The African Disability Forum (ADF) has issued a Terms of Reference (ToR) inviting qualified service providers to undertake a comprehensive redesign of its organizational website, www.africandisabilityforum.org, alongside the development of a new SPADRA online platform. The initiative is aimed at modernizing ADF’s digital infrastructure, strengthening accessibility, and improving engagement with stakeholders across Africa and beyond. The assignment forms part of ADF’s broader capacity-building strategy to enhance digital inclusion and ensure that its platforms comply with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA standards. The revamped system is expected to serve as a central hub for persons with disabilities, development partners, government agencies, civil society actors, and other stakeholders engaged in disability rights advocacy. Project Background and Strategic Purpose ADF’s current website, launched in early 2021, has functioned as an informational and engagement platform for disability-related content. However, the organization has identified several gaps in accessibility, usability, and interactivity, necessitating a full redesign and structural upgrade. The upgraded platform will also integrate the SPADRA project (Strengthening Partnerships to Advance Disability Rights in Africa), which will serve as a dedicated digital hub within the main ADF website. SPADRA is expected to showcase regional progress, track policy implementation, and support knowledge sharing across Ghana, Benin, Malawi, and Zambia. The platform will also be designed with future scalability in mind, allowing integration with additional initiatives such as alumni networks, data systems, and leadership development programmes. Key Objectives of the Consultancy The consultancy assignment focuses on two primary deliverables: a full website revamp and the development of an embedded SPADRA platform. Key objectives include: Modernization of website design, navigation, and responsiveness Full compliance with WCAG 2.1 accessibility standards Strengthening content structure for improved usability Enhancement of search functionality and multilingual support Integration of SPADRA as an interactive digital hub within the ADF website Ensuring long-term scalability for future digital platforms and systems The assignment also requires bidders to demonstrate methodologies for accessibility testing, including automated tools, assistive technology testing, keyboard-only navigation checks, and user testing involving persons with disabilities. Identified Digital Gaps ADF has identified several structural and functional limitations in its current digital platform, including: Limited accessibility compliance and insufficient alt text usage Basic navigation structure affecting resource discoverability Inconsistent multimedia accessibility, including missing captions and transcripts Absence of interactive tools such as dashboards or policy trackers Lack of integration with project-specific platforms such as SPADRA Limited support for low-bandwidth environments and older mobile devices These gaps highlight the need for a comprehensive redesign focused on inclusivity, accessibility, and digital resilience. Scope of Work ADF Website Revamp The selected service provider will be required to undertake a full redesign and technical upgrade of the ADF website, with a focus on accessibility, performance, and user experience. Key responsibilities include: Redesigning the homepage and navigation structure for clarity and inclusivity Implementing mobile-first responsive design optimized for low-connectivity environments Enhancing accessibility through semantic HTML, ARIA attributes, and assistive technology compatibility Improving multimedia accessibility through captions, transcripts, and alt text integration Strengthening multilingual support for ADF’s official languages Optimizing media performance using compression, lazy loading, and modern image formats Developing hosting and caching strategies suitable for a pan-African audience Incorporating a learning and resource hub for training and educational content The design must account for infrastructural realities across Africa, including limited data access, intermittent connectivity, and device constraints. SPADRA Platform Development The SPADRA digital platform will be embedded within the ADF website and structured as a dedicated knowledge and engagement hub. Core components include: Homepage featuring hero banner, calls-to-action, milestones, and partner logos Policy tracker with interactive but lightweight performance design Country-focused achievement showcase for Ghana, Benin, Malawi, and Zambia Knowledge hub with searchable databases of policies, programmes, and resources Dedicated pages including Latest News, About SPADRA, Join Us, Privacy Policy, and Staff Login Integration pathways linking SPADRA with ADF’s broader digital ecosystem The platform must ensure seamless navigation across all ADF digital initiatives, including leadership development and alumni systems. Deliverables The consultancy will be expected to deliver the following outputs: Fully revamped ADF website compliant with WCAG 2.1 Level AA standards Embedded and fully functional SPADRA landing page Technical documentation covering accessibility, architecture, and maintenance Monthly progress reports during implementation Final launch package including deployment and handover documentation Performance and accessibility verification report Integrated learning and resource management component One-year maintenance and update support Project Timeline The assignment is expected to be completed within 24 working days, structured as follows: Planning and research: 3 days Wireframing and prototyping: 3 days Visual design and content integration: 5 days Development and deployment: 5 days Accessibility testing: 5 days Documentation and final launch: 3 days Reporting and Accountability The consultant will be required to submit weekly progress reports to designated ADF officials, including updates on deliverables, timelines, challenges, and next steps. Regular coordination meetings will also be held to ensure alignment and timely resolution of implementation issues. Post-Project Maintenance and Sustainability ADF emphasizes that accessibility is an ongoing requirement rather than a one-time deliverable. The selected service provider will therefore be responsible for providing 12 months of post-launch maintenance and technical support. This will include: Continuous accessibility audits and WCAG compliance monitoring Security updates and platform optimization Performance monitoring for low-bandwidth environments Multilingual content governance and updates User feedback integration and iterative improvements Ongoing integration of new ADF initiatives and tools Technical troubleshooting and support services Quarterly maintenance reports will be required, and payments for maintenance will be disbursed in four equal installments based on performance reporting. Payment Structure and Compliance The payment structure for the consultancy is as follows: 10% initial mobilization fee upon project commencement 50% upon completion of development and deployment 40% upon final approval and project closure ADF will provide all necessary content materials, including text, imagery, branding assets, and multimedia resources required for implementation. The consultant is also required to comply with ADF safeguarding policies, data protection standards, and confidentiality agreements throughout the duration of the assignment. Conclusion The ADF website revamp and SPADRA platform development represent a strategic investment in digital inclusion, accessibility, and advocacy infrastructure. By prioritizing WCAG compliance, low-bandwidth optimization, and integrated knowledge systems, the initiative aims to strengthen disability rights engagement and ensure broader access to information and services across Africa. VIEW THE ToR HERE For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and WPChannel Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding. JOIN GSO WHATSAPP CHANNEL NOW