ThaiNGO

Request For Quotes (RFQ)

Networks for PEACE

Communications Consultancy

Period of Performance:  June 1, 2022 – May 31, 2023

Contract Type: Cost-reimbursable consulting agreement

Background

Networks for Peace is a five-year project funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), designed to foster collective engagement across Asia and support communities and countries to promote intra- and interfaith harmony. To do so, Networks for Peace strengthens the capacities and linkages between organizations and key influencers in the region to promote religious tolerance. Activities focus on participants and organizations from Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand and, to a lesser extent, Cambodia, Lao PDR, and the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA).

Objective

The purpose of this Request for Quotes (RFQ) is to solicit a communications expert based in South and Southeast Asia to prepare communications material highlighting lessons, achievements, and successes of the Networks for Peace project, serve as the point-of-contact between the project team and partners for communications-related materials, and support communications and outreach for activities and events implemented by the project and/or by partners.

Scope of Work

• Prepare communications materials that highlight project impact and lessons such as, but not limited to, success stories, impact statements, briefing notes, PowerPoint presentations, and photo highlights. All products must comply with USAID and FHI 360 Branding and Marking Plan ;
• Establish and maintain communication calendar of product deliverable dates, public and private program related events, and any other activities that may require USAID notification or participation;
• Ensure timeliness of products and deliverables in coordination with FHI360 Country Coordinators and partners;
• Prepare audio-visual material on different phases and/or activities of the project, including obtaining necessary authorizations and waivers to use material publicly;  
• Review  FHI 360 and partners project deliverables and reports to ensure accuracy and readability;
• Ensure all products and deliverables, both from FHI 360 and partners are in compliance with USAID and FHI 360 branding and marking requirements;
• Provide copy editing support to both FHI360 and partner products;
• Assist the partners and FHI 360 in the submission of materials to USAID, in coordinating USAID approvals of materials, and ensuring the required edits are tracked and delivered in a timely manner for finalization;
• Serve as secondary point-of-contact and coordinate between Networks for Peace project team and local partners for communications-related materials;
• Provide organizational assistance/inputs to local partners on the development,  implementation, and dissemination of their communications campaigns and materials;
• Support the Networks for Peace project team and other stakeholders (i.e., local partners, USAID), as needed and directed, to prepare for, promote and share information about events and site visits, including: 
  • Background briefing materials about the event;  
  • Banners and signage;  
  • Press releases; and 
  • Social media content.  
• Assist partners in identifying, organizing, and developing a dissemination plan for knowledge products to share within the N4P network and with USAID;
• Serve as primary Networks for Peace point-of-contact with FHI 360 Headquarters and the Asia Pacific Regional Office (APRO) on communications, including the dissemination of project-related social media content through FHI 360 official media channels.

Location and Duration

The position will be remote in Asia countries.

The total duration of the work is expected to be approximately 12 months (1 year), from June 1, 2022 – May 31, 2023. Networks for Peace activities will take place in Myanmar, Sri Lanka, and Thailand, with limited involvement from partners in/from Laos, Cambodia and the Central Tibetan Authority.

Payment and Anticipated Labor

Monthly payments will be made based on approval of deliverables and actual labor costs, as recorded using a signed log for hours or days worked.

Qualifications and Experience

• Speak fluent English, with fluency in at least one of the following local languages: Thai, Burmese, or Sinhalese;
• 8+ years’ experience providing communications support in the non-profit / development sector;
• At least 3 years’ experience as a communications manager or director;
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills;
• Experience in copyediting and proofreading is desirable;
• Experience working with USAID is desirable but not required;
• Demonstrated capacity to:
  • draft compelling written communications materials, such as press releases and success stories;
  • design, coordinate, and implement communications campaigns, including short social media posts, longer-format audio/visual pieces;
  • Work with audio/visual programs and be computer literate;
• Strong knowledge of social media platforms – particularly those used in the three target countries of Thailand, Myanmar, and Sri Lanka; and
• University-level education with a focus on media & communications, or related fields.

Application Process

Quotes must be submitted in English by 17:00 Bangkok time, Sunday, May 15, 2022, to: Scott Aronson, saronson@fhi360.org.

All submissions should include: 

1. CV or resume for the individual consultant, 5-pages maximum
2. Name and contact details for three relevant references.
3. Daily rate for the individual consultants
4. Three examples of prior communications work, including: (i) a press release; (ii) a social media campaign (this can be a functioning link); and (iii) the applicant’s choice.

Evaluation Criteria

Candidates will be evaluated and ranked according to the selection criteria below: 

Networks for Peace will accept questions from interested parties until 17:00 Bangkok time, May 4, 2022.  Questions will only be accepted in writing to Scott Aronson, saronson@fhi360.org. All emailed questions must contain the subject line Networks for Peace – Communications Consultancy.

Responses to questions will be provided no later than 17:00 Bangkok time, May 10, 2022.

Deadline

Proposals must be received no later than 17:00 Bangkok time, May 15, 2022.

FHI 360 will confirm receipt of emailed quotes within two business days. It is not anticipated that late proposals will be reviewed; however, FHI 360 reserves the right to consider any late proposals for review, at its sole discretion.

Disclaimers and FHI 360 Protection Clauses

1. FHI 360 may cancel solicitation and not award.
2. FHI 360 may reject any or all responses received.
3. Issuance of solicitation does not constitute award commitment by FHI 360.
4. FHI 360 reserves the right to disqualify any offer based on offeror failure to follow solicitation instructions.
5. FHI 360 will not compensate offerors for response to solicitation.
6. FHI 360 reserves the right to issue award based on initial evaluation of offers without further discussion.
7. FHI 360 may choose to award only part of the activities in the solicitation, or issue multiple awards based on the solicitation activities.
8. FHI 360 reserves the right to waive minor proposal deficiencies that can be corrected prior to award determination to promote competition.
1. FHI 360 will be contacting offerors to confirm contact person, address and that bid was submitted for this solicitation.