gaps, and
applications, potential risks.
databases, and mobile
platforms. Develop and implement
security policies,
Proven experience in procedures, and
implementing security guidelines for the KP-ASIS
measures for system, including
government or encryption protocols, role-
development sector based access control
projects is highly (RBAC), and user
desirable. authentication.

Experience in Design and enforce

conducting risk security measures to
assessments, protect sensitive
vulnerability scans, agricultural data, market
and penetration data, and user
testing. information.

Oversee the
implementation of secure
data transmission
protocols (SSL/TLS) and
secure storage
mechanisms.

Monitor network and

system security through
intrusion
detection/prevention
systems (IDS/IPS) and
other security monitoring
tools.

Coordinate with the

database administrator to
ensure that security
measures such as
database encryption and
secure access control are
implemented.

Collaborate with the QA

team to conduct
penetration testing and
vulnerability scanning to
identify and mitigate risks.

Ensure compliance with

local data protection
regulations and
international security
standards (e.g., GDPR,
ISO 27001).

Develop and maintain

disaster recovery and
incident response plans to
ensure rapid recovery in
case of a breach or data
loss.

Provide training to the

team on best practices for
data security, phishing
prevention, and safe
online practices.

Stay updated on the latest

cybersecurity trends,
threats, and best practices
to continuously enhance
the security posture of the
KP-ASIS system.
Training & Bachelor degree in Preferably 5 years of Assess the training needs
Capacity Education, Information experience in of the stakeholders,
Building Expert Technology, or related field. designing and including the Agriculture
delivering training Department staff, farmers,
programs for IT and field inspectors, to
systems, preferably in tailor the training program
the agriculture or effectively.
government sector.
Develop a comprehensive
Proven experience in training plan and
creating training curriculum for different
materials (manuals, e- user groups, covering all
learning modules, etc.) aspects of the KP-ASIS
and conducting platform (web portal,
training sessions for mobile app, data entry,
diverse user groups, analysis, and decision-
including non- making tools).
technical users.
Design and develop high-
Experience with quality training materials,
capacity-building including user manuals,
initiatives, particularly video tutorials,
in developing presentations, and online
countries or for guides.
government
departments, is highly Conduct interactive and
desirable. engaging training
workshops and sessions
for users of varying
technical expertise, from
beginners to advanced
users.

Provide hands-on training

sessions for system
administrators, field
inspectors, and other
relevant staff to ensure
proper usage and
management of the
platform.

Develop assessment tools

to evaluate the
effectiveness of training
sessions and track
improvements in user
proficiency.

Coordinate with other

team members (e.g., IT
 support, developers) to
address any post-training
issues and provide
additional support as
needed.

Establish a process for

continuous learning and
capacity building,
including periodic
refresher courses and
updates based on system
enhancements.

Offer post-training
support, including a
helpdesk, online
resources, and
troubleshooting assistance
for end users.

Develop training feedback

mechanisms to assess
satisfaction and identify
areas for further
improvement in the
training program.

Track and report on the

progress of training
activities and outcomes,
providing regular updates
to stakeholders.

Non-Key Experts
Position Qualifications Experience Responsibilities
Enumerator/Field Bachelor’s degree in Preferably 3 years of Conduct farmer
Coordinator Agriculture, Social experience in field surveys, market
Sciences, Statistics, coordination, data assessments, and
Development Studies, collection, or structured interviews
or a related field. community-based as part of the system’s
development work. requirement analysis
and pilot phases.
Prior work
experience with Coordinate logistics for
agricultural or rural field visits, focus
development groups, and
projects is highly stakeholder meetings
desirable. at tehsil and village
levels.
 Familiarity with Assist in data
digital data collection validation and
tools (e.g., verification exercises,
KoboToolbox, ODK) including geotagged
and mobile apps. data and photographs.

Support training and

onboarding of farmers,
field inspectors, and
extension workers
during pilot
deployment.

Provide regular field

activity reports and
feedback from users to
the development team.

Monitor field
performance during
User Acceptance
Testing (UAT) and help
resolve practical
challenges
encountered by users.

Ensure ethical data

collection and respect
for cultural and
linguistic diversity
during fieldwork.
Content Developer / Bachelor’s or Master’s At least 5 years of Develop bilingual
Translator degree in Mass professional (Urdu and English)
Communication, experience in content for the KP-
Journalism, Education, content creation, ASIS web and mobile
Agriculture Extension, technical writing, or platforms, including
or a related field. communication agricultural advisories,
design. market updates, pest
Excellent written and alerts, and weather
verbal communication Demonstrated information.
skills in both English experience in
and Urdu (Pashto is a developing user Write and edit user
plus). manuals, training manuals, guides, and
materials, or SOPs for system
Strong grasp of agricultural users, field staff, and
content structuring for extension content. administrators.
mobile and web-based
applications. Previous experience Create multimedia
in ICT for agriculture, content (infographics,
digital platforms, or instructional videos,
government/public
 sector projects is slides) for training and
highly desirable. awareness programs.

