Technical Support for Advocacy & Communications Strategy, Website Development & Digital Capacity Strengthening

CALL FOR APPLICATIONS: TECHNICAL SUPPORT FOR THE DEVELOPMENT AND OPERATIONALISATION OF M4W’S ADVOCACY AND COMMUNICATIONS STRATEGY, WEBSITE DEVELOPMENT AND DIGITAL CAPACITY STRENGTHENING Tenders & Other Advertisments Men4Women (Men 4 Women) November 2, 2026, 1:10pm 1 Men 4 Women (M4W), a national NGO in South Sudan, invites qualified individuals to submit applications for technical support to develop and operationalize its Advocacy and Communications Strategy, develop and launch its organizational website, and strengthen its digital communications capacity. Interested applicants are requested to refer to the attached Terms of Reference (ToR) for details of the assignment, scope of work, expected deliverables, qualifications and application requirements. Interested applicants are encouraged to submit their applications in accordance with the instructions provided in the ToR. TOR - Technical Support for the Development and Operationalization of an Advocacy and Communications Strategy, Website Development and Operatio.pdf (484.8 KB) Key dates from the attached advert: Applications must be submitted by 8 November 2026 at 5:00 p.m. Central Africa Time (CAT) , following the submission instructions provided in the advertisement. following the submission instructions provided in the advertisement. 2  Incorporate consolidated feedback and submit the final strategy and tools.  Complete website testing, revisions, launch approval, and handover. submit training materials, attendance records, practical exercises, participant feedback, and learning assessment results. Submission and Acceptance Requirements 1. All strategy documents, reports, implementation tools, training materials, and website 2. M4W shall review submitted deliverables and provide consolidated feedback. The provider shall incorporate agreed revisions within the approved scope at no additional cost. Attached advert: 1 TERMS OF REFERENCE Technical Support for the Development and Operationalization of an Advocacy and Communications Strategy, Website Development and Operationalization, and Digital Capacity Development Background Men 4 Women (M4W) is a South Sudanese national non-governmental organization committed to advancing gender equality, empowering communities, and promoting peace and social cohesion. Its key programming areas include gender equality and social norms transformation, sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), HIV prevention, prevention of sexual and gender -based violence (SGBV), positive masculinity, women’s leadership, advocacy, and peacebuilding. As part of its ongoing organizational capacity -strengthening efforts, M4W is receiving suppor t through the SUCCESS Program, implemented by Mercy Corps and IPCS and funded by the European Union (EU). This support provides an opportunity for M4W to strengthen its institutional systems, improve organizational visibility, and enhance its capacity to c ommunicate programme results, engage stakeholders, influence social norms and institutional practices, and mobilize resources. M4W recognizes the importance of a coordinated, evidence -based, and inclusive approach to advocacy and strategic communication in advancing its mission and strengthening its engagement with communities, government institutions, civil society organizations, development partners, donors, and the wider public. A functional, mobile -friendly website and effective digital communication ch annels will further enhance the organization’s visibility, accessibility, credibility, and outreach. M4W therefore seeks to develop and operationalize an Advocacy and Communications Strategy that will guide its advocacy priorities, stakeholder engagement, public messaging, digital presence, and communication of organizational results. The assignment will also strengthen staff and volunteer capacity in advocacy, ethical storytelling, content development, strategic communication, and digital engagement, while supporting the development or improvement of M4W’s website, including one year of hosting. M4W invites applications from qualified individuals or firms with demonstrated experience in advocacy, strategic communications, organizational development, digital engagement, and website development to provide technical support for the assignment. Applications must be submitted by 8 November 2026 at 5:00 p.m. Central Africa Time (CAT) , following the submission instructions provided in the advertisement. 2 Purpose of the Assignment The purpose is to establish a coordinated advocacy and communications framework that strengthens M4W’s influence, public profile, stakeholder engagement, and digital visibility, while ensuring that communications are ethical, inclusive, evid ence-based, safeguarding-sensitive, and aligned with the organization’s strategic priorities. Objectives The specific objectives are to: 1. Assess existing practices in advocacy, communications, organizational visibility, and digital engagement to identify gaps and opportunities. 2. Develop a practical Advocacy and Communications Strategy outlining priority audiences, advocacy messages, activities, responsibilities, indicators, and implementation arrangements. 3. Strengthen staff and volunteer capacity in advocacy planning, content development, ethical storytelling, media engagement, and digital communication. 4. Develop and launch M4W’s website and strengthen its communications systems, ensuring the website is mobile-friendly, accessible, secure, and aligned with M4W’s branding, with one year of hosting. Establish practical systems for content planning and approval, brand consistency, and monitoring communications results. 5. Ensure safe, ethical, and effective implementation by integrating safeguarding, PSEAH, informed co nsent, data protection, and do -no-harm principles, supported by an implementation roadmap and mechanisms for monitoring effectiveness. Scope of Work Review of Existing Advocacy and Communications Practices The provider shall:  Review M4W’s strategic plan, o rganizational profile, programme documents, previous advocacy activities, communication materials, reports, publications, and available digital channels.  Assess existing communications and visibility practices, including social media, photographs, videos, stories, publications, press releases, media engagements, and community communications.  