National QA tester for the development of the Accounting Module of the KARTATEKA e-document platform (SSAs)

Background:

The Ministry of Transport of the Republic of Tajikistan (MoT) is responsible for constructing and maintaining the state’s road infrastructure. As part of its broader digital transformation strategy, MoT aims to modernize its business processes through information technology (IT), ensuring efficiency, transparency, and accessibility in road asset management. This transformation is being implemented with the support of the State Enterprise "Center for Digitalization of the Transport Industry." To address inefficiencies in data collection and asset monitoring, MoT initiated the development of the KARTATEKA online platform in collaboration with the OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe (POiD). The platform is designed to provide real-time monitoring of all road assets and equipment across Tajikistan, improving resource allocation, decision-making, and financial oversight.

In 2023, the MoT formally requested POiD’s assistance in developing the platform. By the end of 2024, a functional system was developed, incorporating multiple modules, except for the Accounting Module, which remained incomplete due to budget constraints. Recognizing the importance of a fully operational and integrated financial management system, POiD has committed to finalizing the platform by hiring a specialized IT team, including a National QA tester, to implement technical assignments of the missing module. The Accounting Module will play a crucial role in ensuring financial accountability, budget tracking, and cost efficiency within MoT’s operations. Its integration into the KARTATEKA platform will enable automated financial reporting, streamline transactions, and improve financial transparency, aligning with international best practices in public sector digitalization.

The national QA tester will be engaged for an estimated period of five months, during which the work will be divided into three key phases. While some activities may run in parallel, the overall process is structured as follows:

1.    Phase 1 – Development of the Accounting Module;
2.    Phase 2 – Testing, Integration with the KARTATEKA System, and Deployment;
3.    Phase 3 – Training and Maintenance.

During the project implementation, the national QA tester will assist the testing process of the platform together with the hired IT team. Ensure the effective use and sustainability of the newly implemented module. This role is vital in achieving the project’s long-term goals of enhanced efficiency, reduced operational costs, and improved decision-making in road infrastructure management.

Objective of Assignment: 
The POiD is planning to hire a National QA tester together with National IT specialists will assist in testing the developed accounting module, for the MoT, managing technical aspects, and ensuring alignment with MoT’s ToR objectives. 

Duration of Assignment: 5 months

Tasks and Responsibilities:

Under the overall supervision of the Acting Head of Department, the successful candidate will be tasked with the following duties:

1. Conduct Quality Assurance Planning:

• Collaborating with the development team to understand the system architecture, functional requirements, and implementation timeline of the Accounting Module within the KARTATEKA platform;
• Developing comprehensive QA strategies, test plans, and test cases aligned with system specifications and international standards.

2. Perform Manual and Automated Testing:

• Executing manual and/or automated functional, integration, regression, performance, and security tests across different modules of the KARTATEKA platform;
• Identifying software anomalies, document bugs and inconsistencies, and verify fixes with the development team.

3. Ensure Quality Standards and Compliance:

• Verifying that the Accounting Module and integrated system components meet all quality standards, including usability, reliability, and performance benchmarks;
• Ensuring the system complies with security protocols and government data protection regulations.

4. Bug Tracking and Reporting:

• Recording, monitoring, and managing software issues using appropriate bug tracking tools;
• Generating detailed test reports outlining defect status, testing coverage, risk areas, and suggesting improvements.

5. User Acceptance Testing (UAT) Support:

• Supporting the preparation and execution of User Acceptance Testing in collaboration with MoT stakeholders;
• Providing end-user feedback analysis to inform improvements before final rollout.

6. Integration Testing with KARTATEKA System:

• Ensuring the seamless integration of the Accounting Module with existing KARTATEKA modules by verifying data consistency, API responses, and cross-module communication.

7. Maintenance and Post-Deployment Support:

• Providing ongoing QA support during the post-deployment maintenance phase to address emerging issues and optimize module performance.

8. Collaborate with Cross-functional Teams:

• Working closely with UX/UI designers, backend/frontend developers, and project managers to clarify requirements and test deliverables effectively;
• Participating in sprint planning, daily stand-ups, and retrospective meetings following Agile methodology.

9. Documentation and Knowledge Transfer:

• Maintaining thorough documentation of test cases, testing processes, and bug reports;
• Contributing to end-user manuals and QA guidelines to support long-term sustainability of the system.

10. Capacity Building and Training:

•  Assisting in training sessions for end-users or MoT technical staff regarding platform use and quality control protocols.

Deliverables:

1. QA Strategy and Documentation Prepared:

• Comprehensive QA plan, including test strategy and approach, finalized and approved within the first 2 weeks of engagement;
•  At least 50+ detailed test cases developed, reviewed, and documented for the Accounting Module.

