1. BACKGROUND

The global Pacific Trade Invest (PTI) Network are the trade and investment promotion agencies of the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS). PIFS provides policy advice and technical assistance to its Members to stimulate economic growth, enhance governance and security for the region and to strengthen regional cooperation and integration. With offices in Australia, China, Europe and New Zealand, the PTI Network is mandated to promote export and investment opportunities for 16 Pacific Island Countries (PICs) that are members of the PIFS: Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, New Zealand, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Republic of Marshal Islands, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu.

PTI is positioned to facilitate inward investment and connect Pacific Island producers to global value chains with the aim of advancing the economic development of the PICs. PTI seeks and promotes investment through its network and supports the development and promotion of Pacific Island exports. PTI also provides capacity building support to firms seeking to become export ready and assists in promoting and facilitating export-ready businesses.

PTI Australia has identified that there are benefits to be achieved by subcontracting some of its existing marketing and communications needs. PTI Australia will recruit the services of a marketing and communications company or professionals to assist in achieving this objective. This will position the organisation to better market and promote itself and its clients whilst achieving improved efficiency and increased effectiveness.

2. CORE RESPONSIBILITIES

PTI Australia invites proposals from suitably qualified companies to provide marketing and communication services to PTI Australia. The suitable candidate will possess a strong track record writing and publishing reports, writing case studies, media releases, be able to provide thought leadership, strategy, technical web expertise, and Learning Management System (LMS) technical expertise. It is essential that this company or persons also possess strong Pacific knowledge, Pacific media contacts, and Pacific networks.

The successful bidder is required, at a minimum, to deliver all core pieces of content in a timely manner as outlined in the 2024-2026 AIP and as agreed upon in November of the previous period. Notwithstanding this baseline expectation, additional content or variations might be requested based on the evolving needs and requirements. The proposal should also outline the indicative timescales and potential cost implications for implementation and future administration. It is anticipated that most of this work will be conducted virtually.

3. OBJECTIVES

The core objectives of this consultancy are to:

• Streamline and produce reports and publications.

• Provide a significant amount of content creation, both long and short form

• Enhance the technical capacity of PTI Australia particularly in the areas of web development, maintenance, LMS and design (Canva)

• Provide strategic advice and thought leadership.

• Expand the Blue Pacific Portal (BPP) through the creation of relevant learning modules and other associated resources.

• Contribute to PTI Australia’s Business Enabling Environment (BEE) work through report creation and analysis.

• Upskill and develop existing PTI Australia marketing and communications staff.

• Achieve improved efficiency and performance.

• Deliver cost savings for the organisation.

• Create a 3-year Marketing and Communications Strategy for PTI Australia.

4. SCOPE OF SERVICES

The key output of this consultancy is to deliver ongoing marketing and communications services to PTI Australia. The specific annual requirements will be mutually agreed and outlined in the Annual Implementation Plan (AIP).

To achieve this, the consultant will work with a delegated official/officials from the PTI Australia office to:

• Review current state of organisation.

• Consult with key stakeholders, clients, and employees.

• Delivery key services as outlined.

• Contribute to AIP

• Create a 3-year Marketing and Communications Strategy for PTI Australia.

• Delivery of a yearend report.

5. TIMEFRAME AND BUDGET

The consultant will be engaged by a PTI Australia Services Agreement for 3 years commencing 1st Jan 2024. Key outputs and timeline are detailed as follows:-

Output Timeline

Minimum Deliverables: The consultant shall provide, at a minimum, the following core pieces of content yearly as outlined in the 2024-2026 AIP:

Pacific Focus Newsletter:

• 12x Articles

• 3x Op-Ed

Export Survey

• 5x Media releases

• 1x Op-Ed

• 10x Social media tiles

• Report copy

Annual Report:

• Production of 16x page Annual Report, inclusive of case studies and foreword.

PBM Dashboard:

• 3x Media releases

• 10x Social media tiles

Web/Blue Pacific Portal:

• 10x Module creation

• General website maintenance

PTI AUS Team Workshops:

• 20x Media releases

• 2x Short videos / reels

• 10x Social media tiles

Fine Food Australia:

• 3x Media releases

• 1x Op-Ed

• 5x Article and media pitch

• 12x Social media tiles

Hidden Treasures:

• 3x Media releases

• 1x Op-Ed

• 5x Article and media pitch

• 12x Social media tiles

Social media:

• 10x Short videos / reels

Presentation support:

• Ongoing speech presentation and support

 A timeline for delivery will be created and agreed upon in Nov of the previous period.

3-year Marketing and Communications Strategy Feb 2024

Yearend report 15 Dec each year

This TOR outlines the baseline expectations. Notwithstanding the aforementioned deliverables, the contracting party may request additional content or variations as per the evolving needs and requirements of the project.

6. RENUMERATION

The remuneration package for this consultancy is negotiable and will be based on the consultant’s experience and qualifications and paid in AUD Dollars based upon the submission and review of the necessary invoices.

7. PROJECT MANAGER

The consultant will report to the PTI Australia Communications manager with oversight from the Trade Commissioner.

8. RELEVANT EXPERIENCE

The consultant will have a minimum of 5 years’ relevant experience. The incumbent will have a strong experience in consulting, design and implementation of marketing and communications services. Specifically, they will possess a strong track record in content creation, writing and publishing reports, writing case studies, generating media releases, providing thought leadership, strategy, technical web expertise, Learning Management System (LMS) technical expertise, and design expertise using solutions such as Canva. It is essential that this company or persons also possess strong Pacific Islands knowledge, cultural understanding, Pacific media contacts, and Pacific networks.

9. EVALUATION CRITERIA

In assessing your submission, PTI will evaluate:

• Your Experiences (40%)

• Your Approach (30%)

• Your Financial Proposal (30%)

Assessment will be based on conformity to PTI Australia’s procurement policy including the following procurement principals:

• Quality assurance

• Value for money

• Contractors previous experience

• Current commitments

10. TENDER SUBMISSION

Interested parties are requested to provide a proposal for PTI Australia marketing and Communications project by the 1st October 2023. Submissions must be addressed to:

Pacific Trade Invest Australia

Attention: Caleb Jarvis

Trade Commissioner

Level 4, 503-505 Kent Street

Sydney 2000 NSW

Email: accounts@pacifictradeinvest.com