Request for Proposal for 2D Animation Services Tender

Impact and Innovations Development Centre (IIDC) is seeking qualified individual practitioners and accredited firms to submit proposals for the provision of specialized illustration, animation, and video editing services. The selected service provider will develop Avatar-based Safeguarding Social and Behavior Change Communication (SBCC) materials for the SAFE Employment Project.

About the SAFE Employment Project

DID, in collaboration with the Mastercard Foundation, is overseeing the SAFE Employment initiative under the Young Africa Works (YAW) program, spanning diverse sectors. The Safeguarding Social and Behavior Change Communication (SBCC) Strategy was collaboratively developed with key stakeholders, including program beneficiaries, refugees, young women, trainers, trainees, and directors, with input derived from rigorous behavioral analysis and firsthand experiences of those involved. The recruitment of a skilled SBCC message animator signifies a pivotal shift from strategic planning to practical implementation.

The chosen Animator and Video Editor will collaborate closely with the SBCC Consultant to convert approved safeguarding messages into engaging avatar-based animated videos and supplementary visual content. These materials must embody gender-transformative principles while addressing essential themes, including abuse and exploitation prevention, duty of care, zero tolerance policies, reporting mechanisms, positive masculinities, and sector-specific risks—such as unsafe work environments and digital and financial exploitation. Materials must undergo rigorous pretesting with the target demographic and secure final approval prior to entering production.

This initiative will operationalize the strategy by developing four distinct avatar characters, each embodying a key stakeholder identified in the behavioral analysis: a program participant, an employer, an employee, and a private sector intermediary. Eight videos will be created to address the unique safeguarding challenges within the Young Africa Works sectors—namely Agri-food, Workforce Development, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), and the Digital Economy—ensuring that each target audience recognizes its specific risks and reporting mechanisms on screen.

Objective

The purpose of these Terms of Reference is to oversee the hiring of a skilled Animator and Video Editor, ideally an individual consultant, tasked with creating original avatar characters and developing high-quality animated video content. This involves translating approved Social and Behavior Change Communication (SBCC) concepts into engaging communication materials. The scope of work encompasses a comprehensive range of duties and responsibilities designed to achieve specific project objectives.

Scope of Work

The service provider will execute services across two distinct activity domains, fulfilling all stipulated deliverables in accordance with the agreed-upon scope.

Stage A: Avatar Animation Character Designer

Design four unique avatar characters that embody distinct segments of the target community—employees, employers, participants, and private sector stakeholders. The role requires the creation of uniquely recognizable characters, featuring distinct appearances, accurate facial expressions for each role, attire that is culturally appropriate, and a cohesive visual identity throughout all designs. Prepare and present initial design proposals for review and approval prior to the commencement of animation production.

Stage B: Avatar Animation Production

Create eight animated avatar animations addressing the specified safeguarding themes, each tailored to the designated target audiences outlined in the video schedule, with durations ranging from five to ten minutes. This includes preparing draft versions of all eight videos for pretesting with the intended audiences and subsequently revising them based on feedback to achieve final approval. Develop a series of up to eight concise social media clips, each ranging from 15 to 60 seconds in duration, showcasing the four avatar characters, derived from the primary video content, for integration into additional SBCC materials.

Eight videos will be produced to convey safeguarding principles in straightforward, accessible, and practical terms for program participants, employees, employers, MSMEs, and private sector stakeholders within the agri-food, digital economy, workforce development, and entrepreneurship sectors, addressing the specified themes. The Days’ column outlines the production days assigned to each video, which are aligned with the animator’s contracted employment duration. These allocated days amount to a total of 64 working days, spanning the entire contract period from September 1 to November 30, 2026.

Deliverables

We require eight avatar animations (videos) that depict the eight safeguarding themes, featuring four distinct avatar characters, all approved for use in safeguarding materials. The animations must meet the following specifications: MP4 format, a minimum resolution of 1080p, and be suitable for digital, training, and community applications. Deliver editable project files, layered artwork, and vector character assets to IDC for ongoing use following the deployment. Craft up to eight concise social media clips featuring the four avatar characters, derived from the primary video content. Finalize and export broadcast- and platform-optimized versions of all eight videos in the specified formats. Produce eight concise social media clips optimized for each platform and ready for immediate deployment across all designated social media channels.

Eligibility Criteria

Eligible bidders must meet the following criteria to participate in this procurement process. Prospective vendors should possess the necessary qualifications, certifications, and financial stability as outlined in the tender documents. Additionally, they must comply with all legal and regulatory requirements pertinent to the scope of work. Experience in similar projects, a proven track record, and the capacity to deliver within specified timelines are also essential. Furthermore, bidders should demonstrate adherence to ethical business practices and possess the requisite technical and operational capabilities to fulfill the contract obligations effectively.

This RFP is accessible to the following applicants: Individual practitioners and accredited firms are invited to submit their proposals for consulting services. Eligible candidates must meet specific qualification criteria and possess relevant expertise in the designated field. Applicants should demonstrate a proven track record of successful project delivery and adhere to professional standards. The selected consultant or firm will be responsible for executing tasks as outlined in the terms of reference, ensuring timely completion and compliance with contractual obligations. Proposals will be evaluated based on technical competence, cost-effectiveness, and alignment with project objectives.

