Call for Communications consultant tender at SNV
Company Description
SNV is a mission-driven global development partner, rooted in the contexts and societies where we work. Inspired by the transformational principles and objectives set out by the SDGs, we are committed to building resilient agri-food systems that deliver food security and adequate nutrition; to increasing the reliability and availability of water and sanitation at an acceptable quantity and quality; and to improving access to affordable and sustainable energy for all. In doing so, we aim to strengthen institutions, markets and effective governance within and across the agri-food, energy, and water sectors, reducing gender inequalities and barriers to social inclusion, and enabling adaptation and mitigation to the climate and biodiversity crises.

We are one team of over 1,600 people, the vast majority of whom come from the contexts where we work, in more than 20 countries in Africa and Asia. In Uganda SNV operates through a decentralised approach with a country office in Kampala and regional offices in Fort Portal, Lira, Jinja and Mbarara. SNV implements donor-funded activities across more than 100 districts in Uganda, ensuring broad and diverse impact.

Our core values of people-centeredness and respect, equity and equality, and diversity and inclusion, are fundamental to who we are, and what we do. This is reflected in our vision and mission, and strategy, which sets out our aspirations and commitments as our compass towards 2030. For more information on our operations in Uganda and SNV visit our website: www.snv.org.

Background and objectives of assignment

The Inclusive Markets for Energy Efficiency in Uganda (IMEU) is a four-year project funded by the Embassy of Sweden (EoS) in Kampala, Uganda. IMEU is implemented by a consortium of 3 partners: SNV (lead), Makerere University, College of Engineering, Design, Art, and Technology (CEDAT), and Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU).

The project deploys an Energy Efficient (EE) market development approach intervening at demand, supply and enabling environment for EE market as follows:

(1) Stimulating uptake of EE products and services by increasing awareness among energy users

(Demand side)

(2) Targeted and contextualized derisking support to small medium enterprises (SMEs) and energy service companies (ESCOs) and Energy Service Provider Companies (ESPC) (Supply side).

(3) Strengthening institutional coordination, research and enabling environment for energy efficiency (Enabling environment).

The thematic scope of the project is agriculture (focus on agribusinesses and farmer cooperatives) and built environment (focus on households, businesses, and institutions).

Job Description

Assignment overview and scope of work / deliverables

IMEU is in its final year of implementation. This phase is characterized by learning, documentation and policy advocacy activities. Also important to note is that a grand project close out event will be undertaken aimed at engaging different stakeholders as well as secure buy in on key sustainability aspects of the Project.       Review, development, design and dissemination of knowledge products is central to realizing the learning and knowledge management outcomes of the Project.

IMEU is therefore recruiting for a communications consultant to provide communication and marketing services to the project for the period stated above.

Main objective: The consultant will be responsible for developing, reviewing, designing and publication of project communication materials that effectively promote the project’s results and messages to various target groups. This role is critical in ensuring that IMEU's outcomes are communicated effectively during its closing phase, including planning and executing for the project’s final event.

Duties of the consultant

The Consultant shall conduct the following:

1. Preparatory work: The task involves reviewing key outputs (such as reports, studies, guides, policy briefs, and the IMEU website to determine what can be adapted for communication materials. It includes analysing the specific information needs of target audiences and revisiting IMEU's communication strategy to identify areas which will be implemented. Additionally, it calls for suggestions on new communication products (videos, infographics, articles, etc.) to support the project’s knowledge management agenda and closing events.
2. Content creation and dissemination:

• Assist in creating written and visual content for various platforms, including social media, websites, newsletters, and reports.
• Update the project fact sheet.
• Support the compilation, promotion and distribution of key IMEU knowledge management, research and reporting products, case studies, stories of change/impact stories and others as requested.
• Lead dissemination of documented knowledge products in relevant forums, ensuring it reaches the intended audience effectively.
• Update IMEU website accordingly.

Targeted audience:  Here are the overarching groups that encompass the target audiences for the IMEU project – with varying levels of technicality and detail required for each:

• Policymakers: These include Government Ministries, Department and Agencies with focus on Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development as well as District Local Governments
• Academic and Research Institutions  
• Development Partners (e.g. Embassy of Sweden, GIZ, UNIDO, EEACREE, UNDP, UECCC) and other EE/RE focused agencies.
• Implementing partners e.g.  Results Based Financing and Catalytic grants benefitting companies.
• General Public: Project beneficiaries: women and youth, including in small- and medium-sized enterprises, academia and the public.

1. Event Management 

• Assist in the planning and execution of dissemination workshops, seminars, webinars, and other events.
• Help coordinate event logistics, invitations, registrations, and post-event follow-up and generating media coverage of the events, as applicable.

