Request for Proposal for Communications agency March 2026 India

Top Line ObjectiveGirl Effect India is seeking an experienced communications agency to develop and execute a strategic communications plan that strengthens Girl Effect India's visibility, credibility, and impact through high-quality content creation, documentation, storytelling, and stakeholder engagement across digital platforms (primarily LinkedIn) and offline IEC materials.Who we areGirl Effect is an international non-profit that connects girls to the resources and support she needs to overcome barriers, see themselves differently and unleash their full potential. We believe that the most powerful force to break the cycle of intergenerational poverty is GIRLS. When you connect GIRLS to what they need, unleash the limits communities set for them, and change how girls see themselves- they change the world. That’s the Girl Effect.Our approach redefines what girls think they can and should do. We do this by building digital and media technologies that girls want, trust and need.From chatbots and applications to chat shows and TV dramas our approach uses modern technologies to reach girls where they are today.Our reach is 23 million and counting.We are girl centered. We engage girls through evidence based social and behavior change. We meet girls where they are today, in the spaces, on the platforms and channels they trust and love. We work with governments to transform systems to work for HER.We reach girls across the world, where they are -online and offline, to support them at the critical moments in life when choices around their health, education and economic future need to be made.Our ApproachGirl Effect uses a branded media approach towards delivering behavioral change programmes.We reach girls across the world, where they are - online and offline, to support them at the critical moments in life when choices around their health, education and economic future need to be made.We use our expertise in behavior change science to motivate and equip girls with information and support to help them see a different future for themselves, act on those choices, and drive greater demand for the opportunities and services available to them.Chhaa Jaa in India, Tujibebe in Tanzania, Yegna in Ethiopia - are some of our youth brands. They exist across multiple channels - digital ( Meta, Google and other SM platforms), TV, radio, print, and on-ground.Project ContextGirl Effect India is currently implementing multiple donor-facing programmes across a range of thematic areas, including public health and immunisation, technology-facilitated gender-based violence,mental well-being and menstrual health management, among others. Each programme is designed with specific objectives and outcomes, supported by innovative interventions that leverage media and technology to drive impact.Scope of Work1. COMMUNICATIONS PLAN* Develop a monthly & quarterly communications plan aligned with organizational priorities and different themes * Define key messaging, content pillars, and storytelling framework * Create a structured content calendar for LinkedIn and key milestones2. Content Development (LinkedIn Focus)* Create engaging, insight-led LinkedIn content (posts, carousels, thought leadership pieces) * Translate program updates and impact data into compelling narratives * Design visually aligned creatives as per brand guidelines3. IMPACT DOCUMENTATION & STORYTELLING* Conduct field visits (as required) to document program implementation * Produce high-quality photography and short-form videos * Develop case stories and human-interest narratives highlighting impact * Create photo stories and short impact films for digital use4. IEC & EVENT MATERIALS* Develop content and design for brochures, impact snapshots, program briefs, and other communication collaterals * Create visually compelling, print-ready and digital-ready IEC materials aligned to brand standards * Adapt existing IEC materials in different formats, branding, languages * Edit existing videos - subtitles, branding, language * Develop event materials and branding5. Testimonials* Identify and document testimonials from participants, partners, and stakeholders during on ground activities or programs * Produce written and video testimonial assets for multi-platform useDeliverables* A comprehensive communications plan document * Monthly LinkedIn content calendar and agreed number of posts * High-quality photo and video documentation assets * Case studies and impact stories (as agreed per quarter) * Designed IEC materials (as per approved plan) * Testimonial assets (written and/or video) * Monthly performance and progress reportsWhat we value* Alignment with our mission and commitment to empowering adolescent girls * The agency should demonstrate flexibility and availability to support weekend requests when required, as some campaign activities linked to Government initiatives may necessitate work outside standard working days. * Empathy, curiosity and excellent communication skills * The ability to really listen to our needs and drive to strive for the best solutions * Portfolio of work demonstrating experience working on projects targeting youth, public health initiatives and possibly health outcomesWho you are:Skills and expertise:* You are based in India and primarily work with a target audience based in different regions with specialization in Hindi speaking belt. * Fluency in Hindi, Hinglish, and English, both written and spoken, is required for this partnership. * Experience in creating health-related content/behavior change content production in the fields of Health and Immunization, Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights and Economic Empowerment would be a massive bonus. * Capacity