Engagement of a consultant to develop an online visa application platform for migrants from third countries entering the ECOWAS region

PERIOD OF ADVERTISEMENT: 15 December 2023 to 24 January 2024
CLIENT: ECOWAS Commission
SOURCE OF FUNDING: ECOWAS
TYPE: Expressions of Interest
ENGAGEMENT OF A CONSULTANT TO DEVELOP AN ONLINE VISA APPLICATION PLATFORM FOR
MIGRANTS FROM THIRD COUNTRIES ENTERING THE ECOWAS REGION

1. BACKGROUND
The ECOWAS Commission within the framework of its annual work program, intends to procure the
services of one consultant to develop an Online ECOVISA Application Platform for Migrants from
Third Countries (citizens of countries outside the ECOWAS Region) who wish to enter the ECOWAS
region.

2. Objective of the Assignment and Tasks
The objective of the assignment is to develop an Online ECOVISA Application Platform for Migrants
from Third Countries entering the ECOWAS region.
Specifically, this involves:
a. The design and implementation of a user-friendly online visa application platform
(ECOVISA) for third-country migrants.
b. Ensuring the system aligns with international standards and ECOWAS policies.
c. Enhancing security, efficiency, and accessibility in the visa application process.
3. Scope of Work
This assignment will cover the ECOWAS Member States and require:
(1) Analysis of existing visa application systems and identification of key features for ECOVISA;
(2) Development of a comprehensive digital platform for visa application, processing, and
issuance;
(3) Integration of security features and data protection measures; and
(4) Collaboration with ECOWAS Member States for system integration.
4. Required Profile
a. Technical Qualifications:
• A bachelor’s or master’s degree in computer science, information technology, software
engineering, or a related field.
• Proficiency in relevant programming languages (such as Java, Python, .NET), database
management (like SQL, Oracle), and web development technologies (HTML, CSS,
JavaScript).
• Knowledge in designing scalable, secure, and efficient system architectures, including
cloud-based solutions.
2
• Understanding of cybersecurity principles, data protection laws, and experience in
implementing secure online platforms, especially those handling sensitive personal
data.
• Skills in designing user-friendly interfaces, considering the diverse user base, including
those with limited tech proficiency.
•
b. Professional Experience:
• At least five (5) years’ experience or more in developing platforms for visa processing,
immigration, or similar government-related systems.
• Proven ability to manage large-scale IT projects, including timelines, budgets, and crossfunctional teams.
• Experience Working with Governments or International Bodies: Familiarity with
bureaucratic processes, legal compliance, and working in a multi-stakeholder
environment.
• Understanding of ECOWAS Regulations and Practices: Knowledge of ECOWAS policies,
regional dynamics, and legal frameworks regarding immigration and data handling.
c. Additional Skills and Competencies:
• Proficiency in English and French.
• Ability to effectively communicate technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders and
collaborate with various teams.
• Creative thinking and problem-solving abilities to address unique challenges in the
project.
• Capability to adapt to changing project requirements and environments.
• Knowledge of ECOWAS and its Member States will be an added advantage.
5. Duration of the Contract
The consultancy is for a period of 4 months from start to finish, from the date of the signing of the
contract between the Consultant and the ECOWAS Commission.
6. INVITATION
The ECOWAS Commission invites interested, eligible and qualified Individuals to apply for services
described above. Consultants must produce a letter of expression of interest and their Curriculum
Vitae clearly indicating information on their experience and skills in relation to the assignment (CV,
References and related supporting documents on similar services demonstrating that they are
qualified), description of experience in similar assignments, attestation of good performance
availability, etc.). Experiences will only be considered upon citing of the relevant supporting
document, especially the attestations.
Expressions of Interest should be delivered physically or electronically at the address or sent to the
email address mentioned below no later than January 24, 2023, at 11:00 AM(GMT+1), Nigeria Time
and be expressly marked “Expression of Interest for the Engagement of a Consultant to Develop an
Online Visa Application Platform for Migrants from Third Countries Entering the ECOWAS region”.
Interested Consultants who meet the above-listed requirement are invited to address their
expression of interest to the ECOWAS Commission, Directorate of General Administration,
Attention: Head of Procurement, Procurement Division, Plot 101, Yakubu Gowon Crescent,
Asokoro District, Abuja, Nigeria, using the subject line “Engagement of a Consultant to Develop an
Online Visa Application Platform for Migrants from Third Countries Entering the ECOWAS region” and
to send same to the email addresses: ikkamara@ecowas.int with copy to sbangoura@ecowas.int,
procurement@ecowas.int, asiaw-boateng@ecowas.int, oajugwo@ecowas.int and
rguira@ecowas.int.

Interested consultants may obtain additional information at the addresses mentioned below
during the following office hours: 09:00 to 12:00 (GMT+1), on working days ):
ikkamara@ecowas.int with copy to sbangoura@ecowas.int, procurement@ecowas.int,
asiaw-boateng@ecowas.int, oajugwo@ecowas.int and rguira@ecowas.int .
For the delivery in person or by registered mail or electronic submission:
ECOWAS Commission, Directorate of General Administration, Procurement Division, 1
st Floor,Plot 101, Yakubu Gowon Crescent, Asokoro District, Abuja, NIGERIA.
ikkamara@ecowas.int with copy to sbangoura@ecowas.int,
procurement@ecowas.int,asiaw-boateng@ecowas.int, oajugwo@ecowas.int and
rguira@ecowas.int .

The working languages shall be English and French. The Expression of Interest should be submitted
in English OR French

Please note that only applications that meet the requirement will be accepted and only those
shortlisted will be contacted.