Proficiency in Collaborate with UI/UX

content design tools designers to ensure
(e.g., Adobe text aligns with design
Illustrator, Canva, and enhances user
MS PowerPoint, navigation and
video editing experience.
software).
Maintain consistency in
Ability to translate tone, terminology, and
technical concepts presentation across all
into accessible communication
language for non- materials.
technical audiences
Update content
regularly based on
stakeholder feedback,
system updates, and
seasonal agricultural
changes.
Junior Developer Bachelor’s degree in 3 years of Assist in the
Computer Science, experience in development of web-
Software Engineering, software based interfaces and
Information development, mobile application
Technology, or a particularly in full- modules under the
closely related field. stack or mobile guidance of senior
development developers.
environments.
Write clean,
Demonstrated maintainable code
experience in following established
HTML5, CSS3, coding standards and
JavaScript practices.
frameworks (React,
Angular, or Vue), and Participate in
back-end debugging and
technologies like resolving technical
Node.js, Python, or issues during
PHP. development and UAT
phases.
Familiarity with
Android or cross- Support integration of
platform mobile app third-party APIs,
frameworks (e.g., databases, and GIS
Flutter, React layers.
Native) is an asset.
Conduct unit and
integration testing,
prepare documentation
 for newly developed
features.

Collaborate with UI/UX

designers to implement
responsive user
interfaces.

Participate in regular
code reviews, sprint
planning, and feature
testing cycles.
M&E Officer Master’s degree in Preferably 5 years of Develop and
Monitoring & relevant experience operationalize the M&E
Evaluation, Statistics, in designing and plan, including
Development Studies, implementing M&E performance
Public Policy, systems, preferably indicators, baselines,
Economics, or a related within agriculture, targets, and data
field. ICT, or public sector collection methods.
development
projects. Track project
implementation
Proven experience progress against
in setting up M&E agreed milestones and
frameworks, outputs (e.g., system
conducting field- deployment, training
based assessments, delivery, farmer
and data analysis engagement).
using statistical
tools. Work with the QA and
development teams to
align performance
metrics with system
features (e.g., UAT
results, response
times, adoption rates).

Design and conduct

periodic evaluations
(including midline and
endline assessments)
to assess the impact
and effectiveness of the
KP-ASIS system.

Analyze data collected

from the field and
system logs to inform
implementation
improvements.
 Prepare concise and
insightful M&E reports
and dashboards for
stakeholders.

Ensure data quality and

ethical monitoring
practices, including
user privacy and
informed consent.

Support adaptive
management and
learning processes
within the project team.
Technical Writer Bachelor’s or Master’s Preferably 3 years of Develop and maintain
degree in English, experience in high-quality
Communications, technical writing for documentation
Computer Science, software, IT including user
Information systems, or digital manuals, administrator
Technology, or a platforms, preferably guides, system
related discipline. in development or architecture overviews,
public sector and training materials.
projects.
Collaborate closely
Experience working with developers, UI/UX
in Agile/Scrum designers, QA teams,
development and business analysts
environments is a to translate technical
plus. specifications into
understandable
content.

Document API
references, data
workflows, user
instructions, and
maintenance
procedures.

Create content in both

English and Urdu
(where applicable) to
support end-users such
as field inspectors,
farmers, and policy
staff.

Prepare visual aids

such as process
diagrams, screenshots,
 and step-by-step
walkthroughs for user
training.

Update documents
regularly based on
system upgrades,
feedback from users,
and bug resolution.

Ensure documentation
adheres to data
protection and security
protocols
IT Support Technician Bachelor's degree in Minimum of 3 years Provide first-level
Computer Science, of experience in IT technical support to
Information support roles, end-users of the KP-
Technology, or a preferably with ASIS system, including
related technical field. experience in farmers, field staff, and
supporting software government personnel.
deployments in
public sector or Troubleshoot system
agriculture-related errors, mobile app
programs. issues, server
connectivity problems,
Experience and software bugs.
supporting mobile
and web applications Assist in the
is highly desirable. configuration,
installation, and routine
maintenance of IT
infrastructure
(networking, firewalls,
local servers).

