Request for proposal: Development of brand assets for the ReSea Project

1. Introduction

The marine and coastal ecosystems in the Western Indian Ocean (WIO) play a significant role in ensuring the food security and livelihoods of coastal communities. However, these ecosystems are facing increasing threats from rapid urbanization, population growth, coastal development, land reclamation and conversion and unsustainable resource exploitation. Climate change exacerbates these threats and leads to a rise in incidents of coral bleaching, flooding and related risks, and sea-level rise.

The Regenerative Seascapes for People, Climate and Nature Program (ReSea) aims to enhance the physical and socio-economic resilience of women, men and young people, living in coastal communities in Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique, Comoros and Madagascar. Anchored to the WIO-led and Africa-driven Great Blue Wall (GBW) initiative, the Program will support the establishment of a network of regenerative seascapes that contribute to enhanced climate and socioeconomic resilience of coastal communities.

The proposed approach relies on Nature-based Solutions (NbS) and gender-responsive conservation practices to protect, restore and sustainably manage targeted ecosystems. This approach aims to support livelihoods provision and diversification while empowering communities, with a specific focus on women and youth economic empowerment in nature-based value chains for climate change adaptation. To achieve this, the Program will draw on the knowledge and expertise of local conservation actors and women’s organizations. Collaboratively, they will design and implement inclusive NbS that are adapted to and address the specific needs, capacities, and challenges of coastal communities in adapting to climate change.

The Program is designed around three pillars:

1. Blue Planet: improved effectiveness, equitable and gender-responsive conservation of WIO marine protected areas (MPA) and locally managed marine areas (LMMA), including key coastal and marine ecosystems, for biodiversity and people (Intermediate outcome 1100).
2. Blue Nature: provide an enabling environment to enhance the adoption of gender-responsive Nature-based Solutions for climate change adaptation through effective management and sustainable use of coastal and marine resources in the WIO (Intermediate outcome 1200)
3. Blue People: increased women’s, in all their diversity, economic empowerment in nature-based value chains for climate change adaptation in the WIO region. (Intermediate outcome 1300).

The Program will be implemented through a complementary partnership comprising Mission inclusion and IUCN as part of the Canadian government’s Partnering for Climate initiative. This Partnership will work in close collaboration with local women and conservation organizations, and regional technical actors (service providers) to deliver inclusive and transformational change at the community and global levels.

2. Background

The ReSea project seeks to create a unique visual identity that will enhance our visibility, convey our project goals and achievements effectively, and inspire action among our target audience.

3. Project Goals

1. Brand Identity: Develop a cohesive and compelling brand identity that reflects the goals of the ReSea Project.
2. Awareness and Engagement: Create visual assets that capture the urgency of effective and inclusive marine ecosystem management and resource use and encourages community engagement.
3. Versatility: Ensure that all brand assets are adaptable for various platforms, including digital media, print materials, and merchandise.

4. Scope of Work

1. Brand Identity Development

• Logo Design: Create a unique and memorable logo that embodies the ReSea Project’s mission.
• Color Palette: Develop a color scheme that is visually appealing and aligns with our environmental focus.
• Typography: Fonts that are modern, legible, and consistent with our brand personality.

2. Visual Asset Creation

• Website Assets: Design website banners, icons, and other graphical elements to enhance the user experience.
• Social Media Graphics: Create engaging and shareable graphics for platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
• Print Materials: Design concepts for brochures, newsletter, annual report, flyers, posters, business cards and other promotional materials for events and campaigns.
• Merchandise: Develop designs for merchandise including t-shirts, hats, tote bags, and more.

3. Brand Guidelines

• Comprehensive Guide: Develop a brand guidelines document that outlines the proper use of the logo, color palette, typography, and other brand elements.
• Templates: Provide templates for common documents and presentations to ensure consistent branding.

5. Deliverables

• ReSea logo (3 concepts)
• ReSea Project brand guidebook including color palette, typography and brand why and wow.
• Editable ReSea Project brand assets including website assets (website banners, icons, etc.), social media graphics for use on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, print materials (business cards, brochures, flyers, posters, newsletters, presentations, etc.)

6. Required Skills and Experience

The assignment will be performed by a consultant expert with the following qualifications:

1. University degree or similar in Graphic Design, Communication, Marketing or related field.
2. Proficiency in design software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite: Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign), understanding of typography, color theory, and layout principles. Strong portfolio showcasing a range of design projects.
3. Extensive work experience and proven record in graphic design, brand development, marketing.
4. Demonstrated prior experience in graphic design, developing brand assets, preferably in the conservation and/or development sector.
5. Proficiency in English.
6. Creativity: Strong creative thinking and problem-solving abilities.
7. Collaboration: Ability to work collaboratively with a diverse team and stakeholders.
8. Adaptability: Flexibility to adapt to feedback and evolving project requirements.
9. Precision and attention to detail in all aspects of design and branding work.

7. Budget

• Cost Breakdown: Provide a detailed breakdown of the costs associated with the project, including any potential additional expenses.
• Payment Terms: Specify your payment terms and any relevant conditions.

8. Additional Information

• Value Proposition: Explain why your agency is uniquely suited to take on this project.
• Innovative Ideas: Share any initial ideas or concepts you have for the ReSea Project’s brand assets.

9. Evaluation Criteria

Proposals will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

• Understanding of the scope of work. (25%)
• Creativity and originality of proposed designs. (15%)
• Relevant experience and quality of previous work. (15%)
• Cost-effectiveness and value for investment. (25%)
• Feasibility of the proposed timeline and budget. 15%)
• Personnel, references and case studies. (15%)

10. Timeline

• Proposal Submission Deadline: 9th August 2024
• Agency Selection and Notification: 15th August 2024
• Project Kick-off: 19th August 2024

11. Terms and Conditions

• All proposals must be submitted in English.
• Mission Inclusion reserves the right to reject any or all proposals.
• The selection of the agency will be final and binding.

How to apply

Proposal Requirements

1. Agency Information

• Company Profile: Provide an overview of your agency, including your history, mission, and values.
• Team Members: Introduce the key team members who will be working on this project, including their roles and relevant experience.

2. Portfolio and Experience

• Previous Work: Showcase at least three case studies or examples of similar projects you have completed.
• Client References: Provide contact information for at least two references from previous clients.

3. Approach and Methodology

• Creative Process: Describe your approach to developing brand assets, including your process for research, ideation, design, and revisions.

Timeline: Outline a proposed timeline for the project, including key milestones and deliverables

Submission Guidelines

Please submit your proposal in PDF format to amasitsa@missioninclusion.ca by 9th August 2024.