RFP/KFW/AP/2026/000011

Annex 1-Terms of Reference (TOR)

Procurement of Marketing Services for Incubation Programs 2026

1. Background

Accelerate Prosperity (AP) is a global initiative of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) in Central and South Asia, which follows guidance from the Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) Board to develop more formal structures to catalyze enterprises within AKDN’s main area development programs, where economic opportunities remain insufficient. Through patient capital and tailored business advisory to startups and businesses, AP complements broader employment-related programs of AKF and draws significantly on technical expertise from the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development’s (AKFED) Industrial Promotion Services (IPS), and coordinates efforts with the AKDN’s financial institutions, the University of Central Asia and many other national partners.

AP’s approach combines financial and non-financial support, recognizing that standalone business development services and traditional bank financing are inadequate to catalyze start-ups, grow small firms, and deliver job creation in fragile and emerging markets, particularly for marginalized groups in rural areas.

2. Program Overview

Start-up Pakistan is a project financed by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) through Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau (KfW) and implemented by Accelerate Prosperity. The initiative aims to scale up Accelerate Prosperity’s existing model of technical support and financing for businesses. It will expand into new geographies and across exciting sectors such as education, health, tourism, and green economy, prioritizing digitization and environmental sustainability.

3. About the Position:

To support our marketing and on-ground logistical needs, we aim to engage a qualified firm to provide a dedicated, on-site graphic designer, logistical and event coverage support, printing facilities, and additional services as required for our incubation programs.

4. Scope of work

The primary objective is to establish a long-term engagement with a firm to provide the following services in relation to AP’s incubation activities:

1. Ensure seamless user experience and regular updates for the Accelerate Prosperity website, enhancing its functionality.
2. Provide comprehensive branded program materials to entrepreneurs, contributing to program visibility and support.
3. Deliver high-quality event coverage, capturing photos, videos, and testimonials that highlight the impact of in-person training programs.
4. Boost program visibility and engagement through strategic social media ads, influencer marketing, and media press releases.

5. Deliverables

The deliverables of work are as follows:

Table 3.1

6. Qualification and Experience

The firm must demonstrate the following:

• Proven experience in web design, with the ability to manage ongoing updates and troubleshooting for a high-traffic website.
• Ability to procure and assemble high-quality branded materials and supplies, meeting the specified requirements.
• Expertise in event coverage, including photography and video production, with experience in multi-location shoots.
• Demonstrated capacity to handle large-scale printing, delivery, and installation projects.
• Strong background in running successful social media ad campaigns with measurable reach and engagement.
• Experience in influencer marketing, with a network of influencers and the ability to manage timely payments and deliverables.
• Strong media relations skills, capable of securing press releases and media coverage across national outlets.

7. Reporting Line

Both AP and the firm will nominate one representative each to ensure open communication, with final deliverable approvals handled by AP's marketing lead.

8. Payment Terms

• Payment to the firm will be made on a monthly retainer basis for the dedicated web designer.
• Remaining services will be paid for when the deliverables are completed.
• Payments will be made within thirty (30) days from the date of submission of a complete and accurate invoice.

9. Proposal Submission Requirements

The bids are to be evaluated on the following grounds, meeting the following criteria,

Interested applicants must submit the following:

1. Technical Proposal:
   1. The applicant firm must provide a certificate of company/firm registration with SECP/relevant regulatory authority and an active NTN number. 
   2. The applicant firm must submit the company profile that outlines that it has 3 years plus experience in the provision of services as mentioned above.
   3. The applicant firm is required to sign the RFP document along with annexes, and it should be submitted along with the proposal.
   4. The applicant firm should provide complete profiles of the selected web designer and the team, along with CVs and portfolios. You may share a QR code for your portfolio.
   5. The applicant firms must prepare at least a 2-3 page description of the proposed content, tools, and plan for performing the assignment.

1. Financial Proposal:
   1. A financial quotation encompassing the monthly retainer cost breakdown for website maintenance only and a financial quotation for other services provided in Table 3.1 listed under “Scope of Work”.
   2. The cost should be inclusive of tax.
   3. The financial proposal should be submitted using the attached financial proposal format with a valid signature and stamp.

10. Evaluation Criteria

Proposals will be evaluated based on:

• Technical expertise and experience of the firm (50%)
• Qualifications and portfolio of proposed web designer (20%)
• Financial competitiveness (30%)

11. Contract Duration

The initial contract will be for a period of 12 months, renewable based on performance and mutual agreement

12. Location

Remote