Ensure smooth
operation of in-house
hosting environments
at Crop Reporting
Services and the
Agriculture
Department.

Support the
deployment of updates
and patches, and
coordinate with
developers for
resolution of technical
problems.
 Maintain logs of IT
incidents and solutions
to support continuous
improvement.

Assist with hardware

setup, including GPS-
enabled devices,
tablets, mobile phones,
and workstations for
field teams.

Support remote
troubleshooting when
required and escalate
unresolved issues to
higher-level support or
development teams.

14. Training and Documentation

The IT firm must develop a comprehensive training and knowledge transfer program to ensure
that the Agriculture Department staff can operate the system independently after deployment. The
training program will include:

14.1. Administrator Training:

In-depth training for system administrators on how to manage users, data inputs, and reports.

14.2. Field Inspector Training:

Detailed training on how to use the mobile application for geotagging, pest monitoring, and crop
reporting in the field.

14.3. End-User Documentation:

Comprehensive user manuals and quick-start guides for all user types, including farmers, field
inspectors, and administrators.

14.4. Train-the-Trainer Program:

The firm will develop a train-the-trainer program to create master trainers who can then provide
ongoing training within the Agriculture Department.

15. Reporting

The consultants will prepare the following reports in English and provide the copies as per
deliverables and schedule along with respective soft copy.
 a) Inception Report – In this report, the consultants will present their strategy,
methodology, timeline, responsibility matrix, risk analysis, risk response methods etc.
for successful delivery of consultancy services.
b) Monthly Progress Reports.
c) Mid-term Report on the format acceptable to the Client.
d) Quality Assurance Plan - (QA/QC Manual).
e) Assignment Completion Report.

The schedule for various reports and documents that are likely to be generated by the consultants
has been prepared. Additional reports and presentations shall be prepared as required. The
consultants will supply the deliverables along with the respective soft copy thereof to the PD, KP-
FSSP as per schedule given below.

Sr.
Document Hard Copies Due
No.

3 weeks after the effectiveness of

1. Draft Inception Report 2
the contract

One week after the issuance of

2. Final Inception Report 3 comments by the Client on draft
Inception Report

Need Assessment Report /

3. 3 1 month after mobilization.
Requirements Document

36 (2 Sets
4. Monthly Progress Report 10th of each of the following month
each month)
Quality Assurance Plan (QA/ Within 45 days after commencement
5. 3
QC Manual) of services
10th of the first month of following
6. Quarterly Progress Report 6
quarter

7. User Manuals (English and Urdu) 15 Upon Deployment of the System

7. Assignment Completion Report 2 At completion of assignment

8. Sustainability and Exit Strategy 5 At completion of assignment

The IT firm will have to report to PD KP-FSSP, and it will:

 • Establish a reporting mechanism to keep the KP Agriculture Department informed
about the project's progress.
• Coordinate with relevant departments and stakeholders to ensure the system meets
local needs and integrates seamlessly with existing infrastructures.
• The consultants shall work closely with the Project Director, KPFSSP, Peshawar, to
whom they will be reporting on day-to-day basis. The consultants will establish Office in
Peshawar at a suitable place. Most of the consultants' staff will be in the field/ project
districts.
CLIENT's INPUT AND COUNTERPART PERSONNEL
i) Project Director, KPFSSP, Agriculture Department, Peshawar will be representative of
the Client who will also resolve various administrative issues relating to consultants
arising during assignment. The consultants' Team Leader will be the principal contact
and will be expected to be readily available during project implementation.
ii) All records and sites will be made available to the consultants to enable them to perform
their functions. The consultants will be required to ensure confidentiality of the record.
iii) The Client will provide Access to existing systems and databases
iv) The client will share all Relevant reports, policy documents, and technical materials
available.
v) Coordination support for stakeholder engagement and field visits
vi) All relevant documents regarding agriculture development activities are freely
accessible at the Agriculture Department, Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa website
https://agriculture.kp.gov.pk which may be useful for interested consultants/ consulting
firms.
SELECTION PROCEDURE AND FORM OF CONTRACT
The consultants will be selected following Quality and Cost Based Selection (QCBS)
under the ADB procurement regulation for selection of consultants. The form of the
contract will be Time Based.
Basis of Payment

The assignment’s budget will include the following cost categories:

1. Personnel Costs: Salaries for key and non-key experts.

2. Operational Costs: Expenses for field visits, equipment, and office management.

3. Reporting Costs: Resources for creating and delivering reports.

4. Provisional Sum: Trainings, Government Per diems etc.

5. Contingency: Provision for unforeseen costs.