REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP)

Hiring of a Communication Firm / Consultant for the Development and Implementation of a Communication Strategy

Creating Resilient Agricultural System for Vulnerable Communities (CRASVC) Project

1. Background

The Creating Resilient Agricultural Systems for Vulnerable Communities (CRASVC) Project is being implemented in Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral (GBC), Pakistan, to strengthen the resilience of vulnerable communities and their livelihoods to climate change. The Project contributes to national priorities on climate adaptation, food security, sustainable economic development, environmental protection, and social inclusion.

CRASVC is founded on the premise that when farming households have access to climate-smart knowledge, innovative technologies, improved agricultural inputs, efficient water management systems, and strong community institutions, they are better able to diversify livelihoods, adopt regenerative farming practices, and withstand recurrent climate shocks.

The Project focuses on two interlinked pillars: (i) building resilient livelihoods through climate-smart and diversified agriculture, and (ii) scaling climate-smart knowledge, innovation, and water-efficient systems through farmer training, demonstration, community-led innovation, and institutional partnerships.

The Project will directly benefit approximately 5,890 individuals and indirectly reach over 34,000 people, with a strong focus on women, youth, and marginalized groups. Through these interventions, CRASVC aims to create a scalable model for resilient mountain agriculture while strengthening incomes, food security, and sustainable natural resource management.

To ensure effective project visibility, stakeholder engagement, knowledge sharing, donor recognition, and systematic documentation of project results and impacts, the Project intends to engage a qualified Communication Firm/Consultant to develop and implement a comprehensive Communication Strategy.

2. Objective of the Assignment

The objective of this assignment is to provide professional communication services for strategic visibility, branding, documentation, and media outreach of project interventions throughout the implementation period.

Specific objectives include:

• Develop a project-wide communication and visibility strategy. 

• Promote donor and project branding in line with approved guidelines. 

• Document project progress, outcomes, and beneficiary impacts. 

• Increase stakeholder awareness through print, digital, and media channels. 

• Produce high-quality communication products for national and international audiences. 

• Support coverage of field visits, high-level events, and milestones. 

3. Scope of Services

The selected firm/consultant shall perform, but not be limited to, the following tasks:

A. Strategy Development

• Conduct a communication needs assessment. 

• Develop Communication & Visibility Strategy. 

• Prepare annual communication work plans and content calendar. 

• Recommend branding standards and outreach channels. 

B. Branding & Visibility

• Design branding templates for presentations, reports, banners, signboards, and publications. 

• Install branded signboards at completed schemes/intervention sites. 

• Ensure donor visibility compliance. 

C. Documentation & Storytelling

• Prepare case studies and human-interest stories. 

• Capture before-and-after evidence of interventions. 

• Produce beneficiary testimonials. 

• Maintain digital photo/video archive. 

D. Media Production

• Short reels/social media videos. 

• Documentary films on project interventions. 

• Podcasts with experts, influencers, or notable personalities. 

• Event highlight videos. 

E. Digital & Media Outreach

• Manage social media platforms. 

• Draft press releases and media kits. 

• Promote project milestones. 

• Support media engagement campaigns. 

F. Reporting & Knowledge Products

• Quarterly newsletters. 

• Annual communication reports. 

• Final impact communication package. 

4. Deliverables

5. Qualification Requirements

Interested firms/consultants should meet the following criteria:

For Firms:

• Registered legal entity. 

• Minimum 5 years relevant experience in communication/media assignments. 

• Proven track record with development sector, donor-funded or climate-related projects. 

• Strong in-house team for strategy, graphic design, videography, editing, and content writing, production of short reels/films. 

For Individual Consultants:

• Degree in Mass Communication, Media Studies, Journalism, Development Communication, Marketing, or related field. 

• Minimum 7 years relevant professional experience. 

• Experience with donor-funded development projects preferred. 

7. Key Personnel (for Firms)

• Team Leader / Communication Specialist 

• Content Writer / Editor 

• Graphic Designer 

• Videographer / Photographer 

• Social Media Specialist 

• Video Editor 

8. Proposal Submission Requirements

Interested bidders shall submit:

Technical Proposal

• Understanding of assignment 

• Proposed methodology 

• Work plan and timeline 

• Team composition / CVs 

• Relevant experience and past assignments 

• Sample work portfolio 

Financial Proposal

• Lump sum fee 

• Breakdown by deliverables/activities 

• Taxes clearly indicated 

9. Duration of Assignment

The assignment shall be for a period of 18 months (or project duration), extendable subject to satisfactory performance and project needs.

10. Reporting Arrangement

The selected firm/consultant shall report to the Project Manager of the CRASVC Project and coordinate closely with AKFP, donors, and implementing teams.

11. Submission Deadline

Interested firms/consultants may submit proposals by: