Terms of Reference: Communications Consultant – Digital Governance and Civic Space
August 16, 2024
OVERVIEW
The Open Government Partnership (OGP) is seeking professional services to support the OGP Communications team’s storytelling efforts around digital governance. The selected consultant will help source compelling stories to be disseminated through official OGP communications channels including the website, social media, blogs, and OGP events. The consultancy will start on October 1, 2024 and will continue through March 2025.
ADDITIONAL BACKGROUND
In 2011, government leaders and civil society advocates came together to create a unique partnership—one that combines these powerful forces to promote transparent, participatory, inclusive and accountable governance. Seventy-five countries and 150 local governments — representing more than two billion people — along with thousands of civil society organizations are members of the Open Government Partnership (OGP). One of OGP’s core focus areas is the proper regulation of digital technologies to prevent threats like disinformation, discrimination, and privacy concerns and leveraging the benefits of digital tech to strengthen democracies.
The Communications Consultant will identify and source compelling stories and case studies on digital governance initiatives within the open government sphere globally. These stories will be used to highlight the impact and importance of digital governance in fostering open government reforms.
The selected vendor will work with the communications team to review, curate, and create relevant content for the Partnership, and help foster online engagement with key audiences (government representatives, civil society organizations, academia, and international partners working in the region) to bring visibility to open government reforms, inspire others, and amplify OGP’s messages.
SCOPE OF WORK
Under the guidance and supervision of the Communications and the Policy & Partnerships teams, the vendor will assist OGP in developing and producing content to increase visibility around digital governance. This will include (but will not be limited to) the following tasks and deliverables.
- Conduct thorough research to identify notable digital governance initiatives in OGP member countries.
- Source stories from a variety of regions to ensure diverse representation.
- Engage with OGP country teams, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders to gather relevant information.
- Conduct interviews with key stakeholders involved in digital governance initiatives, including government officials, civil society leaders, and community members.
- Write detailed and engaging case studies, blog posts, and feature articles showcasing the identified initiatives.
- Ensure all stories highlight the impact of digital governance on open government reforms and citizen engagement.
- Develop multimedia content (e.g., photos, videos, infographics) to accompany written stories.
- Collaborate with the OGP communications team to ensure content aligns with OGP’s branding and messaging guidelines.
- Work with the OGP communications team to publish and promote stories through OGP’s website, social media channels, newsletters, and other platforms.
- Assist in developing a dissemination strategy to maximize the reach and impact of the stories.
Deliverables
- A minimum of 10 in-depth stories or case studies on digital governance initiatives.
- One to three pieces of multimedia content (photos, videos, infographics) for each story.
- Monthly progress reports detailing activities undertaken, challenges faced, and plans for the coming month.
- A final report summarizing all stories sourced and their impact.
CRITERIA FOR EVALUATION AND SELECTION PROCESS
OGP will consider the vendor’s demonstrated capability and experience in providing professional services to the organization. The vendor’s qualifications will be evaluated by OGP staff and leadership in an objective, comprehensive manner.
Qualifications and skills:
- Excellent communication and organizational skills
- Proven experience in journalism, communications, or a related field.
- Familiarity with issues related to digital governance, open government, and civil society engagement.
- Proven experience in creating and managing content
- Excellent copywriting and editing skills and an eye for detail
- Effective storytelling techniques
- Knowledge of SEO and Google Analytics
- Strong organizational and multitasking skills, with the ability to prioritize and work across multiple projects and under pressure to meet deadlines
TERMS AND COMPENSATION
This will be a cost reimbursement contract with an hourly rate of $40/hour, capping at $35,000.
CONTACT
Interested candidates can send their resumes, cover letters, and portfolios to consultancy@opengovpartnership.org.