Review existing branding, organizational messaging, content approval processes, management responsibilities, and available communications resources.  Assess staff and vo lunteer capacity in advocacy planning, strategic communication, storytelling, content production, and digital engagement.  Identify gaps in audience engagement, message consistency, content planning, advocacy monitoring, digital communications, and communications risk management.  Review existing practices for informed consent, privacy, safeguarding, and protection from harm when documenting programme participants and community experiences. 3  Prepare an assessment report highlighting key findings, gaps, and pra ctical recommendations to inform the Advocacy and Communications Strategy and website development. Note: As M4W intends to develop a new website, the assessment should focus on defining website requirements, content, structure, functionality, accessibility, mobile responsiveness, security, hosting, and maintenance arrangements rather than reviewing an existing website. Audience Mapping and Stakeholder Consultations The service provider shall facilitate consultations with M4W management, programme staff, volunteers, Board representatives, and other relevant stakeholders to identify:  Primary and secondary audiences for M4W’s advocacy and communications.  Relevant government institutions, policymakers, community leaders, women’s organizations, youth groups, civil society networks, development partners, media outlets, and other stakeholders.  Priority advocacy issues, desired changes, decision-makers, influencers, and opportunities for engagement.  Audience information needs, preferred communication channels, language considerations, and accessibility requirements.  Opportunities to strengthen collaboration, publi c engagement, media relationships, and digital outreach.  Risks associated with public messaging on sensitive topics, including GBV, SRHR, gender equality, and harmful social norms. The provider shall develop an audience and stakeholder mapping matrix identifying each priority audience, engagement objective, key message, appropriate communication channel, and proposed engagement approach. Development of the Advocacy and Communications Strategy The provider shall develop a practical Advocacy and Communication s Strategy aligned with M4W’s mandate and organizational priorities. The strategy shall include:  Executive summary, organizational context, and findings from the assessment.  Advocacy and communications objectives and priority issues.  Intended policy, institutional, and social changes.  Stakeholder and audience analysis.  Key messages and organizational positioning.  Advocacy approaches, including community mobilization, policy dialogue, coalition building, public engagement, and engagement with influential stakeholders.  Communication channels, including the website, social media, publications, traditional media, community engagement, and other digital platforms.  Content development, approval, publication, and dissemination procedures.  Media engagement and spokesperson arrangements. 4  Brand identity and organizational messaging guidance.  Digital engagement and online audience growth approaches.  Ethical storytelling and communications safeguards.  Roles and responsibilities of the Board, management, programme staff, communications focal persons, and volunteers.  Implementation schedule, indicative budget, and resource requirements.  Indicators and reporting arrangements for measuring advocacy and communications results.  Risk assessment and mitigation measures addressing misinformation, reputational risks, online harassment, unauthorized disclosures, and safeguarding risks.  Review and adaptation arrangements. The strategy shall distinguish between activities, outputs, and intended outcomes. Website visits and social media reach shall not be treated, on their own, as evidence of policy influence or changes in social norms. Development of an Advocacy and Communications Implementation Plan The provider shall prepare a practical implementation plan covering the strategy period, including:  Priority advocacy activities and campaigns.  Key events, awareness days, and relevant advocacy opportunities.  Planned publications, stories, videos, briefs, and other communication products.  Media engagement and stakeholder outreach activities.  Website and social media content priorities.  Responsible staff or volunteers and approval arrangements.  Timelines, resource requirements, and performance indicators.  Monitoring and reporting arrangements. The provider shall also develop a practical conten t calendar template that M4W can update monthly or quarterly. Capacity Strengthening for Staff and Volunteers The provider shall design and deliver practical training for designated M4W staff and volunteers covering the following areas: Advocacy planning and influencing  Identifying advocacy issues, targets, stakeholders, and desired changes.  Developing advocacy objectives, messages, and influencing approaches.  Preparing advocacy briefs, position statements, campaign materials, and stakeholder engagement plans.  Planning community mobilization and coalition-building activities.  Monitoring advocacy activities and documenting progress. 5 Strategic communication and content planning  Developing audience-focused communication messages and content plans.  Writing organizational updates, human -interest stories, case studies, social media posts, and programme highlights.  Maintaining consistent organizational messaging and branding.  Selecting appropriate communication channels for different audiences. Ethical storytelling and safeguarding  Obtaining informed consent for photographs, interviews, videos, quotations, and personal stories.  Explaining intended uses of content and ensuring voluntary participation without pressure.  Protecting the identity, privacy, and dignity of children, survivors of GBV, and other individuals at risk.  Avoiding stigmatizing, sensationalized, exploitative, or victim-blaming content.  Applying do-no-harm, confidentiality, privacy, safeguarding, and PSEAH principles.  Ensuring that refusal to part icipate in publicity does not affect access to services or programme participation.  Applying safe procedures for storing, sharing, and publishing images and personal information. Digital engagement and media skills  Planning and publishing social media content.  Improving audience engagement and responding appropriately to comments and inquiries.  Using basic analytics to understand reach, engagement, and content performance.  