TOR - PROCUREMENT OF A DIGITAL COMMUNICATIONS CONSULTANT

TERMS OF REFERENCE

PROCUREMENT NUMBER : APRM/AU/DCC/09 /2025 : PROCUREMENT OF A DIGITAL COMMUNICATIONS CONSULTANT

1. BACKGROUND

The African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) is a Specialised Entity of the African Union and the continent’s self-monitoring and peer review tool for promoting good governance. Launched in 2003, the Mechanism, to which African States accede voluntarily, creates a platform for reviewed states to improve their constitutionalism and policy formulation, adoption and implementation. The Mechanism highlights best practices and supports Participating States in monitoring their compliance with established African Union standards and principles. These practices and standards are catalysts for the transformative leadership needed to achieve political stability, high economic growth, sustainable development and accelerated sub-regional and continental integration. The peer review processes provide a high-level platform for experience sharing and promotion of successful best practices, including identification of deficiencies and assessment of requirements for national capacity building.

Recognizing the transformative power of digital media in shaping public discourse, the APRM has prioritized the use of digital platforms as a strategic communication tool. In an era defined by rapid digital transformation and the growing influence of social media, effectively showcasing the APRM’s impact demands innovative, data-driven, and visually engaging content.

In this context, the APRM is launching a short-term, high-impact digital communications campaign aimed at increasing public awareness and citizen engagement with its work.

Amid rising expectations for institutional accountability and visibility, the APRM is seeking to recruit a Digital Communications Consultant. The consultant will lead the design and execution of the campaign, crafting compelling narratives that translate policy outcomes into accessible, engaging content for citizens, policymakers, and development partners across Africa.

2. OBJECTIVES

The main objective of the consultancy is to develop the overall strategy and oversee the development, execution and optimization of APRM’s social media and digital marketing campaigns.

2.1 Specific Objectives

Using bilingual (English and French) digital storytelling, targeted social media engagement, and multimedia content creation, the campaign will:

Strategic Objectives:

1. Promote informed public dialogue and foster citizen interest in governance reforms and best practices.
2. Enhance the visibility, credibility, and influence of the APRM across national, regional, and continental levels.

Operational Objectives:

1. Design and manage continent-wide and regionally targeted digital marketing campaigns in support of APRM’s mission.
2. Provide technical oversight and optimization of APRM’s digital marketing and social media strategy.
3. Build internal capacity to implement the APRM Communications Strategy and Action Plan, including training and resource development.

SCOPE OF WORK

1. Increase awareness of the work and achievements of APRM and promote greater knowledge among key stakeholders and the general public.
2. Create posters, brochures, videos, infographics and other digital marketing materials/visual products to communicate ideas and information visually.
3. Deepen engagement across all APRM social media platforms; Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube and the APRM Website.
4. With supervision, be responsible for the full cycle of APRM’s social media campaigns – from concept stage to final evaluation.
5. Develop the overall strategy and oversee the development, execution and optimization of APRM’s paid social campaigns.
6. Use data analytics to optimize relevant Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and track effectiveness of marketing campaigns.
7. Perform any other tasks as may be assigned that contribute towards the promotion of objectives and fulfilment of the APRM mandate

DELIVERABLES

1. A comprehensive and concise social media strategy in support of the Organization’s communication and stakeholder engagement goals two weeks after signature of contract.
2. Develop marketing campaigns for all platforms on behalf of APRM.
3. Create APRM’s digital content library within a month of the start of the assignment and update the library monthly.
4. Submit monthly data analytics from social media traffic.

TIME FRAME

This assignment will be for a period of four (4) months.

6. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA/MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS

1. Bachelor’s degree in Marketing/Communications or a related field from a reputable University, with at least three (3) years’ progressive work experience in the relevant field;
2. Working knowledge of designing and operating systems.
3. Knowledge of digital marketing management tools (state the tools familiar with and attach relevant certifications)
4. Work experience with any of the AU institutions / Reputable International Organisations in Africa .

6.1 Selection Criteria

7. ASSIGNMENT MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION

1. The Consultant will work under the direct supervision of the Communications Coordinator at APRM Continental Secretariat, who will support with setting appointments with stakeholders, ensuring that payments are made on time, facilitating meetings and tracking the work plan of the consultant, as well as increasing expert opinion in the process.
2. The consultant will also report to the designated focal point on all matters pertaining to the assignment.
3. The Consultant will be responsible for their work material, including graphic designing and programming tools.

8. LOCATION

The assignment is home-based. The Consultant will not be required to work on-site at the APRM offices and is expected to perform all duties remotely, with engagement conducted via digital platforms as necessary. The Consultant is expected to have the relevant working tools in place to undertake the assignment.

9. REMUNERATION

The Consultant will be paid a fee based on the deliverables as outlined on the payment schedule. This amount will be disbursed in tranches, based on the successful submission and approval of the deliverables outlined in paragraph 3, in accordance with the agreed payment schedule below.

A contract will be sent for signature after upon successful contract negotiation

10. PAYMENT SCHEDULE

The assignment will be conducted in four months, and the consultant will be paid upon certification of satisfactory work as per the work plan, and as endorsed by the APRM Continental Secretariat.

11.MODE OF APPLICATION/ SUBMISSION AND DOCUMENTS TO BE SUBMITTED BY CONSULTANTS.

i)The consultant should submit a combined Technical and Financial Proposal, containing his/her up-to-date Curriculum Vitae with contactable three (3) references (names and addresses of referees) one of which should be the last consultancy(s). The technical proposal should demonstrate an understanding of the ToRS, the methodology and the detailed workplan. All applications in writing should be accompanied by Certified copies of all academic qualifications. The Financial proposal should provide a breakdown of the proposed cost and should be in USD.

ii) The PROPOSAL SHALL BE MARKED: PROCUREMENT NUMBER: APRM/AU/DCC/09 /2025: PROCUREMENT OF A DIGITAL COMMUNICATIONS CONSULTANT.

iii)The proposal/bid shall be submitted through email: tender@aprm-au.org on or before 30^th October 2025 at 11.00hrs South Africa local time. Eligible women are encouraged to apply. The Bids shall be opened immediately after the closing date and time.

All applications in writing

African Peer Review Mechanism Secretariat (APRM)

P.O. Box X09, Halfway House • Midrand 1685, South Africa.

230 15th Road, 1st Floor, Randjespark, Halfway House, Midrand

South Africa

Tel: +27 (0) 11 256 3401 • Fax: +27 (0) 11 256 3456 • Website: www.aprm-au.org

Submission Email:tender@aprm-au.org

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