Request for Proposals For Selection of Communications Agency

Request for Proposals For Selection of Communications Agency

Background

IFMR LEAD is a non-profit research organisation that conducts high-quality, actionable research, and outreach to promote inclusive and sustainable development in low and middle income countries. IFMR LEAD is soliciting proposals from qualified and experienced communication firms to develop, manage and implement a communications and media outreach strategy for the organization, with a focus on specific projects and initiatives outlined below.

Scope of Work

1) Communications Strategy

a) Overall communication

• Manage the long-term and short-term communications plan of the organization, aligned with project’s strategic objectives and goals
• Identify appropriate communications channels for knowledge dissemination and outreach using traditional and non-traditional media with global, national and regional presence and liaison with vendors/agencies to plug content where feasible
• Develop cost-effective and innovative communication initiatives and campaigns to reach specific target audiences to meet program objectives

b) Digital Communications

• Social Media Content Strategy - roll out plan, content, audience engagement, budget
• Content creation (Including design support for creatives)
• Profile management (Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, etc.) and monthly platform (s) monitoring and analysis

2) Content Development

• Provide content development and production support for all digital and print collaterals. Technical drafting will be undertaken by the Program team, and support will mainly be required in refining, editing and publishing materials. On a monthly basis, these typically include print and digital collaterals such as publications, learning notes and briefs, and audio-visual collaterals such as videos, photo essays, field stories. (~5-10 numbers/month)
• Ensure that all content is in line with programmatic objectives and adheres to quality standards
• Ensure that content development plan and communications strategy are aligned

3) Outreach and Events

• Provide strategic support in conceptualizing and executing targeted outreach activities such as symposia, round tables and workshops to maximize outreach and impact Projects

I. Organisational Communications and Outreach for IFMR LEAD

II. ‘Catalyst’ is an initiative funded by USAID under the mSTAR Program, through funding provided to FHI 360. Housed within IFMR LEAD, the initiative aims to expand digital payments and financial inclusion in India, especially for small merchants and low-income consumers. The agency will be responsible for implementing Catalyst’s communications strategy in line with the programmatic agenda and learning and dissemination plan.

III. ‘Initiative for What Works to Advance Women and Girls in the Economy (IWWAGE)’ is a 3-year evidence-generation to action-use program that aims at building on existing research and generating new evidence on women’s economic empowerment.

The Agency will be hired by IFMR LEAD on a retainer basis and will be expected to commit commensurate resources to the above broad scope of work accordingly. The number of deliverables per month will be fixed after mutual agreement.

Components of Proposal

• Profile of Agency (years in operation, staff strength, summary of professional experience)
• Portfolio of similar work and experience working with nonprofits/NGOs/development sector
• Quotation for Scope of Work
• Three professional references

Evaluation Criteria

The proposals will be evaluated by an internal committee at IFMR LEAD on the basis of the following criteria: demonstrated past experience with similar assignments, organizational fit, strength and experience of key personnel, and cost. First preference will be given to agencies who are based in New Delhi.

Submission

Please send your proposals in pdf format to communications-lead@ifmr.ac.in  before 5 pm, Saturday, 26th May 2018 with the subject line ‘Response to RFP –Communications Agency’. Shortlisted firms will be intimated once our internal evaluation process has been completed.