Preparing media statements, press releases, and spokesperson briefing notes.  Managing misinformation, online harassment, and inappropriate disclosures.  Applying accessibility practices, including readable text, captions, alternative text where supported, and mobile-friendly content. Training shall use M4W’s own priorities and communication channels. Participants shall develop sample content, a basic advocacy or campaign plan, and a draft content calendar. The provider shall assess learning and document any follow-up capacity needs. Development, Launch, and Hosting of M4W’s Website The provider shall design, develop, test, and launch a new, professional, mobile-friendly website for Men 4 Women . The website shall strengthen M4W’s visibility, public engagement, communication of programme results, and access to organizational information. The provider shall assess the suitability of using Odoo Website, particularly if M4W adopts Odoo ERP, and recommend an appropriate solution based on functionality, compatibility, cost, security, usability, and long-term sustainability. 6 Website planning and structure The provider shall develop a proposed sitemap and content plan covering, at minimum:  M4W’s organizational overview, mission, vision, values, thematic areas, and geographical presence.  Programme and project information.  News, stories, publications, and resources.  Advocacy initiatives and campaigns.  Partnerships and contact information.  Opportunities and announcements, where required.  Organizational policies and accountability information approved for public release. M4W shall approve the sitemap and content plan before website development begins. Design and functionality The website shall include:  A professional design consistent with M4W’s approved branding.  A fully mobile-responsive layout suitable for smartphones, tablets, and desktop computers.  Clear navigation and accessible content presentation.  Secure contact forms or other agreed inquiry mechanisms.  Links to M4W’s official social media channels.  A content management system that designated M4W staff can operate without routine technical assistance.  Basic search-engine optimization, including appropriate page titles and descriptions.  Basic website analytics, where feasible and consistent with privacy requirements.  Appropriate security, backup, recovery, and maintenance arrangements.  Measures to minimize the collection and exposure of unnecessary personal information. If Odoo Website is selected, the provider shall demonstrate how the proposed Odoo configuration will meet these requirements and confirm whether any required functionality depe nds on paid applications, third-party services, custom development, or a different hosting arrangement. Content development and migration The provider shall:  Develop, edit, and organize website content using verified information supplied or approved by M4W.  Prepare and format organizational information, programme descriptions, publications, and approved stories.  Incorporate existing content where appropriate and technically feasible.  Ensure that photographs, videos, logos, and publications have the necessar y permissions and are suitable for public release.  Provide editable website content and administrator documentation. 7 Hosting, domain, and technical arrangements The provider shall provide and configure one year of website hosting, beginning from the date the website is approved and launched. The provider shall:  Assess and, where suitable, prioritize hosting the website through M4W’s Odoo subscription to avoid duplicating hosting costs.  Confirm the selected Odoo plan’s eligibility, hosting coverage, websit e functionality, storage limits, domain arrangements, and any applicable restrictions.  Where Odoo hosting is not suitable, propose an alternative hosting solution and explain its advantages, limitations, and costs.  Clearly itemize subscription fees, hosting, paid themes or applications, custom development, maintenance, and any other additional costs. Note that Men 4 Women has an existing domain.  Clarify ownership and control of the website content, administrator accounts, and hosting arrangements.  Ensure M4W has appropriate administrator access (including backend) and ownership rights.  Explain recurring costs after the initial hosting period and the process for renewal or migration to another provider.  Provide guidance on website backups, security, routine maintenance, content updates, and user administration. If the website is hosted within Odoo ERP, the provider shall ensure that public website visitors cannot access M4W’s internal ERP records, confidential documents, financial information, staff information, or other restricted data. Appropriate permissions and security controls shall be configured and tested. Testing, launch, and handover The provider shall:  Test the website across common devices and browsers, including mobile devices.  Conduct user acceptance testing with designated M4W representatives.  Correct defects identified during agreed testing.  Obtain M4W’s written approval before the website goes live.  Orient designated staff on content management, user administration, security, backups, and routine maintenance.  Provide relevant administrator documentation, credentials, and technical handover materials. All third -party services, paid themes, applications, subscriptions, and additional costs must be disclosed in advance and approved by M4W. 8 Communications Tools and Operational Procedures The provider shall develop or adapt practical tools proportionate to M4W’s resources, including:  Annual or quarterly advocacy and communications work plan.  Monthly content calendar.  Content production, review, approval, and publication workflow.  Media contact and stakeholder engagement database.  Templates for press releases, advocacy briefs, organizational updates, and campaign materials.  Photography, video, and storytelling consent forms.  Communications and branding guidance.  Website content management guide.  Digital engagement and analytics tracker.  Advocacy and communications performance reporting template.  Safeguarding and communications risk checklist. Validation, Finalization, and Operationalization The provider shall:  Present the draft strategy, implementation plan, website prototype, and proposed communications tools to M4W management and relevant staff.  Facilitate a validation session to review the strategy, website structure, content, responsibilities, and implementation p