USAID’s Kenya Investment Mechanism

Scope of Work for Consultancy Services

 

Consultancy Position: Writer for International Publications (2 positions)

Estimated Start Date: O/A April 15, 2022

Estimated Completion Date: O/A July 15, 2022

Reports to: KIM Communications Director

USAID Kenya Investment Mechanism

Kenya Investment Mechanism (KIM) is a five-year USAID activity that is facilitating $520 million in investment for key sectors of Kenya’s economy, including agriculture; health; water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH); energy and infrastructure; women-owned businesses; and regional trade and investment opportunities. The project supports the mobilization of private investment and accelerates enterprise-driven development.

KIM addresses two principal market failures that have discouraged investors from financing small, and medium enterprises (SMEs) across East Africa; insufficient quality consulting services and limited availability of financial products tailored to these sectors. KIM builds the capacity of financial institutions (FIs) and business advisory service providers (BASPs) through training and technical assistance and offers smart incentives to facilitate private finance and investment for the working capital needs of smallholder farmers and SMEs. Transformation of the financial ecosystem is further supported by a diverse range of sustainable partnerships—with and among strategic businesses, institutions, government counterparts (county and national) and other development partners—to replicate and scale creative approaches to unlock finance and investments.

Concurrently, KIM leads policy reform efforts focused on removing barriers inhibiting large-scale investment into the target sectors, therefore unlocking further finance. The two objectives result in the project serving as an investment platform that mobilizes substantial capital from the private sector and builds partnerships between stakeholders for a more robust, sustainable, and inclusive financial ecosystem.

KIM’s geographic scope is the East African Community (Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi, South Sudan, and Rwanda), as well as Ethiopia. 

The Palladium Group

Palladium is the implementing organization behind KIM. As a global leader in the design, development, and delivery of Positive Impact, Palladium creates enduring social and economic value. We work with foundations, investors, governments, corporations, communities, and civil society to formulate strategies and implement solutions that generate lasting social, environmental, and financial benefits.

For the past 50 years, we have been making Positive Impact possible. With a team of more than 2,500 employees operating in 90 plus countries and a global network of more than 35,000 technical experts, Palladium has improved - and is committed to continuing to improve - economies, societies and most importantly, people's lives.

Objective of the Consultancy

KIM seeks the services of an experienced and innovative writer (individual, 2 positions) to document KIM’s success stories for placement in international print and online publications, and other outlets.  

Scope

The consultant selected for this assignment will work in partnership with KIM’s communications and technical teams to:

·         Identify relevant content and corresponding print/online publications.

·         Acquire new content or re-purpose existing content for publications of interest to KIM’s target audiences., including investors, SMEs, business advisory service providers, county and national government officials, donors, among others.

·         Conduct research and interviews and create clear, accurate, and compelling content.

·         Leverage their network of international media contacts to secure placement for produced content.

Deliverables

Deliverable

Criteria for acceptance

Due date

Acceptance

10 original, compelling, and insightful stories that will get the attention of international publications and development community.

· 500-1,000 words per story.

· Actual publication of a story in an appropriate outlet, such as finance blog, international news outlets, etc.

· On or before April 29, 2022.

· On or before May 6, 2022.

· On or before May 13, 2022.

· On or before May 20, 2022.

· On or before May 27, 2022.

· On or before June 03, 2022.

· On or before June 10, 2022.

· On or before June 17, 2022.

· On or before June 24, 2022.

· On or before July 01, 2022.

Communications Director

 

Deliverables will be subject to review, revision, and final approval by the KIM Communications Director.

Qualifications

●        Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, or a related field with at least 5 years of proven experience developing content for global and regional publications.

●        Must have an extensive international media network.

●        Strong written and verbal communication skills.

●        Must have a knack for storytelling and the ability to translate data into compelling, human-interest stories.

●        Must possess exceptional writing skills and have a proven ability to write news stories according to the professional standards of journalism.

●        Knowledge of international development dynamics.

●        Good listening, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills; strong organizational abilities; and demonstrated creativity and flexibility.

●        Must be able to work both independently and as part of a team.

●        Must be able to work under strict deadlines.

●        Attention to detail.

Competencies

●        Demonstrates professional competence to meet responsibilities and requirements, and is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines, and achieving results.

●        Results-oriented: produces quality results to meet established goals, contributes to innovative and practical solutions related to the assignment.

●        Communication: Excellent communication skills, including the ability to convey complex concepts and recommendations in a clear and persuasive style tailored to match different audiences.

●        Teamwork: Ability to interact, establish and maintain effective working relations with a culturally diverse team.

●        Client orientation: Ability to establish and maintain productive partnerships with regional and national partners and stakeholders and pro-activeness in identifying the needs of beneficiaries and partners, as well as matching them to appropriate solutions.

Proposal Submission

Applicants are required to apply to us.kimprocurement@thepalladiumgroup.com no later than March 21, 2022, at 11:59 PM EAT. Proposal should include:

●        A detailed CV, including relevant education, knowledge, and experience.

●        List and description of three similar assignments, including the final stories produced for each assignment.

●        A portfolio of written work that has been published in international print and online publications.

●        Three references (with contact details) of clients for similar assignments.

●        Cost proposal per story.

Application Evaluation Criteria

Criteria for Assessment

 

 

 

Consultant experience

- Examples of similar assignments undertaken

- Years and relevance of professional experience for the consultant

 

Cost proposal

 

Competitiveness and reasonableness of the cost proposal

There is no specific weighting associated with these criteria.