Call for proposals: Development of a communications and outreach strategy for the 2003 UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage

1. Background

The 2003 UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage (the Convention) is a legally-binding international agreement that aims at safeguarding the practices, representations, expressions, knowledge and skills that communities recognize as part of their cultural heritage, manifested in domains such as oral traditions, performing arts, social practices, rituals, festive events, knowledge and practice about nature and the universe, and traditional craftsmanship.

Adopted in 2003, the Convention became a milestone in the evolution of international policies for promoting cultural diversity, since for the first time the international community had recognized cultural manifestations and expressions as a source for dialogue, social cohesion and a powerful driver for development.

2. Objectives and tasks

The Secretariat of the Convention is seeking a successful bidder who will be responsible for the development of the following items with a four-month period in 2016-2017.

i) a communications and outreach strategy targeting a diverse audience. The strategy is to be a long-term vision which is feasible and practical to implement and addresses immediate (one year) and long-term (five to six year) needs;
ii) a detailed work plan and action plan. This plan is to contain concrete steps and activities for the implementation of the strategy, accompanied by a realistic estimation of required resources taking into account the management and resource capacity of the Convention’s Secretariat, and definition of specific roles and functions to be undertaken by relevant actors and partners.

3. Eligibility/qualifications/experience requirements

Bids are being sought from companies/consultancies with:
- Corporate experience in the field of communications, marketing, partnership development at the international level;
- Proven expertise in developing successful communication and outreach strategies and campaigns;
- Experience with community-oriented outreach and/or strategies that include the community perspective;
- Knowledge and understanding of the UN system and raising awareness in different regional contexts would be an asset;
- Excellent drafting capacities in English and/or French

4. How to Apply

Qualified candidates are requested to submit the following documents to the Secretariat of the 2003 Convention:
1) an up-to-date curriculum vitae including a description of the company’s profile outlining recent and/or present activities focusing on services related to the proposal;
2) a clear statement indicating how the qualifications and experience of the candidate respond to the eligibility requirements indicated above and make the candidate suitable for the assignment;
3) a concrete statement on what methodological and management approach the candidate will adopt to carry out the assignment to develop the communications and outreach strategy;
4) the overall cost of the assignment expressed in US dollars as an overall lump-sum, along with the detailed quote. Any travel and subsistence requirements should be indicated separately.

Deadline for reception of proposals: 17 October 2016

Contact information
UNESCO Culture Sector, Division for Creativity, Section of Intangible Cultural Heritage
Attn: Secretariat of the 2003 Convention
Email: d.lee@unesco.org