REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR MEDIA RELATIONS CONSULTANCY SERVICES

Posted on September, 26 2025

(please see proposal in the attachment)

Request for Proposals for Media Relations Consultancy Services

Introduction

WWF International is seeking proposals from experienced and qualified communications consultants to deliver media relations support. The successful consultant will provide expertise in two key areas: 1) Media relations support for advocacy events, report launches and press office management and 2) crisis and issues management support on an as-needed basis. The aim of this RFP is to secure a consultant to meet our organisation’s needs effectively and efficiently.

Scope of Work

The consultant will be expected to:

• Work closely with internal stakeholders (such as the key conservation ‘Practice’ areas, corporate partnerships team, key program leads, and relevant communication focal points) to develop and deliver media plans for projects that advance the organization’s strategic goals and objectives.

• Produce media releases, reactive commentary, op eds, briefings, press conferences, newsletters, and features content targeted at a variety of media and audiences; as well as supporting the creation of messaging where appropriate

• Liaise with the media around priority communication moments such as report launches, and key international advocacy events such as the UN Oceans Conference.

• Support communications around issues, crises and reputational risks - identifying reputational risks, advising on responses, and providing strategic advice

• Contribute to the management of a fast-paced global press office, as well as supporting global media monitoring, and identifying stories of interest globally and media opportunities

• Provide communications advice, capacity-building and support to the Network and the Practices, where appropriate

• Collaborate with the Brand, Digital and the Network Communications teams to maximize opportunities and to ensure message alignment, often working as part of cross-functional matrix teams to deliver communications plans

• Contribute to the overall work of the media relations team.

Location and logistics

This is a fully remote position. Working 3-4 days a week.

Project Timeline

The consultancy is expected to begin as soon as possible and conclude by the 31st March 2026

Evaluation Criteria

Candidates will be considered for their: (% evaluation criteria)

• Relevant professional experience in journalism, PR, or organisational communications. Demonstrable experience and success in preparing and delivering media plans, producing press releases and other media content, liaising with journalists and responding to media enquiries (25%)

• Excellent written and spoken English (other languages an advantage); Ability to translate complex or technical information into compelling communications materials (20%)

• Experience in conservation, climate or environmental issues is an advantage; And Experience working for large, complex and/ or matrix organizations. (International organisation / NGO experience preferred); (20%)

• Experience or formal training in issues management and crisis communications; (20%)

• Ability to deliver multiple simultaneous projects; And ability to work as part of a team, in a matrix structure, in a multi-cultural environment; (15%)

Contact

Robin Harvey, Head of Media Relations, WWF International (rharvey@wwfint.org)

Potential Working Relationships of Vendor

Internal - Head of Media Relations; other Unit Heads and members of the Communications Department, members of the Communications Community across the WWF Network, and relevant wider teams (Conservation, Resource Mobilization, Country Office Management and program staff, Compliance, Legal, Governance).

External - Media (wide-ranging; senior journalists to bloggers and broadcasters), external partners and donors, communication agencies, and wider external stakeholder relationships as relevant e.g. other NGOs, thought leaders, event organizers, public/private organizations.

Guidelines for submission

Interested applicants are required to submit a proposal comprising of one consolidated document (pdf, word etc) containing:

• Personal CV with 2-3 references and evidence of relevant experience and competencies

• Brief description (half page) of why you consider yourself as suitable for the assignment

• Plus any other supporting document if relevant - eg portfolio or website link

• A financial proposal indicating the all-inclusive contract value in CHF, supported by the respective costs breakdown: hourly/daily/weekly/monthly rate based on the service provided for 3-4 days a week.

Complete proposals should be submitted to Robin Harvey, Head of Media Relations, WWF International (rharvey@wwfint.org), with the subject “Application for Media Relations Consultancy”. For any question with regard to this assignment you can write to Robin.

The deadline for submission is Wednesday 10 October. We will close the proposal submission window when enough suitable applications have been received.

IMPORTANT!

1. WWF reserves the right to accept any proposal or reject all proposals.

2. Technical evaluation will precede financial considerations.

3. Any forms of canvassing will lead to automatic cancellation of the bid in question.

4. This is a call for proposal WWF may cancel the process without notice and shall accept no liability whatsoever, arising out of such action.

5. WWF is also under no obligation whatsoever to award the contract to the lowest or any bidder; the decision of the Procurement Committee shall be final.