We are seeking an experienced Drupal expert to perform a one-time upgrade and validation of our main website. Our website is currently developed by a third-party vendor and built on Drupal with a custom theme and some custom code. It is hosted on a VPS environment with Exabytes and is running an older version of the Drupal core and PHP. The objective of this engagement is to safely upgrade the system to the latest stable Drupal core, ensure compatibility, and confirm that all site functionality remains intact after the update. The selected consultant will work closely with and report to WorldFish Digital and Media Manager.
The successful candidate will:
- Perform a Drupal core update (or incremental update) to Drupal version 11.3.2, following Drupal best practices.
- Review and upgrade the PHP version to a suitable and supported version compatible with Drupal 11.
- Create a full website backup (files and database) prior to any update, allowing for rollback if necessary.
- Verify that all website functionality, including custom modules and custom code, continues to work correctly after the update.
- Review and test the custom theme, including the mega menu, to ensure layout, styling, and functionality are unaffected.
- Conduct post-update testing to confirm:
- No critical errors or warnings.
- Front-end and back-end functionality operates as expected.
- Site stability and performance are maintained.
Requirements
Drupal professionals with proven experience in:
- Major Drupal core upgrades.
- Custom themes and custom code handling.
- Strong proficiency in PHP programming, with the ability to review, modify, and troubleshoot custom Drupal code.
- Proficiency in troubleshooting and debugging Drupal errors, warnings, and post-upgrade issues.
- Experience with testing and validating site functionality after upgrades (front-end, back-end, and administrative features).
- Familiarity with Drupal best practices for security, performance, and deployment workflows.
- Clear communication skills, including the ability to provide concise documentation and post-task summaries are encouraged to propose their approach, estimated timeline, and required access to proceed.
Evaluation and Selection
Applications will be evaluated based on experience and past products, the proposed approach and any value-added ideas or suggestions. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an online interview or asked to provide additional information prior to final selection.
This opportunity is open to all applicants, including freelancers and consultant setups. Although this engagement is for a one-time update, we aim to retain the selected consultant for future needs, such as troubleshooting beyond in-house capabilities and subsequent updates.
