CALL FOR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST - Development of Marketing & Communication Materials For The Basics/SCSS Project at Catholic Relief Services (CRS)

PROJECT OVERVIEW:
CRS is implementing a cassava program in Benue state. The program which is titled ‘Building an Economically Sustainable Integrated Cassava Seed System’ is aimed at increasing farmers’ access to quality cassava planting materials of new and improved varieties. The program started in late 2015 and will be ending in 2019. Under the program, CRS will be working with key partners such as the National Agricultural Seed Council, Agricultural Development Project, National Roots Crops Research Institute, International Institute for Tropical Agriculture, CGIAR program on Roots, Tuber and Banana and others to support village seed entrepreneurs in producing quality cassava planting materials of new and improved varieties for farmers. Specifically, CRS will identify, select and provide technical assistance to the seed entrepreneurs, ensure field certification and eventual sales of materials to farmers. The project hopes to work with at least 80 seed entrepreneurs, providing quality planting materials to farmers in a timely manner.
An important aspect of the project activities is effective communication to increase coverage and patronage of the village seed entrepreneurs who are producing and marketing certified seed to farmers. The project has carried out a market study to understand the cassava planting material market and identify the drivers of the market. It is hoped that knowledge unveiled by the study will feed into the development of marketing communication strategy and advertisement of village seed entrepreneur’s activities and the project in general. e The communication strategy roll-out is to ultimately lead to increased demand for planting materials in and around the project catchment area.
The project is hereby inviting prospective marketing communication consultants to apply for the strategy design and development of innovative and effective content for radio jingles, billboards, posters, promotional bags and web marketing, among others.
PURPOSE OF THE CONSULTANCY:
To design strategy and develop innovative and effective marketing and communication content for cassava seeds with particular focus on farmers in Benue State. This is expected to achieve the BASICS Project outcomes that farmers increase their demand for cassava seeds of market driven varieties and VSEs cassava seed businesses are profitable.
SCOPE OF WORK/DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Review of the report of BASICS Project Market Study conducted, October 2016.
• Design of marketing communication strategy and roll-out, vis-à-vis communication messages for radio jingles, billboards and posters/handbills, promotional bags and mini-website.
• Work with CRS BASICS Project partners in Benue state to translate the marketing and communication messages/content into the main languages spoken in the state.

EXPECTED OUTPUTS/DELIVERABLES:

• Strategy for communicating and marketing cassava seeds among farmers in Benue state
• Content/messages for the implementation of marketing and communication strategy
• Translated versions of content/messages in the main local languages of Benue state.
• Design layout of messages for the billboard, posters, handbills and promo bags

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE OF THE CONSULTANT:
An established track record in marketing communications, outreach, marketing and branding
Excellent verbal and written communications skills, and demonstrated experience working with a variety of stakeholders
A minimum of five years’ relevant professional work experience.
The consultant must have demonstrable experience drafting similar marketing communications strategies/content with a track record of successful implementation.
TIMELINES AND PROGRESS REPORTS:
Accountabilities:

• The consultant is responsible for carrying out each of the above-mentioned tasks and produce the deliverables as described above. The consultant will report to CRS M&E Manager.
• The Head of Agriculture and Economic Growth Unit will be responsible for:
• Providing the link with the BASICS team
• Planning and coordinating the Briefing Meeting;
• Approval of finalized Terms of Reference including any revisions to the scope of work as well as the final structure of the products;
• Coordinating the activities of the consultancy; and
• Coordinating the approval of products submitted

Work Arrangement:
The consultant will be free to work independently from any base location, providing his/her own work equipment and space. The total time required for the work involved is estimated to be 10 days.
FEES EXPENSES & PAYMENT ARRANGEMENT:
Associated transport, accommodation, and per diem during the duration of the assignment as per CRS approved rates will be covered. Reasonable costs for courier services, purchase of reference materials, etc. will be reimbursed in the final payment upon presentation of a list of expenses and the submission of acceptable reference materials and receipts and/or invoice.
Payment will be a lump sum based on CRS consultancy rates and will be made in two phases:
50% on submission of the draft report;
50% on submission of all final products
Please note that CRS will deduct and remit to the Federal Inland Revenue (FIR) a 5% withholding Tax from the total consultancy fees in accordance with the Nigerian Tax Law.