Consultant for the Agriculture, Youth, and Technology (AYuTe) Africa Challenge Ethiopia 2025

The purpose of this request for proposal is to invite applications from potential contractors to provide consulting services for organizing the Agriculture, Youth, and Technology (AYuTe) Africa Challenge Ethiopia 2025.

The terms of reference include background information, desired methodology, objectives, timeframe for completion of the assignment, and a list of deliverables. This document also outlines the expertise Heifer International Ethiopia is seeking for this activity and provides guidance on how to submit a proposal to complete the assignment.

Heifer International Ethiopia anticipates awarding a three-month contract for the organization of the challenge. Payments will be made based on Heifer’s submission and approval of deliverables. The award agreement will include a payment schedule with specific deliverables and all payments.

Applicants are encouraged to seek clarification of expected deliverables prior to preparing and submitting their proposals.

Roles and Responsibilities of the Consultant

The Consultant is expected to provide the following deliverables and produce both hard and electronic versions of the campaign tools, under the guidance of Heifer’s Communications Manager and/or MEL Manager:

Strategic Counsel and Coordination

• Provide technical support and strategic planning around goals and objectives.
• Provide updates around key upcoming activities, events, tactics, and outreach.
• Provide in-depth stakeholder map that is critical to audience segmentation for the Heifer Country team.
• All resources needed (transport, accommodation, advert and data collectors’ expenses, etc.) should be the responsibility of the consulting firm.

Project implementation

• Develop and design the competition strategy of AYuTe Africa Challenge Ethiopia 2025.
• Develop a comprehensive workplan for the competition.
• Design a communications strategy and develop communication materials (Brochures, leaflets, booklets, banners.
• Communicate with relevant stakeholders to discuss on the strategy and detailed plan.
• Monitor project progress
• Ensure timely delivery and maximum project impact, including working with Heifer Ethiopia program teams to maintain and ensure adherence to reporting and monitoring tools and processes.
• Provide thorough due-diligence, progress updates, and final/full report on top finalists and the entire process of event, including recommendations on winning startups companies to receive cash grant.

Expected deliverables of the consultant

• An inception report with a detailed and comprehensive activity/work plan for the competition, outlining key milestones, timelines, roles and responsibilities, resource requirements, risk mitigation strategies, and expected outcomes. Develop and share reports (timely updates, monthly reports, quarterly, and end-of-project reports) throughout the challenge that shall describe all project activities such as insights, learnings, and recommendations.
• Regular Progress/Challenges update Report: Develop and share timely updates, including monthly, quarterly, and end-of-project reports detailing activities, insights, challenges, learnings, and recommendations.
• Identify, select, and onboard appropriate partners from Financial Institutions, relevant Government Organizations (e.g., MoLS, MoA), and Private Sector enterprises, and secure their commitment to sponsor and financially support AYuTe events and champions.
• Competition and communication strategy designed and developed.
• Engage relevant stakeholders to facilitate discussions on the strategy and detailed plan.
• Comprehensive competition activity/work plan developed.
• Engaging, compelling, and impactful communications and promotional materials on youth innovation designed and developed.
• Develop coherent and relevant content for the AYuTe competition and identify appropriate broadcast platforms for its broadcasting and dissemination.
• Ensure Heifer Ethiopia and relevant Government counterparts’ visibility in all communications through appropriate branding and logos.
• Conduct a boot camp training sessions for an intensive mentoring and training of the candidates.

For Further Information please refer to this link: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1L1fsfxHyM-vPSHJ1a1y2E8YYPL9XdOKG/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=106079034217001464744&rtpof=true&sd=true

Required Skills, competence, and experience

• Legal status recognized by the Government.
• A minimum of 10 years of experience with a proven professional record working in organizing similar competitions.
• The consultant should have a relevant educational background in journalism, communication, marketing, and an ability to work with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Accurate, creative and versatile writing skills, including digital media.
• Ability to either own or access necessary technological assets and skilled personnel, including up-to-date video and camera equipment and experienced camerapersons
• Good understanding of the issues relating to youth, innovation, agriculture and competition
• Ability to analyze information quickly and easily for audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to work with minimum supervision, be dynamic, proactive, and creative.
• Excellent oral and written English and Amharic communication skills. Working knowledge of other local languages preferable.
• Strong national and regional media contacts and demonstrable experience getting stories picked up by print and broadcast.
• Strong ability to see newsworthy stories quickly and easily.
• Experience in creating engaging social media assets and image editing.