to adapt and translate IEC materials in different Indian languages * Project Management: Ability to effectively manage projects, coordinate teams with diverse skill sets, develop project strategies, and ensure successful execution from start to finish with timelines. * Local Market Knowledge: Strong understanding of local trends, media landscape, and cultural nuances to tailor creative solutions that resonate with the target audience in the Indian market. * Creative Ideation: Skill to generate innovative and unique ideas aligned with our objectives and target audience, fostering creativity and pushing boundaries to deliver outstanding creative work. * Strategic Thinking: Ability to analyse client goals, target audience preferences, and market trends to develop a strategic approach that drives results and provides effective creative solutions. * Multi-platform Expertise: Proficiency in creating content for diverse platforms such as digital, social media, and emerging media channels (chatbots), leveraging each platform's unique features to engage the target audiences. * Storytelling: Capability to craft compelling narratives and storytelling techniques that effectively communicate the Girl Effect message, create emotional connections, and build brand loyalty. * Collaboration and Teamwork: Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with clients, creative teams, designers, and stakeholders to bring ideas to life, fostering a collaborative and productive work environment. * Basic safeguarding and digital safeguarding knowledge are a plusExpected Commitment* March 2026 to December 2026 [10 months]LOCATIONThe consultant must be based in India and have extensive experience in the country. The assignment(s) will be carried out in India.MANAGEMENTThe agency will have a primary point of contact within our India Programs team. The language of the materials and reports shall be English. The contract supervisor shall approve all deliverables submitted before any payment is made.Tentative Timelines:* TERMS OF REFERENCE PUBLISHED: 9TH MARCH 2026* DEADLINE FOR RESPONSES: 23RD MARCH 2026* COMMENCEMENT OF CONTRACT: 1ST APRIL 2026Proposal submissionYour proposal should cover:* Your understanding of the brief: A presentation/document showcasing your understanding of the brief and your vision for this project * Credentials:i) Please showcase a minimum of 3 examples of previous work relevant to what we are trying to achieve and the audience that we cater to (it need not be a direct example but perhaps the closest one)ii) Link to your core team's CV and portfolio of work* Reference - Provide at least three references for similar contracts with a description of the service provided, the value of the contract, and the contract periods of performance * Financial proposal with a breakdown of cost in INREvaluation CriteriaThe criteria against which proposals will be evaluated are listed below:Technical Evaluation* Understanding of Brief- 25% * Examples of previous relevant work/portfolio - 25% * Staff credentials - 20%Financial Evaluation* Value for money/proposed budget breakdown - 30%Technical and Financial proposals will need to be submitted as separate documents. Financial bids will not be opened until the technical evaluation and then only for those proposals deemed qualified and responsive.In their Technical proposal, the bidder must demonstrate an understanding of the requirements described in the RFP and demonstrate how the bidder will meet the requirements of the evaluation criteria.Please note that Girl Effect is not liable for any cost incurred during the award/contract preparation, submission, or negotiation of the award/contract. All submitted documentation and/or materials shall become and remain the property of Girl Effect.VALIDITY of the proposal shall be for 90 days from the date of bid closure.TaxGIRL EFFECT INDIA IS OBLIGED BY THE INDIAN TAX AUTHORITIES TO ENSURE ALL TAXES ARE CHARGED WHERE APPLICABLE. APPLICANTS ARE ADVISED TO ENSURE THAT THEY HAVE A CLEAR UNDERSTANDING OF THEIR TAX POSITION REGARDING PROVISIONS TO INDIAN TAX LEGISLATION WHEN DEVELOPING THEIR PROPOSALS.DisclaimerGE reserves the right to determine the structure of the process, number of short-listed participants, the right to withdraw from the proposal process, the right to change this timetable at any time without notice and reserves the right to withdraw this tender at any time, without prior notice and without liability to compensate and/or reimburse any party. GE shall inform ONLY successful applicant(s). The process of negotiation and signing of the contract with the successful applicant(s) will follow.SAFEGUARDINGYou may be required to undertake safeguarding checks. Shortlisted consultants will be assessed on our organizational values at the interview stage. The successful consultant will be expected to adhere to our safeguarding policy. We encourage you to read and understand our safeguarding policy, the executive summary of which can be found Here. We have zero tolerance for all forms of violence against children, beneficiaries and staff.EQUAL OPPORTUNITIESGirl Effect is committed to equal opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender, gender identity or expression. We are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace.We are committed to building an organization that is increasingly representative of, and works extensively with, the communities that we serve. To this end, due regard will be paid to procuring consultancy service organizations and individuals with diverse professional, academic and cultural backgrounds.HOW TO APPLYHow To ApplyTo apply for this opportunity, please submit a proposal by email with the subject line "Proposal for Communications agency” to [email protected] by 23rd March 2026