Hiring: Web Developer to create an interactive map

Background

ERGO Network is developing the RIPE Index (Roma Inclusion, Participation and Equality Index), a civil society monitoring tool assessing the state of Roma inclusion, equality and participation across Europe.

The RIPE Index is based on a structured methodology covering multiple thematic areas and indicators. In 2026, baseline data will be collected from a minimum of 20 countries, with the methodology designed to eventually cover up to 40 countries.

As part of this initiative, ERGO Network seeks a contractor to develop an interactive online map inspired by the visual accessibility of the Rainbow Europe Map while reflecting the specific structure and methodology of the RIPE Index.

The map will provide policymakers, civil society organisations, researchers and the public with an accessible visual overview of Roma equality and inclusion across Europe.

For more information, you can find the RIPE Index Report here.

Budget

Maximum contract value: up to €13,000 (including all fees and taxes, also reverse VAT charge).

Scope of Work

The selected contractor will design, develop and deliver a web-based interactive map and related administration tools.

The contractor will be responsible for:

1. Interactive Map Development

Develop a responsive and user-friendly interactive map covering European countries included in the RIPE Index.

The map should:

• Display country-level RIPE Index results.
• Use a traffic-light/semaphore visualisation system (green, yellow, orange, red) rather than a percentage-based composite score.
• Allow users to view both:
  • Overall country assessment.
  • Thematic assessments.

2. Thematic Layers

The map must allow filtering by thematic area, including at minimum:

• Education
• Employment
• Housing
• Health
• Anti-discrimination and Equality
• Participation and Representation

Additional thematic categories may be added in future years.

Users should be able to switch between thematic views and the overall country assessment.

3. Country Drilldown Functionality

When a user clicks on a country, the map should display:

• Country name
• Overall RIPE Index result
• Results by thematic area
• Short country summary
• Link to the full country report (PDF or webpage)
• Link to additional resources where applicable

4. Future Expansion

The solution must be scalable and designed for:

• Initial baseline of at least 20 countries.
• Expansion to 40 countries without redesign.
• Annual updates of country data.
• Addition of new thematic indicators.
• Addition of future country reports and datasets.

5. Data Management

The contractor should provide a simple administration mechanism allowing ERGO Network staff to:

• Update country ratings.
• Add new countries.
• Add new reports and links.
• Modify country descriptions.
• Update thematic results.

Preference will be given to solutions that do not require advanced technical expertise for routine updates.

6. Visual Design

The visual identity should:

• Align with ERGO Network branding (based on the ERGO brand guideline)
• Be clear and accessible.
• Follow accessibility standards where possible.
• Use traffic-light/semaphore colours as the primary visual language.

Indicative classification:

• Green – Good progress
• Yellow – Moderate progress
• Orange – Significant challenges
• Red – Critical situation

ERGO Network will provide final colour definitions.

Technical Requirements

The contractor should provide:

• Creative design for breaking down the data.
• Fully functional web-based map.
• Mobile and desktop compatibility.
• Source code and ownership transferred to ERGO Network.
• Documentation for future maintenance.
• Hosting requirements and recommendations.
• Basic training session for ERGO staff.
• The backend must be password-protected and safe.
• Assets should be served from a Content Delivery Network to ensure a consistent user experience across all countries.
• For the frontend, which is basically the map itself, an API-based approach should be used to ensure that performance and the User experience are good enough.
• Using any modern frontend framework is highly recommended.
• Both backend and frontend should be properly optimised for any device.

Deliverables

1. Technical design proposal.
2. Interactive map prototype.
3. Final online interactive map.
4. Administrative update interface.
5. User guide and technical documentation.
6. Knowledge-transfer session for ERGO Network staff.
7. The whole codebase and database in a shared GIT repository that ERGO will provide for the developer.

Timeline

• Procurement launched: June 2026
• Contractor selection: July 2026
• Development period: July–September 2026
• Prototype review: September – October 2026
• Final delivery: 30 October 2026

Selection Criteria

Proposals will be assessed based on:

• Relevant experience in data visualisation and interactive map development.
• Demonstrated analytical capacity to interpret, structure, and visualise complex policy and monitoring data, particularly in the fields of equality, human rights, social inclusion, or civil society.
• Experience transforming multi-layered datasets and indicators into user-friendly visual tools for policymakers, researchers, and the public.
• Understanding of scalability requirements, including future expansion from 20 to 40 countries and additional thematic indicators.
• Quality and sustainability of the proposed technical solution.
• Value for money.
• Ability to deliver within the proposed timeline.

How to Apply

Send your application to c.sudbrock@ergonetwork.org by 6 July 2026, with the subject line: “RIPE Index Interactive Map”

Submission Requirements

Interested bidders should submit:

• Company profile.
• Relevant examples of previous work.
• Technical approach and methodology.
• A brief concept note (maximum 2 pages) describing their understanding of the assignment and proposed approach to the RIPE Index Map.
• A proposed timeline with key milestones.
• Financial offer.
• Contact details for references.

Optional but encouraged:

• A simple sketch, wireframe, or visual example illustrating the proposed direction for the map.

ERGO Network reserves the right to conduct short technical interviews with shortlisted bidders before awarding the contract.