Developing a Strategic Plan and Guidelines for Managing and Updating Resources on the MaDiPHS Data Catalogue

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CABI is an international, intergovernmental, not-for-profit organization that improves people’s lives worldwide by providing information and applying scientific expertise to solve problems in agriculture and the environment. Our approach involves putting information, skills, and tools into people’s hands. CABI’s 48 Member Countries guide and influence our work which is delivered by scientific staff based in our global network of centres.

CABI has had a presence in Africa for over 100 years and has offices in Kenya, Ghana, and Zambia. Our African centres strive to improve livelihoods and work with the communities to address the problems they face using sustainable approaches. Our Member Countries set CABI’s strategic direction in development, research, and scientific publishing, helping countries tackle problems in agriculture and the environment while addressing global issues of concern such as food and nutrition security, gender equity and climate change.

We have over 500 staff based in 16 countries. We have offices in Brazil, China, Ghana, India, Kenya, Malaysia, Pakistan, Switzerland, Trinidad and Tobago, the UK, the USA, and Zambia.

You can learn more at: www.cabi.org

Background

The Malawi Digital Plant Health Service (MaDiPHS) is a five-year project (July 2022 – July 2027) led by the Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research (NIBIO) and funded by Norway. The project aims to establish a national agricultural plant health service in Malawi, based on the coordination of internationally developed digital systems to support pest and disease management of key crops, including maize, tomato, cassava, groundnuts, and banana.

MaDiPHS is implemented through the following work packages (WP):

• WP1 focuses on communication and extension, promoting user interaction and capacity building through a co-production approach.
• WP2 addresses data organization and management, identifying nationally and internationally relevant data, tools, and services to adapt to Malawi’s local conditions.
• WP3 develops an international integration platform for coordinated access to data from multiple digital systems.
• WP4 establishes a national digital client and sustainability plan, hosting the plant health service under a national government institution.
• WP5 develops pest risk models and decision support systems at the farm level.

Under WP2, CABI and NIBIO have developed the MaDiPHS Data Catalogue, an open-source tool based on the CKAN platform. The catalogue manages metadata of agronomy data, crop pest and disease data, weather data, and knowledge resources such as factsheets and guides. This resource repository follows the FAIR principles — ensuring data is findable, accessible, interoperable, and reusable.

To ensure that the MaDiPHS Data Catalogue continues to serve Malawian users, stakeholders, and partners effectively beyond the project’s end in June 2027, it is necessary to develop a strategic plan and guidelines for the responsible management and updating of the catalogue’s resources.

Objective of the assignment

To develop a strategic plan and guidelines that ensure effective management and regular updating of data and knowledge resources in the MaDiPHS Data Catalogue.

Scope of Work

• Develop an appropriate methodology for managing and updating data and knowledge resources in the catalogue.
• Review related knowledge, data, practices, and literature pertaining to data update guidelines.
• Facilitate the development of a robust strategy for data and knowledge resource updates.
• Produce a report outlining guidelines for updating data and knowledge resources based on the literature review and consultations.

Tasks and number of working days ( 15 days).

1. Clear understanding of the MaDiPHSData Catalogue- 3 days
2. Review of relatedknowledge, information in the MaDiPHSData Catalogue, practices, and literature- 10 days
3. Develop a robuststrategy plan for data and knowledge resource management in the MaDiPHS Catalogue- 2 days

Reporting and Deliverables

The consultant is required to submit their deliveries in the following three stages:

Descriptionof Activities, Deliverables, Payment terms and due dates.

1. Inception Report: The inception report outlining methodology, work plan, timeline, and strategy plan should be submitted One (1) week after contract signature( 20% payment).
2. Draft Strategy and Guidelines: Desktop research and findings and Draft report including guidelines based on research and consultations. Draft strategy and guidelines for managing resources in the MaDiPHS Data Catalogue should be submitted One (1) month after contract signature ( 40% payment).
3. Final Strategy and Guidelines: Final strategy and guidelines shoudl be submitted One and a half (1.5) months after contract signature ( 40% payment).

Please note:

In addition to the above deliverables, the consultant shall submit:

• monthly progress reports until the completion of the assignment.
• All documentation in English using Microsoft Word (soft copy).
• The main body of reports written in simple, non-technical language.
• Any technical material presented in annexes.

Reporting and Supervision

• The consultant will report to the CABI MaDiPHS Project Manager, and coordinate with national data holders’ focal points in Malawi.
• CABIwill provide technical support, background documents, and facilitate stakeholder engagement.
• CABI will provide Review and feedback on deliverables.

Consultant Responsibilities

• Develop and implement the work plan and methodology.
• Deliver reports and updates within agreed timelines and standards.
• Engage stakeholders and incorporate feedback in deliverables.

Qualifications and Experience

• Advanced university degree (master’s or higher) in a relevant field.
• At least six years’ experience in knowledge management strategy development,
• preferably related to data platform management and guideline development.
• Experience working with government partners, NGOs, and development partners, especially in the agricultural sector.
• Strong technical review, communication, and report writing skills.

Competencies

• Excellent oral and writing communication skills in English.Knowledge and ability to use the computer for research and report writing.
• Ability to work in a multicultural environment.
• High standard of ethical conduct, honesty, and integrity.
• Respect for diversity and inclusion

Ethical Considerations

The consultant shall maintain confidentiality and adhere to ethical standards throughout the assignment.

Duration of Assignment

The assignment shall not exceed 2 months and is envisaged to commence on15th September 2025 and be completed by 15th November 2025, with the Consultant expected to take 15 working days over 2 months (from the day of signing the contract to completing the assignment).

How to apply

How to Apply

Proposal Submission

Interested candidates should submit:

• A CV with relevant experience and three professional references.
• Technical proposal, including qualifications and approach.
• Detailed Financial proposal, specifying the professional fees for this assignment.

All Interested consultants should upload all the required documents to the CABI contractors work suite platform using the link below.

• For existing contractors who are yet to update their profiles https://cabi.worksuite.com/invite/58edd5c5e4e14b44b49c4933f786d18b/.
• For new contractors who should first create an account into the system and update their profiles. https://cabi.worksuite.com/invite/d48e3ba552a6484eb3d2759f4aec5b38/.