Terms of Reference
Output/Funded Deliverable: Online Repository of Assets and Toolkits
Activity Dates: October 28, 2024 – March 1, 2025
Deadline for Launch of Prototype: February 15, 2025
Line Manager: Akefetey Ephraim, Online Repository of Assets and Toolkits: Project Manager
CALL FOR PROPOSALS
The Alliance for Science (AFS) is seeking a highly skilled consultant or consultancy firm to lead the design, development, and implementation of an online repository for agricultural biotechnology communication assets (Phase 1 of 3).
This repository will house a decade’s worth of valuable resources, toolkits, and assets aimed at supporting a global community of advocates working in agricultural biotechnology.
The scope of work responds to three critical questions:
1. How many resources do we have and in which categories?
2. Which resources are ready to be placed in an online repository?
3. Which resources need to be stored or archived in an internal AFS Knowledge Bank and how can this be created?
Proposed Activities:
1. Assessment and Inventory of Existing Resources: Conduct a comprehensive review of all available resources. This includes cataloging the total number of resources and categorizing them effectively to understand what is available and where gaps may exist.
2. Database Creation and Tagging: Develop a structured database (knowledge bank) to store and manage the resources. This will involve tagging each resource according to relevant categories, ensuring easy retrieval and organization for future users. The consultant will ensure the database structure supports efficient categorization, searching, and sorting.
3. Finalize Resource Selection for the Repository: After the evaluation and refinement process, the consultant will compile the final list of resources that will be migrated from the Knowledge Bank to the public-facing online repository, ensuring that these resources are ready for use by the global community of advocates.
4. Evaluation and Refinement for Repository Readiness: Assess which resources need further development, updating, or refinement to ensure they are of the highest quality and ready for inclusion in the online repository. This may involve collaborating with content experts to improve certain materials. Once these preparatory tasks are complete, the consultant will proceed to the design and development of the repository itself, ensuring it meets the needs of the global community of agricultural biotechnology advocates.
Project Overview
This 18-month project will be executed in three phases (dependent on funding): The consultant will only be responsible for Phase 1 of the Project for the duration of this call and produce a clear standalone output as funds have not been secured for Phases 2 and 3.
Phase 1: Design, Preparation, and Prototype Launch (November 2024 – April 2025)
● Platform Design and Development: The consultant will lead the design of a user-friendly, scalable online platform. This includes creating the platform’s architecture, front-end, and back-end components for seamless navigation and resource accessibility.
● Content Curation and Population: Collaborating with the AFS communications team, the consultant will inventory and organize existing resources into categories, for instance, the most impactful resources will be highlighted to ensure ease of access and relevance.
Phase 2: User Testing, Refinement, and Integration (October 2025 – March 2026)
● User Testing and Refinement: The consultant will conduct testing with target users to identify usability issues and gather feedback for refinement. Adjustments will be made based on insights gathered to optimize the platform’s interface and user experience.
● Integration of Ongoing Resources: As new resources are developed during the project period, the consultant will ensure they are continuously integrated into the platform, keeping the repository up-to-date with relevant tools, reports, and multimedia content.
Phase 3: Sustainability Strategy, Marketing, and Income Generation (April 2026 – September 2026)
● Sustainability Strategy: The consultant will design a sustainability plan to ensure the long-term viability of the repository. This could include strategies to generate income from resources, such as offering paid courses, membership, or premium content. The plan will aim to make the repository a “living portal” that grows and evolves with the needs of its users, establishing it as a sustainable resource generator.
● Marketing Campaign and User Engagement: The consultant will develop a marketing strategy and campaign to increase user engagement and attract a wider global audience. This could include outreach through social media, email campaigns, webinars, and other channels.
Scope of Work
The consultant will only be responsible for Phase 1 of the Project for the duration of this call and produce a clear standalone output as funds have not been secured for Phases 2 and 3.
1. Platform Design and Development: Creating a user-friendly, accessible, and responsive online repository platform. This includes designing the system architecture, front-end interface, and back-end integration for seamless navigation and functionality.
2. Content Organization and Curation: Organizing and categorizing existing assets into a coherent structure allowing easy search, access, and use. Highlight the most impactful and widely used resources, ensuring relevance and clarity.
3. Metadata and Tagging System: Designing and implementing a metadata and tagging system for organizing resources by themes, formats, and target audiences.
Qualifications
● Proven experience in web-based platform design, and content management systems.
● Experience in creating accessible, user-friendly online platforms focusing on resource sharing and engagement.
● Ability to collaborate with a multidisciplinary team, including communications, technical experts, and external partners.
How to Apply
Interested consultants or consultancy firms should submit a detailed proposal outlining:
● A brief introduction and relevant experience.
● A proposed methodology and timeline for completing the work.
● A budget estimate.
● Examples of previous relevant work or case studies.
Applications should be submitted to fiona.mosongo@allianceforscience.org.
For any inquiries or further information, please contact fiona.mosongo@allianceforscience.org.