REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS:

Communications Consultant – Circular Food Systems, Rwanda

This position is a limited-term position through June 2024.Existing work authorization is required at the time of application submission for the country office designated. WRI is not able to sponsor work authorization for this position.

SUMMARY OF PROCUREMENT

World Resources Institute (WRI) is looking for consultants to write stories on the ground for the Circular Food Systems for Rwanda (CIRF) project website and other communication outlets/products. We are seeking consultants with strong writing and interview skills that can support content development in English. Specifically, we are looking for consultants that can write high-quality project profiles for awardees of the CIRF SME Fund.

About the World Resources Institute

World Resources Institute is a trusted partner for change. Using research-based approaches, we work globally and in focus countries to meet people’s essential needs; to protect and restore nature; and to stabilize the climate and build resilient communities. Founded in 1982, we have nearly 1,800 staff working around the world. In addition to global initiatives and a coordinated regional presence in Africa and Europe, it prioritizes work in 12 focus countries: Brazil, China, Colombia, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Mexico, Republic of the Congo, Rwanda and the United States.

About Circular Food Systems for Rwanda (CIRF)

CIRF is a three-year program (2021-2024) that aims to transform Rwanda’s food system to make it more circular and sustainable. The project is made up of two interlinked workstreams:

– SME Development Fund – A development fund that provides technical support to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Rwanda to improve their ability to utilize circular business models.

– Policy and Stakeholder Engagement – Effective policy and stakeholder engagement to create a stronger enabling environment for food systems transformation in Rwanda.

CIRF is a partnership between several regional and global organizations, bringing together the highest level of expertise and support to ensure the program’s success. The program is supported by the IKEA Foundation and led by the World Resources Institute. It is delivered in close partnership with the Government of Rwanda. For more details, please visit the project website: https://circularfoodsystemsrwanda.org/

SCOPE OF WORK AND OUTPUTS/DELIVERABLES

We are looking for consultants with strong writing and interview skills that can support content development for the CIRF project. Specifically, we are looking for consultant that can write high-quality project profiles for seven awardees of the CIRF SME Fund. In addition, the consultant will also identify and document stories of impact emerging from the project, as well as provide event documentation support for communication purposes, i.e., project update for the website, content for WRI Africa social media, and other content as required.

The first task will be writing the profile for the seven selected SMEs (7 profiles). The consultants would speak directly with the SMEs that will be profiled, collect photos and video assets from their organizations, and write compelling stories about their past experiences and plans. WRI will give guidelines for this task and provide the relevant contact information and introductions. The consultant would then interview and collect additional information (and high-quality photos) from each SME, write and edit a draft profile, and pass along the final written content and photos to WRI. Once the final draft is received, WRI will edit and publish the profiles on the CIRF website. All content will be owned by WRI.

For all subsequent tasks, the process will be similar and WRI will provide initial guidance and answer the questions of the consultant at the beginning of each task. Once an assignment is given, WRI and consultant will mutually agree upon deadlines for when the consultant will submit the final drafts for review.

TIMING

WRI is looking for consultants who can begin working as soon as possible (preferably in December 2023) and continue through June 2024.

BUDGET

Please note that WRI is an IRS-registered 501(c)3, tax-exempt organization. WRI is not VAT-exempt. All prices or quotes should include VAT and tax, as applicable.

GUIDELINES FOR PROPOSAL SUBMISSION

Requirements:

The selected consultant will be able to demonstrate capacity in similar work, particularly:

• The ability to write compelling, people-centered stories that inspire ordinary people to learn and act.
• A demonstrated history of working with and interviewing African stakeholders.
• Experience taking complex topics in the environmental and/or development industry and explaining the important takeaways in jargon-free language.
• Basic photography skills.

Proposal content:

Prospective consultants should submit:

• A statement of interest of less than 1,000 words describing how they meet the above requirements (visual presentations are encouraged);
• Descriptions of their experience working on similar projects;
• At least 5 examples of and references for similar previous work;
• An outline of the proposed methodology and workplan;
• A proposed budget with a breakdown of costs sufficient to assess reasonableness and compliance with our funder requirements.

Expression of Interest, Deadline for Questions, and Proposal

All expressions of interest and questions about this RFP must be received via email to the contact below by 30th November 2023). Answers to the questions will be shared will all parties who have asked questions or otherwise expressed interest.

Name: Tina Nyunga

Position: Project Assistant

Email: [email protected]

All proposals must be sent by 30th November 2023 in electronic format to [email protected] with a copy to [email protected]

EVALUATION AND SELECTION

Evaluation Criteria

WRI has no requirements for work authorization, but preference will be given to consultants based in Rwanda. WRI reserves the right to contract multiple consultants to complete this task.

The following elements will be the primary considerations in evaluating all proposals submitted in response to this RFP:

• Submission of all required elements;
• The extent to which the consultant’s proposal fulfills WRI’s stated requirements as set out in the RFP;
• Experience working with similar projects producing content;
• Ability to work seamlessly in an African context;
• Overall cost of consultant’s proposal;
• Debarment and sanctions – WRI will not consider proposals from a vendor, organization, or consultant that is presently debarred by the U.S. government or named on any restricted parties lists;
• Sustainability – WRI values sustainability and all other factors being equal, will favor a proposal to more sustainably perform the work.

The bidder offering the best overall value will be selected. For this procurement, price and non-price aspects are considered to be of approximately equal importance.

Selection Process:

No proposal development costs shall be charged to WRI/all expenses are to be borne by the bidders. WRI may award to the bidder offering best value without discussions. However, WRI reserves the right to seek bidder clarifications and to negotiate with those bidders deemed to be within a competitive range.

WRI may, at its discretion and without explanation to the prospective vendors, organizations, and/or consultants, choose to discontinue this RFP without obligation to such prospective vendors, organizations, and/or consultants or make multiple awards under this RFP. Contracts will not be awarded to vendors, organizations, and/or consultants debarred by the US government or named on restricted parties lists.