UAT expert

Technical Assistance to the Agribusiness Field Unit
(Private Sector Development Programme in Lebanon)

Component 1: Agribusiness Value Chains in the Beqaa Region

Terms of Reference

For Short-Term Assignment of a User Acceptance Testing Expert

1. General Presentation of the Program

Expertise France, has been entrusted by the European Union to implement the Private Sector Development Programme in Lebanon. This programme is structured around three different components:

1. Component 1: agribusiness value chains in the Bekaa and Akkar.

2. Component 2: wood Processing value chain in Tripoli (with focus on furniture production).

3. Component 3: access to finance.

The program aims to increase micro, small and medium enterprises competitiveness, productivity and participation in the economy by fostering their development and integration into value chains.

As regards to the agribusiness component in the Bekaa, the inception phase diagnostics research has identified the below main activities of relevance to the enhancement of productivity and competitiveness of tables grapes and cherry value chains. 

A1.1 Setting up a Value Chain Information System

A1.2 Promoting marketing, sales and communications

A1.3 Business support to producers

A1.4 Technical support to producers

A1.5 Business and technical support to exporters and post-harvest

The implementation of these activities are ensured by the Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture of Zahle (CCIAZ) which has been awarded a grant to accomplish the tasks expected of it or through the recruitment of dedicated operators by Expertise France.

The current TA mission is part of Component 1 and aims to enhance the productivity and competitiveness of the table grapes and cherries sectors through the development of inclusive, social and economically sustainable value chain and cluster in Zahlé.

1. Context of the Mission

Component 1: Agribusiness Value Chains in the Beqaa Region

A.1.1   Setting-up of a value chain Information System

1. 1. Vision

Information has been identified as one of the major resources that flow through the VC chain. Sharing of information encourages the establishment of better relationships among trading partners. It also improves the organization of inventory, maximization of profit and the overall management of the value chain's activity. However, one major problem is that as information is being shared, it becomes vulnerable to both internal and external threats and possible distortions and disruptions, which if not properly attended to and adequately managed, could affect the overall operations of the value chain. This is where the Information Systems are being used to facilitate the sharing of information, to manage, to provide solutions and contain information threats and vulnerabilities within the value chain.

The rapid growth of mobile phone ownership globally provides new possibilities to share and access information. About half of the world’s population owns a mobile phone and this figure is much higher when children are not counted. In Lebanon more specifically and as per the study conducted by the US based “Pew Research Center” in 2016; 88% percent of Lebanese own a mobile phone, and 52% of adults in Lebanon have a smartphone, representing the 15th highest share globally and the sixth highest share among emerging countries. The rapid growth of broadband (especially mobile broadband), its high coverage for rural areas and its increasing affordability provides a great opportunity for Information Systems delivery in agriculture or e-agriculture.

By adapting an “Agile” Software Development methodology in the development of the Information System; a methodology that is Iterative, Incremental and Evolutionary instead of a Traditional / Waterfall approach we would be able to:

• Increase Stakeholder Inclusion and Engagement
• Increase Transparency and Visibility
• Reduce Risks
• Have Early and Predictable Delivery (new features, capabilities in each iteration)
• Have more flexibility for Changes
• Focuses on Value / Beneficiary priorities first
• Improve Quality

In a nutshell delivering information to the different stakeholders efficiently through an Information system is a crucial part of the Value Chain. Using mobile and broadband technologies to deliver this information would help us have a wider reach towards our beneficiaries. As well as using an Agile methodology would help us center our efforts on the beneficiaries’ needs and priorities at the same time delivering workable new functionalities iteration after another.

1. Description of the Mission
   1. Purpose

The general purpose of the mission is for the short-term expert to provide support to the Key Expert in charge of Activity A.1.1.

The specific purpose of the mission is for the short-term expert to provide support to the Key Expert in the UAT phase of the Information System – Module 1 which includes three main modules: Market pricing, Directory & Library.

1. 1. Results

The results expected for this mission is to plan, develop and manage the reporting of the User Acceptance Test of Information System Version 1.

1. 1. Tasks

She/He will be in charge of the following:

• Prepare high level test cases/plan based on the IS RFP (user stories)
• Develops written/manual test plans, test cases and test scripts to ensure the IS meet the specified requirements and scope
• Prepares and maintains the testing data to execute a successful test plan
• Knowledge transfer to business users on how to conduct the UAT test
• Review the detailed test plan and cases with the IS service provider and KE
• Advise on the material and resources required for the User Acceptance Testing
• Oversee UAT execution, assist users during testing
• Make sure that all issues faced during the UAT phase are consolidated, logged and communicated (pass/fail/pending etc. report)
• Make sure that all issues raised during UAT have been solved
• Ensure with the KE that testing takes place within agreed timeframes
• Prepare UAT end of stage report
• Change requests management
  1. Expected Deliverables

The expert will be responsible for the following deliverables and any further input requested by the Key Expert.

• High level test plan document
• Detailed test cases document
• Change requests document
• Knowledge transfer session to users on how to conduct and report the UAT test cases (including a step by step manual)
• UAT caveats/bugs reports
• UAT end of stage report
• Brief reports of meetings and findings (where applicable)
• Others: as might be required by the project and KE2

1. Period of Assignment and Place of Performance

The assignment will take place in Lebanon (Zahle) / Home based. It should start by January 2019 and run through April 2019.

Duration: 20 working days

Distribution of working days:

Activity

Period

Number of days

Briefing, desk review, and planning

Jan 2019

1

Technical Advisory

Jan to Apr 2019

13

Reporting

Jan to Apr 2019

6

Total

20

1. Qualifications and Skills:

General requirements

• Lebanese national/ Local expert

Education qualifications

• Academic education: Bachelor in IT or Equivalent;

Professional Experience

• At least 5 years’ of experience in software testing/quality assurance
  • Proven experience in leading UAT teams
  • Proven experience in UAT testing (planning & Execution)
  • Strong understanding of software quality assurance aspects including the methodologies and terminology.
  • Ability to provide and present status and risk updates in project meetings regarding QA test strategy, test plan and defects
  • Knowledge in developing automated test scripts
  • Proven experience working on mid to large projects
  • Understanding of database, hardware, software, and standards
  • Excellent written and verbal communications, organization, and planning skills
  • Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Excellent listening and interpersonal skills
  • Logical and efficient with keen attention to detail
  • Ability to conduct research into systems issues and products as required
  • Highly self-motivated and directed
  • Strong customer service orientation
  • Experience working in a team-oriented, collaborative environment

Specific Skills

• Perfect knowledge in English and Arabic languages.

1. Contracting Authority

The overall contracting authority for the project is the European Union; however, the expert to be mobilized for the purpose of this assignment is considered part of the contract signed between Expertise France and the Consortium composed by ICON Institute (responsible technically) and the chamber of commerce and Industry and Agriculture in Zahleh and Bekaa to provide administrative assistance to the agribusiness field unit.