Submission Requirements

Candidates are required to submit a comprehensive application package, which includes a detailed resume outlining their professional background, a cover letter articulating their interest and qualifications for the role, and any relevant certifications or supporting documents that validate their expertise. Additionally, applicants must ensure all materials are submitted by the specified deadline to be considered for further evaluation. The submission should be formatted according to the provided guidelines, and all documents must be clear, legible, and free of errors. Failure to meet these requirements may result in disqualification from the selection process.

Proposals are to be submitted electronically in PDF format. A technical proposal must be prepared in accordance with the specified template. A financial proposal must be submitted in adherence to the provided template format. Technical and financial proposals should be submitted as distinct files; any proposal containing financial details within the technical document will result in disqualification. For emails exceeding the size limit, attachments should not surpass 25 MB; in cases where larger portfolios are involved, applicants may submit links or a clearly labeled flash drive delivered in person to the IDC offices.

Please review this document thoroughly to ensure your proposal is fully responsive and complete. Proposals must remain valid for a minimum of 120 days from the date of submission, unless otherwise specified in the solicitation. This validity period ensures that all pricing, terms, and conditions remain current and applicable during the evaluation and potential award process. Failure to adhere to the stated validity period may result in the rejection of the proposal. Any extensions to this period must be formally requested and approved in writing by the issuing authority. Proposals will remain valid for a period of 60 calendar days following the submission deadline.

Conflict of Interest

To ensure adherence to ethical standards and prevent conflicts of interest, employees must maintain transparency in all professional dealings and disclose any potential conflicts to management immediately. They are required to avoid situations where personal interests could compromise professional judgment or decision-making. Compliance with company policies and applicable laws governing ethical conduct is mandatory, and any violations will result in disciplinary action. Bidders are required to disclose any existing or potential conflicts of interest concerning IDC. We maintain the right to decline any proposal in which a conflict of interest is detected.

Evaluation Process

The assessment methodology and selection standards will be applied to evaluate candidates thoroughly. The assessment process encompasses multiple phases designed to thoroughly evaluate candidates, beginning with an initial screening of applications to identify those meeting the minimum qualifications. Shortlisted applicants will undergo a series of structured interviews, potentially including technical assessments or case studies, to assess their competencies and problem-solving skills. Following this, a final review will be conducted by the hiring panel to determine the most suitable candidate based on alignment with role requirements and organizational objectives.

Proposals will undergo a comprehensive three-tiered evaluation process.

STAGE 1: ESSENTIAL COMPLIANCE AND ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA (NON-NEGOTIABLE; DOCUMENTS MUST BE PROVIDED IN THE SPECIFIED SEQUENCE)

The following documents are essential and must be submitted in full; proposals lacking any mandatory compliance documents will be deemed non-responsive and will not advance to the technical evaluation phase. Strict adherence to this requirement is mandatory.

A certificate of incorporation must be attached (for firms only). Firms are required to submit a current and valid trade license for verification purposes. Firms must provide a current and valid tax compliance certificate as part of the submission requirements. A valid national identification document is required for applicants who are individuals (not organizations). The accompanying documentation must include a confirmation that the proposal will remain enforceable and legally binding for a duration of ninety (60) days from the submission date.

STAGE 2: TECHNICAL EVALUATION

The second phase of the hiring process consists of a comprehensive technical assessment designed to thoroughly evaluate your proficiency in the required technical skills and competencies. During this stage, you will be presented with practical challenges, theoretical inquiries, and scenario-based evaluations that closely mirror real-world tasks associated with the position. The objective is to assess your problem-solving capabilities, depth of expertise, and ability to apply your knowledge in practical contexts. Your performance in this evaluation will play a pivotal role in determining your suitability for advancement to subsequent stages of the selection process.

Technical proposals will be evaluated based on the specified criteria, with only those achieving a minimum score of 60% advancing to the financial evaluation phase. Candidates scoring below the 60% threshold will be eliminated from consideration at this stage.

Evaluation Criteria

We seek a professional with a strong portfolio and proven experience in their field. Candidates must showcase a comprehensive body of work that highlights their skills, achievements, and industry expertise. Demonstrated experience in relevant projects, roles, or initiatives is essential, ensuring alignment with the position’s requirements and expectations. The significance and excellence of previous animation or social and behavior change communication (SBCC) projects, along with professional experience and the scale of prior engagements, serve as key evaluation criteria.

Develops and executes a comprehensive technical strategy to ensure robust, scalable, and efficient solutions aligned with organizational objectives. Applies advanced methodologies to analyze complex systems, identify inefficiencies, and implement innovative improvements. Collaborates with cross-functional teams to integrate best practices, leverage emerging technologies, and maintain alignment with industry standards. Ensures adherence to technical specifications, security protocols, and compliance requirements throughout all phases of project execution. Conducts rigorous testing, validation, and performance tuning to optimize system functionality and reliability.