1. Messaging and branding, Graphic Design and Visual Content:

• Assist in creating visuals such as infographics and images for online and offline use.
• Collaborate with donor (Government of Sweden) and SNV communication teams for alignment with branding and visibility guidelines.
• Work with the team to ensure visual content aligns with branding guidelines.
• Support in the branding & marking of the Grantees that IMEU worked with.
• Identify and support opportunities to create visibility for IMEU through its partner network, relevant events and partnerships with like-minded organizations, business networks line ministry and academic institutions.

1. Monitoring of the communication plan: Set up a monitoring and evaluation system to measure the impact of communication actions and adjust as needed to enhance reach and effectiveness.

Deliverables.

1. Approved communication plan covering all elements described above (“Preparatory work”). (with list of communication products) and monitoring plan.

Output: videos, infographics, articles, articles & reports.

Quality expectations:

• Project Overview presentation (.ppt) to be used in the project’s closing event.
• Videos (2-5 minutes) summarizing key achievements and outcomes.
• Three versions with subtitles in English, closing Article summarizing the project's overall contributions.
•  Flyer/Brochure (2-pager) highlighting project achievements.
•  Social Media Posts to promote reports and findings to broader public.
• Updated Project Fact sheet.
• Regular project reporting (field reports, Donor reports)

2. Branded equipment for the 12 catalytic grantees

Output: 

• Approved branding and marking plan
• Activity report

Quality expectations: Branded equipment, following approved guidelines. IMEU to provide list of equipment for branding.

3. Project Close out Event

Output: 

• Branded Cover Designs for reports and event materials.
• Other communication materials (e.g., digital banners) to promote the closing event
• Project Overview Presentation (.ppt) to be used in the project’s closing event.
• Activity report

Quality expectations:

• Branded Cover Designs for IMEU reports and event materials. - Other communication materials (e.g., digital banners) to promote the closing event
• Infographics showcasing IMEUs results and methodologies.
• Final report presenting the communication actions implemented, their impact/results and future recommendations.

Copyright and intellectual property rights

The intellectual property rights of all reports, documents and publicity outputs, product designs, business know-how and confidential information generated pursuant to this consultancy implementation shall be the property of SNV, unless otherwise agreed in writing and signed by SNV.

Evaluation criteria

The proposals will be evaluated based on the evaluation criteria below.

Technical Criteria

Understanding of the Terms of Reference and Completeness of the Proposal: The consultant demonstrates a clear understanding of the TOR (30 maximum score)

Qualifications, Knowledge and Skills: The consultant possess the required qualifications and demonstrates knowledge and skills in documentation, designing and publication of knowledge products (20 maximum score)

Experience: The consultant demonstrates relevant experience in communication and marketing activities especially in development works e.g. energy access, renewable energy, energy efficiency or productive use of energy, climate smart solutions related documentations (30 maximum score)

Financial Criteria

The proposed financial proposal demonstrates cost-effectiveness and value for money (20 maximum score)

Contract project fees and duration

The consultant/firm is expected to work for 3 days a week for six months. The remuneration will be based on level of experience, skills and knowledge possessed  

Payment terms

The consultant will present a report monthly that will be approved by the PM. This will be the basis for his/her payment.

Qualifications

Due diligence instructions

Qualifications and experience:

• University degree in communications/ journalism or equivalent in a relevant discipline e.g., political and social sciences, education etc.
• Degree in communications, Marketing, Public Relations and or relevant field
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent command (writing and speaking skills) of English,
• Proven work experience of at least 5 years in developing and implementing communication and visibility plans and materials
• Ability to translate technical content and research results into appealing format and make it accessible to the broader public.
• Expertise in digital communication tools and the use of social media and digital marketing tools.
• Experience in working with international organizations in developing and implementing communication materials
• Understanding of social media platforms
• Proficiency in using tools for content creation, such as graphic design software.
• Detail-oriented with the ability to manage multiple tasks, and a willingness to travel.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.

Additional Information

Submission requirements

The consultant (individual or firm) is requested to submit the following:

1. Current Curriculum Vitae (CV) with references of previous relevant assignments
2. Technical proposal including examples of previous communication materials prepared (i.e., articles, videos, infographics, etc)
3. Financial proposal.

The application should be sent in an electronic format to ugandatenders@snv.org

Disclaimer. 
SNV reserves the right to accept or reject any or all applications submitted. SNV can stop this procurement at any time without the need to explain or extend the deadline for submission once it sees fit. In case you do not hear from SNV within three weeks of the closure of the application process, consider yourself unsuccessful. SNV also reserves the right to reject and cancel this call-in in case any illegal, corrupt, coercive, or collusive practices are noticed. Late applications will be rejected. Please note that viewing, downloading or otherwise using the TOR constitutes acceptance on your part of all the above-noted statements and conditions.