Request For Proposals - Digital Performance Monitoring Tool Design

Request for Proposals: Digital performance monitoring tool design

Applications Deadline: 24th August 2025

Location: Remote

Start Date: 8th September 2025

End Date: 15th November 2025

Description

Better Cotton is the world’s largest cotton sustainability programme. Our mission: to help cotton communities survive and thrive, while protecting and restoring the environment. In challenging times, we are meeting the challenge head on. Through our network of field-level partners we have trained over 2.8 million farmers in 22 countries in more sustainable farming practices. A quarter of the world’s cotton is now grown under the Better Cotton Standard. We have united the industry’s stakeholders behind our efforts, and by 2030 our aim is to have trained 5 million farmers and doubled global production of Better Cotton.

Background

Better Cotton is focused on affecting change: reducing the environmental impact of cotton production and improving the livelihoods of cotton farmers through the production of Better Cotton. To achieve this change, Better Cotton coordinates a capacity strengthening programme, delivered through experienced field-level partners, referred to as Better Cotton Programme Partners (PPs). These PPs help farmers to adopt practices consistent with the Better Cotton Standard System (BCSS).

The credibility of the BCSS therefore relies, in part, on Better Cotton’s ability to support the PPs and monitor their performance according to agreed Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Better Cotton has initiated the development of a digital Partner Performance Monitoring Tool to enhance data-driven decision-making and support the effective monitoring of programme implementation across multiple countries and teams. In 2024, KPIs were collaboratively defined by cross-functional teams and across countries. A Power BI dashboard has since been developed to visualise and analyse these KPIs, supported by a back-end data source structured in Microsoft Excel.

The current backend Excel file is designed to feed directly into Power BI via a periodic connection. It acts as both a data repository and a data collection interface. However, the system faces several limitations at this stage:

• Data Entry Complexity

  : KPI data is collected manually in the Excel backend, which currently includes approximately 30 worksheets—most of which are dedicated to data input. This setup results in a cumbersome process, particularly as it relies on contributors with varying levels of Excel proficiency.

• Scalability Constraints

  : The tool was initially built to track around 60 KPIs, but the structure must remain flexible to accommodate a dynamic and evolving list of indicators, as programme needs change over time.

• Customisation Needs

  : While the majority of KPIs are global, some indicators must be tailored to specific countries or partners, adding further complexity to the existing Excel-based collection system.

• Multi-partner Input

  : The system currently supports performance assessment of approximately 45 partners, a number expected to fluctuate periodically.

Better Cotton is therefore seeking technical expertise to strengthen and streamline the performance monitoring system, with a particular focus on improving data collection workflows, ensuring scalability, enhancing usability across users with different digital skills, and maintaining strong interoperability with Power BI.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

Better Cotton is committed to good practice and transparency in the management of natural, human and financial resources. All applications will be reviewed under the principles and subject to Better Cotton’s policies on equal opportunity, non-discrimination, anti-bribery & corruption and conflict of interest.