A robust production pipeline, effective revision management, and the capacity to achieve deliverables within a span of 64 working days are essential components of this role. We prioritize the protection of vulnerable groups and ensure alignment with strategic communication objectives and target audience needs in our SBCC framework. Our approach integrates robust safeguarding measures to mitigate risks and uphold ethical standards. By defining clear goals and tailoring interventions to specific demographics, we enhance the effectiveness of our social and behavior change initiatives. This commitment fosters trust, promotes inclusivity, and drives sustainable impact across all communication efforts.

We are seeking candidates who meet the following qualifications and possess the necessary software expertise to excel in this role. The ideal applicant will have a proven track record in [relevant industry or field], along with hands-on experience utilizing [specific software/tools]. Proficiency in [key programming languages, platforms, or methodologies] is essential, as is the ability to troubleshoot technical challenges efficiently. Additionally, strong problem-solving skills and a collaborative mindset are required to support team objectives and drive project success. Familiarity with [any additional tools, frameworks, or industry standards] is a plus.

Proficiency in a programming language or framework is essential for this role, along with strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment. Candidates must demonstrate a minimum of three years of relevant experience in software development, including expertise in debugging, testing, and implementing scalable solutions. The position requires a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or a related field, though equivalent professional experience may be considered. Key responsibilities include designing and maintaining high-performance applications, optimizing code for efficiency, and ensuring adherence to industry best practices. Effective communication skills are also necessary to liaise with stakeholders and document technical processes clearly.

Financial Evaluation

Conduct thorough financial assessments to evaluate the fiscal performance, stability, and potential risks associated with projects, investments, or business operations. Analyze key financial metrics, including revenue trends, cost structures, profitability ratios, and cash flow projections, to assess overall financial health and viability. Identify areas for cost optimization, revenue enhancement, and strategic financial planning to support informed decision-making. Prepare detailed financial reports, forecasts, and presentations to communicate findings and recommendations to stakeholders, ensuring clarity and alignment with organizational objectives.

Financial proposals will be reviewed and assessed exclusively for candidates who meet the technical qualification criteria.

Technical Proposal Template

The Technical Proposal Template, designated as Section 3, outlines a structured framework for presenting technical solutions. It specifies essential details such as methodology, implementation strategies, and resource allocation required to address project objectives. The template mandates adherence to technical standards, compliance with regulatory requirements, and alignment with client specifications. Additionally, it includes sections for risk assessment, project timelines, and budgetary considerations to ensure comprehensive and transparent documentation. Bidders are required to utilize this template and ensure that submissions are clearly identifiable, either by incorporating company letterhead or through proper signing and stamping. Applicants are required to fill out this template and submit it as their Technical Proposal, ensuring that no pricing details are included in the document.

Additional Requirements

We are seeking a highly motivated candidate with a proven track record in [specific field/industry, if mentioned in original]. The ideal applicant will possess [key requirement 1], [key requirement 2], and [key requirement 3], along with [specific skill or certification, if applicable]. Strong interpersonal and communication abilities are essential, as the role involves [specific responsibility, if mentioned]. Additionally, experience in [relevant area] and familiarity with [specific tool/process] would be advantageous. The successful candidate will demonstrate [desired attribute, e.g., problem-solving skills, attention to detail, or leadership qualities] while contributing to [specific team or project, if mentioned]. A commitment to [company value or goal] and the ability to thrive in a [dynamic/collaborative/fast-paced] environment are also required.

We are seeking a highly motivated candidate to join our team as a Full Name / Organization Name. The ideal applicant must possess a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, with at least two years of professional experience. Strong analytical, communication, and organizational skills are essential, along with proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and industry-specific software. Job responsibilities include collaborating with cross-functional teams, managing projects from inception to completion, and ensuring all tasks adhere to established timelines and quality standards. Additionally, the role requires thorough knowledge of regulatory compliance and the ability to analyze complex data to drive informed decision-making.

We are seeking a qualified applicant who demonstrates a strong alignment with the following requirements and responsibilities. The ideal candidate should meet the specified criteria and be prepared to fulfill the outlined duties with excellence.

We seek a dynamic and skilled professional to collaborate with our team as a Freelancer, Studio, or Agency. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in [specify industry, e.g., graphic design, web development, marketing, etc.], with proven experience delivering high-quality work within specified deadlines. Responsibilities include [list key tasks, e.g., project execution, client communication, creative development, etc.], along with maintaining consistent collaboration with stakeholders. Candidates must demonstrate expertise in [list required skills, e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, project management, SEO, etc.] and exhibit a proactive approach to problem-solving. A commitment to excellence, adaptability, and strong organizational skills are essential for success in this role.

Country of registration must be Germany, Austria, or Switzerland. Candidates should demonstrate at least five years of professional experience in a relevant field, such as automotive, industrial, or mechanical engineering. Proficiency in both written and spoken German and English is essential. Strong project management skills are required, along with the ability to lead cross-functional teams. The role involves developing and implementing innovative solutions, ensuring compliance with industry standards, and driving continuous improvement initiatives. Responsibilities include collaborating with stakeholders, analyzing complex technical challenges, and presenting findings to senior leadership. Experience with CAD software and familiarity with regulatory frameworks in the DACH region are advantageous.

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