Overview

Westminster Foundation for Democracy (“WFD”) is the UK public body dedicated to supporting democracy around the world. Operating internationally, WFD works with parliaments, political parties, and civil society groups as well as on elections to help make political systems fairer, more inclusive and more accountable.

We are a problem-solving, practitioner-led organisation that offers: 

• Specialist analysis, research, and advice to inform policy makers on a range of democratic governance issues;
• High quality and impactful programmes that directly support the full spectrum of institutions in political systems to develop inclusive political processes, more accountable political systems, protection of rights and freedoms, and more pluralistic societies; and  
• International elections observation on behalf of the UK.   

Aim of this Request for Quotes

WFD is issuing this Request for Quotes (“RFQ”) to a range of potential suppliers of goods and/or services and would welcome a proposal or quote from you/your organisation.

Quote submission

• All proposals or quotes should be submitted by 24th December 2024 in writing and include:
• The supplier’s name, status, company number, and registered office address  
• An overview of the supplier’s relevant experience, expertise, capability and capacity
• A description of the good(s) or service(s) to be provided and clear explanation as to how this meets the specification in this RFQ
• A transparent quotation of the charge for the good(s) or service(s), in the currency of the payables account of the service provides, to include: a clear breakdown of all costs; any proposed discount applied for WFD as a not-for-profit organisation; and a separate identification of any VAT charges (and/or any other applicable tax, excise or other charges).    

The proposal or quote should be sent electronically and addressed to:  Programme Co-ordinator, Aishath Hameeda at aishath.hameeda@wfd.org and cc-ed to PAFA, Ahmed Nisbah at ahmed.nisbah@wfd.org  

The same email addresses should be used for any questions related to this RFQ.  

WFD’s standard terms and conditions for tendering and key policies can be found WFD’s standard terms and conditions for tendering and key policies and WFD’s Code of Conduct. 

Detailed Specification

Objective

WFD is currently conducting a Cost of Politics research in the Maldives. Local and international election observation missions over the past decade have noted vote buying as a major issue across all elections in the Maldives. Weak campaign finance regulations are also a long-standing issue resulting in a lack of transparency and accountability and reinforcement of an unlevel playing field among candidates. These factors have led to the monetarization of politics, with money becoming the deciding factor in the Maldives politics. While money is necessary for democratic politics, a lack of transparency in political finance tempts corrupt behavior. Unregulated campaign finance represents a severe threat to the rule of law, democracy, equity, and social justice, and hinders economic development, endangers the stability of democratic institutions, and undermines electoral integrity.  

Recommendations from this research will focus on identifying opportunities for key actors—such as political parties, the electoral management body, and Parliament—to address these systemic issues and create a more supportive environment for candidates from disadvantaged groups. This research will be part of a larger body of research conducted by WFD into the cost of politics across the globe (the Cost of Politics project).

WFD is seeking the services of a communications firm to drive a dynamic awareness campaign that engages with the public and key stakeholders in a critical dialogue on the cost of politics (CoP)and violence against women in politics (VAWP). The campaigns should aim to amplify the findings of the Cost of Politics research and inquiry on VAWP and stimulate action for meaningful change. 

Deliverables

Through raising awareness efforts aimed at the public and decision-makers WFD aims to stimulate a thorough discussion on the influence of money in politics and what needs to change. The service provider is expected to deliver the following services.  

Campaign on Cost of Politics Research:

1. Strategic Planning and Management
   1. Development of a comprehensive communications strategy around the CoP research in consultation with WFD team, including a detailed implementation plan, target audience analysis and key messaging framework.
   2. Provide ongoing monitoring and evaluation of the campaign’s effectiveness with progress reports and recommendations for adjustments.
2. Digital Media Engagement
   1. Create, launch and manage dedicated social media accounts to raising awareness on CoP research to reach a wider audience with consistent engagement with the target audiences.
   2. Develop and execute a content calendar with compelling posts, including infographics, reels and stories tailored for various platforms. 
   3. Conduct paid promotional campaigns to boost visibility and outreach. 
3. Report Layout
   1. Design and layout of the CoP report, ensuring it is visually appealing, professional and user-friendly 
4. Video Development  
   1. Develop a 2 to 3-minute promotional video on the CoP research, incorporating compelling visuals, key findings and actionable recommendations as per the report for the Launching Event.
5. Outreach and Dissemination
   1. Develop and disseminate materials through social media platforms, targetting decision makers, civil society organizations and general public as per the agreed upon communications strategy
6. Brand Materials
   1. Design and produce campaign materials to expand outreach and visibility such as:  
   2. Leaflets
   3. Posters
   4. Stickers, buttons, badges or bookmarks
   5. And/or other creative, cost-effective items aligned with the campaign's theme and target audience and as agreed upon in the communications strategy. 

Campaign on inquiry on VAWP: 

1. Report Layout
   1. Design and layout of the VAWP report, ensuring it is visually appealing, professional and user-friendly
2. Brand Materials 
   1. Design and produce materials (including content and design) to expand outreach and visibility of the VAWP report such as:
      1. Infographic based on the findings of the VAWP report
      2. And/or other creative, cost-effective items aligned with the campaign's theme and target audience and as agreed upon with WFD. 

Reporting

The Expert is expected to report to the WFD Maldives team after each deliverable and on a regular basis as agreed upon.  

Working arrangements

The Expert will work remotely and closely with the WFD – Maldives Country Director Aryj Hussain.   

Payments

• The financial proposal for the assignment shall not exceed £6,600.  
• Full breakdown of time and cost estimates for the proposed solution in the currency of the Expert’s preferred accounts payable account, including any daily rate to be applied.  
• Separate accounting of VAT and/or any other applicable tax, duty, or charge.  
• Detailing of any discount applied in view of WFD’s not-for-profit status.   

Minimum experience and expertise

• Prior experience in designing and implementing of comprehensive communications strategies preferably advocacy campaigns, research dissemination or political communication projects. Experience working with international organisations, CSOs or development partners on public awareness or policy advocacy initiatives is desirable.
• Strong capability in developing creative and visually engaging content including social media campaigns, report designs, videos and promotional materials.
• Capability in designing both print and digital content and branded merchandise
• Proven expertise in creating digital content and managing social media accounts
• Proficiency in video production, including scripting, editing and delivering high quality videos
• Strong ability to craft targeted messaging for diverse audiences and execute innovative campaigns that effectively engage stakeholders and drive measurable results
• Strong project management capabilities to deliver high quality outputs within the given timeframes.
• Context awareness and familiarity with political and governance issues is an advantage.
• Strong team with skills in communications, marketing, designing and content management will be preferred