2. Execution of Testing Phases:

• Completion of minimum 3 test cycles (e.g., Unit Testing, System Testing, and Regression Testing) with documented results;
• 100% of identified features tested for functionality, performance, usability, and integration.

3. Defect Tracking and Resolution:

• At least 90% of high/critical bugs identified during testing are resolved and re-tested prior to system deployment;
• Bug reports updated and shared with development team biweekly (or as per Agile sprint cycles).

4. Integration Verification:

• Validation of successful integration of the Accounting Module with all existing KARTATEKA modules, demonstrated via signed-off integration test report;
• Zero unresolved critical integration issues at the end of Phase 2.

5. User Acceptance Testing (UAT):

• At least 1 UAT session conducted with MoT stakeholders, including test scenarios and end-user feedback collection;
• UAT Completion Certificate signed by MoT representatives confirming readiness for deployment.

6. Deployment Readiness Report:

• Final QA sign-off document confirming system readiness for deployment prepared before the end of Phase 2.

7. Post-deployment QA Monitoring:

• Ongoing testing and validation conducted for at least 1-month post-deployment to monitor stability;
• Submission of monthly performance and issue tracking report during the maintenance phase.

8. Training and Capacity Building:

• One training session conducted for MoT IT staff on QA practices and module testing methods;
• Delivery of a QA user guide/manual tailored for future internal QA procedures within MoT.

9. Knowledge Transfer and Documentation:

• Complete QA documentation archive (test cases, bug logs, reports) submitted to OSCE and MoT at the conclusion of the contract.

10. Compliance Assurance:

• Final system version meets 100% compliance with MoT digital standards and OSCE-supported digital governance requirements.

For more detailed information on the structure and work of the OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe, please see: http://www.osce.org/programme-office-in-dushanbe

Necessary Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Software Engineering, or a related field;
• Minimum of two (2) years of professional experience in software quality assurance and testing;
• Proven experience in manual and automated testing of web-based and enterprise-level platforms;
• Proficiency in using QA tools such as Selenium, JIRA, TestRail, Postman, or equivalent testing frameworks;
• Solid understanding of QA methodologies, software development life cycles (SDLC), and bug tracking systems;
• Experience in writing and executing test plans, test cases, and test scripts for both frontend and backend systems;
• Demonstrated ability to identify, document, and communicate software defects and usability issues;
• Experience in testing financial, accounting, or ERP systems is highly desirable;
• Knowledge of database testing, including SQL queries and data validation;
• Familiarity with Agile/Scrum environments and participation in sprint reviews, retrospectives, and daily stand-ups;
• Previous experience in system integration testing and end-to-end testing of modules within large-scale platforms;
• Experience working with public sector digital transformation projects or government institutions is an asset;
• Previous involvement with the Ministry of Transport of Tajikistan (MoT) or similar entities is preferred;
• Strong attention to detail, analytical mindset, and problem-solving abilities;
• Ability to work collaboratively with developers, UI/UX designers, and project managers;
• Professional fluency in Tajik and Russian is required; English proficiency is considered an advantage;
• Computer literate with practical experience using Microsoft applications;
• Demonstrated gender awareness and sensitivity, and an ability to integrate a gender perspective into tasks and activities;
• Ability and willingness to work as a member of team, with people of different cultural, and religious backgrounds, different gender, and diverse political views, while maintaining impartiality and objectivity.

Remuneration Package:

Remuneration will be based on the selected consultant's/expert's qualifications, experience, the tasks and deliverables for this position and in accordance with the OSCE established rates.

If you wish to apply for this position, please use the OSCE's online application link found under https://vacancies.osce.org/.

Please note that this consultancy position is open to citizens and permanent residents of Tajikistan only.

The OSCE retains the discretion to re-advertise/re-post the vacancy, to cancel the recruitment or to offer an appointment with a modified job description or for a different duration.

Only those candidates who are selected to participate in the subsequent stages of recruitment will be contacted.

The OSCE is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages qualified female and male candidates from all religious, ethnic and social backgrounds to apply to become a part of the Organization. 

Candidates should be aware that OSCE officials shall conduct themselves at all times in a manner befitting the status of an international civil servant. This includes avoiding any action which may adversely reflect on the integrity, independence and impartiality of their position and function as officials of the OSCE. The OSCE is committed to applying the highest ethical standards in carrying out its mandate. For more information on the values set out in OSCE Competency Model, please see https://jobs.osce.org/resources/document/our-competency-model.

Please be aware that the OSCE does not request payment at any stage of the application and review process.