Terms of Reference: Web Developer Consultancy

Introduction

We are looking for skilled Web Developers to be responsible for the coding, innovative design and maintenance of the website, monitor.civicus.org. Full details are provided below, including how to apply by 24 April, 2026.

  • Location: Remote
  • Deadline for proposals: 24 April 2026
  • Start date: 1 July, 2026
  • Duration: Two years

About the CIVICUS Monitor

The CIVICUS Monitor is a research tool that provides quantitative and qualitative data on the state of civil society and civic freedoms. The data is generated through a collaboration with more than 20 civil society research partners, and input from a number of independent human rights evaluations. The data provides the basis for civic space ratings, which are based on up-to-date information and indicators on the state of freedom of association, peaceful assembly and expression. Countries can be rated as: open, narrowed, obstructed, repressed or closed.

Scope

The overall goal of the consultancy is to work on monitor.civicus.org. The successful candidates (recruiting upwards of three) will be able to design and deploy new functionalities, identify areas of site integration, administer site maintenance, and address infrastructure vulnerabilities. Some general responsibilities for this rolling web development consultancy, include:

  • Write well designed, testable, efficient code by using best software development practices
  • Create website layout/user interface by using the Django web framework
  • Integrate data from various back-end services and databases
  • Gather and refine specifications and requirements based on technical needs
  • Create and maintain software documentation
  • Be responsible for maintaining, expanding, and scaling our sites
  • Ensure sites are mobile and search engine optimised
  • Be able to institute and implement taxonomies to ensure users can access content archives based on countries, regions and themes

On average, it is estimated that at least two of the three web developers will receive between 5-10 requests a month. The successful applicants will be added to CIVICUS' Preferred Supplier List of Django developers and may receive additional requests which can be assessed based on relevance and availability. You would work closely with the communications and research teams, including the organisation’s full-time webmaster, as well as other project specific teams when required.

Requirements and skills

  • Proven working experience in web programming, in particular with Django and Python
  • Top-notch programming skills and in-depth knowledge of modern HTML/CSS and javascript
  • A solid understanding of how web applications work including security, session management, and best development practices
  • Advanced knowledge of relational database systems and Object Oriented Programming
  • Experience working with quantitative data and visualisation programs
  • Hands-on experience with network diagnostics, network analytics tools
  • Basic knowledge of Search Engine Optimization process
  • Aggressive problem diagnosis and creative problem solving skills
  • Strong organizational skills to juggle multiple tasks within the constraints of timelines and budgets with business acumen

How to Apply

The closing deadline for applications is Close of Business on 24 April 2026.  Interested candidates should email their application to . Emails should include “proposal for CIVICUS web development” in the subject line. 

At a minimum, all proposal should include the following: 

  1. A portfolio of work that demonstrates proven track-record in the areas covered under requirements and skills
  1. An hourly and day rate
  1. A detailed cost proposal related to any new functionalities and/or optimisations you would like to propose for the monitor.civicus.org website. The intention here is to understand the duration and cost of web development tasks. 1-2 costed development tasks is sufficient.

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