Terms of Reference (ToR) for the Development of the PayGo Smart System – Software/Web Developer Recruitment at Institute of Policy Analysis and Research (IPAR-Rwanda) Deadline: (Deadline 15 May 2026)

Terms of Reference (ToR) for the Development of the PayGo Smart System – Software/Web Developer Recruitment at Institute of Policy Analysis and Research (IPAR-Rwanda) Deadline: (Deadline 15 May 2026)

Project Title: PayGo Smart System: A Technology-Driven Approach to Sustainable Energy Access in Rwanda and Malawi

Issuing Institution: Institute of Policy Analysis and Research (IPAR-Rwanda)

Target: Software/Web Developer

1. Background and Introduction

The Institute of Policy Analysis and Research (IPAR-Rwanda) is an independent, not-for-profit Rwandan institution dedicated to enhancing evidence-based policymaking through high-quality research and analysis. IPAR Rwanda, in collaboration with Green Impact Technologies (GIT), is implementing the “PayGo Smart System” project to address energy poverty in rural and peri-urban areas of Rwanda and Malawi.

Currently, 30% of Rwandans and over 80% of Malawians depend on traditional biomass, leading to environmental and health challenges. The PayGo Smart System aims to bridge this gap by providing a secure, flexible digital payment and IoT-enabled tracking solution for Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) and Solar Home Systems (SHS).

2. Project Objective

The primary goal is to design, develop, and launch a robust, scalable PayGo platform that integrates mobile money gateways, IoT sensors, and AI-driven analytics. The system must allow users to purchase energy in micro-increments with high reliability and provide service providers with real-time inventory and fault management tools.

3. Expected Outcomes

The developer is expected to deliver the following tangible products:

1. Integrated Web Portal: A multi-role platform for end-users, distributors, and retailers to manage energy products and services.
2. USSD Accessibility: A functional USSD interface for service access and payments, targeting users with basic feature phones.
3. Automated Token System: A mechanism for instantaneous energy credit reloading following successful payments.
4. Intelligent Alert System: Automated SMS/App notifications for fault detection in SHS units, including troubleshooting recommendations.
5. Policy & Research Dashboard: A central data server that compiles time-series datasets for researchers and policymakers to monitor energy consumption trends.

4. Scope of Services

The developer shall be responsible for the following functional modules and technical integrations:

4.1 User Management and Interface

1. Role-Based Access Control (RBAC): Distinct interfaces for service providers (to update product catalogs and pricing) and end-users (to request refills/repairs).
2. Geospatial Integration: Embedding a GPS-based system to help users locate the nearest retail outlets or service providers.

4.2 Payment and Inventory Logic

1. Mobile Money Integration: Seamless integration with MTN Mobile Money and Airtel Money (Rwanda) using the IremboPay API, and TNM Mpamba/Airtel Money (Malawi).
2. Micro-transaction Processing: Support for payments as low as 0.10 with a target transaction accuracy of 95%.
3. Dynamic Inventory Tracking: Automated stock reduction logic that updates inventory levels immediately upon sale.

4.3 IoT and AI Functionality

1. Fault Detection: Integration with IoT sensors (e.g., using ESP32 microcontrollers) to monitor SHS efficiency and detect malfunctions with a target accuracy of 95%.
2. Predictive Analytics: Implementation of AI-driven user profiling to forecast energy needs with 85-90% accuracy.

4.4 Security and Compliance

1. Data Integrity: Implementation of cryptographically verified webhooks for payment confirmations to prevent transaction fraud.
2. Standards Adherence: Ensuring the platform complies with PCI-DSS security frameworks and BNR/MERA regulatory requirements.

5. Required Expertise and Academic Qualifications

The developer or development team must possess a blend of advanced academic training, specialized professional certifications, and a proven history of technical execution :

5.1 Academic Qualifications and Experience Tiers

1. Lead System Architect / Lead Researcher: Must hold a PhD in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, or Software Engineering with a minimum of 10 years of professional experience. The candidate must demonstrate at least 3–5 years of industrial leadership or senior research experience in deploying emerging technologies (Blockchain/AI) in enterprise environments.
2. Technical Lead: Must hold a Master of Science (MSc) in Computer Science or IoT Systems Engineering with a minimum of 5–8 years of relevant experience. Experience must include at least 3 years managing complex system architectures and cross-functional development teams.
3. Software Engineers / Developers: Must hold at minimum a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Computer Science or IT with 2–3 years of professional experience. In the context of 2026 industry standards, candidates must demonstrate post-junior competency in systems thinking and AI-assisted debugging.

5.2 Professional Certifications

The team must include members with the following active certifications:

1. Certified Blockchain Professional (CBP): To lead secure micro-payment processing and smart contract logic.
2. Certified Internet of Things Professional (CIoTP): To manage the end-to-end sensor network from ESP32 edge nodes to cloud integration.
3. Cybersecurity Certification (e.g., CISSP or CISM): To ensure adherence to PCI-DSS and secure payment data handling.
4. Cloud Architecture Certification: (e.g., AWS or Azure Solutions Architect) to manage the platform’s $99.5\%$ uptime requirement.

5.3 Technical Track Record

1. Proven Track Record: At least one currently running online platform used in a real-world social context.
2. Full-Stack Proficiency: Expertise in Java, Python, JavaScript, or Node.js.
3. USSD Experience: Demonstrated skill in designing USSD applications for low-bandwidth environments

6. Contract Duration and Maintenance

The contract is divided into two phases:

1. Development Phase (3 Months): Coding, testing, and launch of the working web and USSD systems.
2. Maintenance & Warranty Phase (12 Months): Ongoing technical support, bug fixes, performance optimization, and security updates following the launch.

During the maintenance phase, the developer must conduct a comprehensive training session for the IPAR team and deliver a detailed user manual (in both video and written formats).

7. Project Performance Benchmarks

The developed system will be evaluated against the following Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) derived from industry standards (GOGLA PERFORM) and project-specific goals :

8. Service Delivery Venue

Services will be delivered remotely. However, the developer must be available for on-site coordination sessions at IPAR-Rwanda offices in Kigali if necessary for system integration or team training.

N.B: Applications should be sent to info@ipar.org.rw, and  i.rudasingwa@ipar.org.rw not later than 15/05/2026 at 05:00PM.

Done at Kigali, 06/05/2026

Eugenia KAYITESI

Executive Director

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