Engagement of a Website Developer for "The Hustle" Project

About Search

Search for Common Ground (Search) is an international non-profit organization that promotes the peaceful transformation of conflict. With headquarters in Washington, DC and Brussels, Belgium, Search's mission is to transform how individuals, organizations, and governments deal with conflict, moving away from destructive approaches and towards cooperative solutions. With more than 700 staff worldwide, Search implements projects in more than 30 countries in Africa, Asia, Europe, the Middle East and North Africa, and North America.

The Context

"The Hustle" is an innovative reality TV show that will empower diverse youth from Katsina, Zamfara, and Sokoto states; ii) enhance their entrepreneurial skills through positive action; and iii) address some of the root causes of conflict and poverty in the region which will all contribute to improved economic empowerment and stronger social cohesion. The Hustle is a

24-month project and is to be implemented across the states of Katsina, Zamfara and Sokoto, respectively.

The programme will equip young people with the skills and opportunities to create sustainable businesses, while encouraging collaboration across ethnic, religious and social divides to promote a positive image of the youth in these

states. By addressing some of the root causes of conflict and poverty in the region, The Hustle seeks to promote economic empowerment and social cohesion, while building a new positive perception of youth. As part of the project's outreach and visibility strategy, The Hustle will require a dynamic, user-friendly, and responsive website developed on the WordPress Content Management System (CMS). The website will serve as a key platform for participant registration, public engagement, content dissemination, and donor visibility.

Purpose of the Assignment

The selected website developer will design, develop, test, and launch The Hustle project website in accordance with the project's branding, technical, and functional requirements. The website must be completed within eight (8) weeks of the inception meeting.

• To create an engaging, youth-friendly, and mobile-responsive WordPress website for The Hustle project.
• To provide a secure and accessible platform for online registration and participant data management.
• To integrate multimedia content (videos, images, podcasts) and interactive features.
• To ensure EU visibility compliance in line with official communication and branding guidelines.
• To equip the Search team with easy-to-use backend tools for content updates and maintenance.
• Include integrations for voting on the website. Voting on mobile phones (SMS) should also automatically count on the website

• The developer will be responsible for delivering the following:

A. Website Design and Structure

• Modern, visually appealing, and youth-focused UI/UX design.
• Fully responsive layout for mobile, tablet, and desktop.
• Multilingual capability (Hausa and English).
• Consistent branding in line with The Hustle and EU guidelines.
• Friendly voter interface

B. Technical Features

• WordPress CMS installation and configuration.
• Secure HTTPS hosting and SSL certificate integration.
• SEO optimization for better search engine ranking.
• Voting system
• Social media integration (Facebook, Instagram, X/Twitter, YouTube,TikTok).
• Newsletter subscription form.
• Analytics integration (Google Analytics, Meta Pixel).
• Accessibility features compliant with WCAG 2.1 AA standards (screen reader compatibility, font adjustment, high contrast mode).
• Optimized loading speed and image compression.
• Spam/bot protection on forms.

C. Registration System

• Multi-step registration form with validation.
• Support for file/video uploads.
• Data export options for M&E and project teams.
• Automated acknowledgment email with optional WhatsApp integration if feasible and cost-effective
• Full compliance with Nigeria Data Protection Act and GDPR where applicable.

D. EU, Search and The Hustle Project Visibility Compliance

• Prominent EU, Search and The Hustle Project logo placement on the homepage footer and relevant project pages, with tagline "Funded by the European Union."
• Compliance with EU Communication and Visibility Guidelines.

E. Testing and Launch

• Pre-launch beta testing with the project team and selected users.
• Bug fixing and performance optimization before go-live.
• Post-launch support for one month with option for extended maintenance through a separate contract.

• Fully functional and tested WordPress website meeting all specifications.
• Administrator and editor user accounts for Search team members.
• Documentation and short training session for Search staff on content updates.
• One-month post-launch technical support.
• All intellectual property rights, source code, design, and content to be transferred to Search for Common Ground.

• The developer must submit a proposed timeline, but the final website should be completed within three (3) weeks following the inception meeting. The proposed schedule should include:
• Design mock-ups
• Development and integration
• Testing and feedback
• Final launch date

• Proven experience in WordPress CMS development.
• Strong portfolio of at least three similar websites (links must be provided).
• Proficiency in front-end and back-end development (HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript, PHP).
• Experience with multilingual site setup.
• Understanding of donor visibility and branding requirements (EU experience is an advantage).
• Knowledge of website accessibility standards.

• Proposals will be evaluated based on:
• Relevant experience and portfolio (30%)
• Technical approach and methodology (25%)
• Cost-effectiveness (20%)
• Understanding of EU visibility requirements (15%)
• Timeline and ability to meet deadlines (10%)

Interested developers should submit:

Company/Individual Profile

Technical Proposal including approach, methodology, and tools, links to Similar Websites Built

Financial Proposal including a detailed budget in Naira (₦), with USD/EUR option of international applicant.

Timeline with key milestones.

Contact Information, including references.

Note: Only two documents can be submitted, so the technical and financial proposals must be combined, along with the short cover letter and Company/Individual Profile

Note: Application will be reviewed on rolling basis

Application Deadline: All proposals must be submitted by November 5, 2025.