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Terms of Reference (ToR)

Consultancy for the Development and Production of the Outcome Report

for the Mekong–Republic of Korea Cooperation Fund (MKCF), 2021–2025

1. PROJECT BACKGROUND

Since its establishment in 2013, the Mekong–Republic of Korea Cooperation Fund (MKCF) has served as a strategic platform for advancing regional cooperation and sustainable development across the Mekong subregion. The Fund reflects the shared commitment between the Mekong countries and the Republic of Korea (RoK) to strengthen regional integration and address common development challenges.

The MKCF supports initiatives aligned with the Mekong–RoK Plan of Action, covering key priority sectors including environment, infrastructure, agriculture, human capital development, and digital transformation.

The Mekong Institute (MI), as the Fund Coordinator and Secretariat, plays a central role in facilitating project implementation, partnership engagement, and knowledge sharing across the Mekong–RoK cooperation framework.

Between 2021 and 2025, MKCF has supported a robust portfolio of regional projects (Calls 1–8), contributing to capacity development, policy dialogue, and tangible development outcomes.

To consolidate and communicate these achievements, the MKCF team will develop a comprehensive MKCF Outcome Report (2021–2025) for submission to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea (MOFA-ROK).

This report is not an evaluation, but a results-focused, outcome-oriented report that presents factual achievements, portfolio performance, and fund utilization in a clear and structured manner. The report is expected to move beyond narrative descriptions and emphasize concise analysis, quantified results, and visual presentation (charts, diagrams, and infographics).

2. OBJECTIVE

To produce a visually engaging, publication-ready MKCF Outcome Report (2021–2025) that communicates key achievements, outcomes, portfolio performance, and strategic insights through concise narrative, data visualization, infographics, diagrams, and field photographs suitable for donor reporting and public dissemination.

3. SCOPE OF WORK

The consultant (individual or firm) will be responsible for both content development and design/layout of the report.

3.1 Content Development (Outcome-Focused Reporting)

The consultant will compile, synthesize, and structure information provided by MI.

Important Note:

• This is not an evaluation and does not require independent assessment
• The report should be concise, factual, and outcome-driven, avoiding overly descriptive or narrative-heavy text
• Emphasis should be placed on data, results, and structured insights 

The report shall include the following sections:

Part A: Introduction and Strategic Context

• Overview of Mekong–RoK Cooperation and establishment of MKCF (since 2013)
• Objectives and strategic role of MKCF in regional cooperation
• Summary of the Mekong–RoK Plan of Action and priority sectors
• Definition of the reporting period (2021–2025) and its relevance

Section 1: Portfolio Overview (2021–2025)

• Overview of Calls 1–8
• Number and types of projects supported
• Sectoral and geographic distribution
• Overview of implementing partners

Section 2: Financial Overview and Fund Utilization

• Total allocation and disbursement trends
• Breakdown by sector, country, and project type
• Key financial observations and efficiency insights

Section 3: Key Results and Outcomes

• Aggregated outputs and outcomes across the portfolio
• Quantified results where available
• Selected highlights presented in concise formats

Section 4: Sectoral Contributions and Regional Impact

• Contributions to priority sectors
• Cross-border relevance and regional value
• Scalable models and replication potential

Section 5: Partnerships and Cooperation

• Overview of stakeholder engagement
• Types of partnerships (government, academia, private sector, etc.)
• Role of MKCF in facilitating regional cooperation

Section 6: Lessons Learned and Strategic Insights

• Key implementation lessons
• Operational and programmatic insights
• Areas for improvement

Section 7: Way Forward

• Strategic reflections for future MKCF programming
• Opportunities to strengthen impact, scalability, and sustainability

3.2 Data Visualization and Presentation

The consultant shall:

• Present data in clear, visually engaging formats, including:
  • Charts and graphs
  • Infographics
  • Diagrams and dashboards 
• Ensure: 
  • Consistency in visual presentation
  • Clear linkage between data and key messages
  • Accessibility and readability for a donor audience

3.3 Design and Layout

The consultant shall:

• Develop a creative concept and visual identity aligned with MI/MKCF branding
• The report should prioritize visual communication over text-heavy narrative. Information should be presented through infographics, diagrams, dashboards, maps, photographs, icons, and other visual formats wherever appropriate, while maintaining sufficient explanatory content and analytical depth
• Design a clean, professional, and highly visual layout, prioritizing:
  • Readability
  • Logical flow of information
  • Balance between text and visuals
• Integrate:
  • Photos and visual assets
  • Infographics and icons
• Deliver a publication-ready report that is:
  • Print-ready (high resolution)
  • Digital-friendly (optimized PDF)

3.4 Iterative Review and Finalization

• Present initial design mock-up (sample pages) for approval
• Incorporate feedback across both content and design
• Provide up to three rounds of revisions

4. REPORT DEVELOPMENT APPROACH

• Desk review of MI-provided materials
• Data consolidation and structured analysis
• Close coordination with MKCF team and CKM Unit
• Iterative drafting with feedback loops
• Parallel development of content and design

5. DELIVERABLES AND TIMELINE

6. PAYMENT

Total consultancy fee: USD 5,000 (lump sum, inclusive of all costs) 

Payment shall be made upon satisfactory completion, review, and approval of each deliverable by the Mekong Institute. Deliverables that require revision must be updated and approved prior to the release of the corresponding payment.

7. ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

MKCF Unit, Mekong Institute (MI)

• Provide data, reports, and inputs
• Provide branding guidelines and reference materials
• Review and approve content and design
• Provide photos and visual assets (where available)

Consultant

• Lead content drafting and synthesis
• Lead design and layout
• Ensure visual coherence and professional quality
• Prepare final publication-ready outputs

8. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

The consultant/team should demonstrate:

• Strong experience in development reporting and publication design
• Proven track record in producing results reports, annual reports, or donor publications
• Expertise in data visualization and graphic design
• Ability to translate complex information into clear, concise, and visual formats
• Experience working with international organizations is an advantage

9. Submission Process

a. Submit the complete proposal package via the online application link: https://forms.gle/fUXxWqiokMcFLrvt7

b. In the consultant title or application form, select "The Development, Design, and Layout of the Outcome Report for the MKCF 2021–2025"

9. Deadline for Submission 

a. Applications will be reviewed as they are received on a rolling basis.

10. Additional Notes

a. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further discussion.

b. MI reserves the right to accept or reject any or all proposals, and to negotiate with the most qualified applicant before finalizing the contract.