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Request for Proposals (RFP): 5-Year Strategic Roadmap & Operational Framework for MINCH 6768 Multimedia Platform

Organization: Ethiopian Center for Disability and Development (ECDD)

Project Affiliation: UNFPA – AHEAD Project

Required Number: 1 (One) Consultant / Consulting Firm

Location Type: Remote

Career Level: Mid Level (3–5 years institutional experience)

Employment Type: Consultancy (Short-Term Contract)

Deadline: June 25th, 2026

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Project Background & Context

The Ethiopian Center for Disability and Development (ECDD), established in 2005, is a prominent national Civil Society Organization (CSO) dedicated to promoting the inclusion of persons with disabilities in mainstream development programs. Envisioning an “Inclusive Ethiopia,” ECDD works to ensure that citizens with disabilities exercise equal rights and access the same services and opportunities as others.

ECDD is currently implementing the UNFPA-funded project, “Accessible, Inclusive, Equitable, and Affordable Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) and Essential Health Care Services for Adolescents and Youth with Disabilities (AHEAD).”

As a cornerstone of this initiative, ECDD established MINCH, an innovative, mobile-based digital platform. Accessible 24/7 via the toll-free shortcode 6768, MINCH utilizes Interactive Voice Response (IVR) and SMS technologies to deliver offline, voice-based information on SRH, family planning, and general disability services across rural and urban settings. The platform was recently upgraded to include USSD text channels, a dedicated mobile application with video/graphics capabilities, user-generated content forums, question-and-answer functions, and accessible audio-guided navigation.

To ensure the long-term scalability, technical evolution, and financial viability of this asset, ECDD is engaging a professional consultant to design a comprehensive 5-Year Strategic Roadmap and formal Operational Manual.

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Objectives & Scope of Work

General Objective

Develop a comprehensive five-year strategic roadmap and an actionable operational framework for the MINCH 6768 Multimedia Platform, guiding its transition into an intelligent, AI-enhanced, highly accessible, and user-centered digital ecosystem for persons with disabilities in Ethiopia.

Specific Duties & Core Frameworks

1. Current Situational Assessment

• Conduct a comprehensive baseline audit of MINCH’s technical infrastructure, content management capacity, usage metrics, gender participation disparities, and staffing structure.

• Benchmark MINCH against relevant national and international digital inclusion platforms.

2. 5-Year Strategic Roadmap

• Map out the platform’s vision, phased technical expansion tracks, investment requirements, and sustainability metrics.

• Establish metrics to enhance user reach, focusing specifically on eliminating barriers for women and girls with disabilities.

3. Governance, SOPs, & Content Moderation Manual

• Propose an organizational structure defining reporting lines, job descriptions, and human resource requirements.

• Author Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for content identification, validation, translation, and quality assurance across voice, text, and video.

• Define strict moderation frameworks for user-generated content, discussion forums, community feedback logs, and external referral/escalation pathways.

4. Technology & AI Transformation Blueprint

• Architect a phased integration path linking traditional IVR, SMS, and USSD with advanced AI functionalities.

• Plan the transition from menu-driven IVR to Natural Language Understanding (NLU) conversational agents capable of speech recognition in multiple Ethiopian regional languages.

• Incorporate AI-supported Text-to-Speech (TTS), Speech-to-Text (STT), simplified language translation for intellectual disabilities, and machine learning models for automated platform analytics.

5. Financial Sustainability & Resource Mobilization

• Model operational costs across all expansion phases and identify stable, income-generating opportunities, corporate sponsorships, and strategic partnership configurations.

6. Visibility, Promotion, & MEAL Framework

• Formulate a multi-channel public marketing and promotional strategy.

• Develop a Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) framework powered by user analytics for data-driven improvement.

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Expected Deliverables

All deliverables must be presented systematically and submitted in sequence:

1. Inception Report: Outlining the methodology, consultation framework, assessment tools, and precise work plan.

2. Current Situational Analysis & Benchmarking Report: Highlighting existing technical and operational gaps.

3. Five-Year Strategic Roadmap for MINCH: Detailed expansion plans, including the AI transformation pathway, gender inclusion strategies, and an investment roadmap.

4. Comprehensive Operational Manual: Documenting governance structures, HR competency profiles, data privacy protocols, and rigorous content SOPs.

5. Communication & Promotion Strategy Document.

6. Resource Mobilization & Financial Sustainability Model.

7. MEAL Framework Architecture.

8. Stakeholder Validation Workshop Facilitation (including a post-workshop validation summary).

9. Final Consolidated MINCH 6768 Platform Package: Integrating all feedback into a unified implementation master plan.

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Assignment Duration & Payment Terms

The entire assignment must be fully completed within twenty-five (25) calendar days from the date of contract signing. Disbursements will follow a milestone schedule:

• First Payment (50%): Disbursed immediately upon signing the contract.

• Second Payment (30%): Disbursed upon submission and formal approval of the Draft Strategic Roadmap.

• Final Payment (20%): Disbursed upon submission, stakeholder validation, and final approval of all integrated deliverables.

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Requirements & Evaluation Criteria

Professional Profile & Qualifications

• Education: MSc or higher degree in Information Technology, Digital Transformation, Computer Science, or related technical disciplines combined with qualifications in Social Sciences, Disability Studies, Development Studies, or Business Administration.

• Technical Experience: Proven track record in developing digital transformation blueprints, media strategy roadmaps, or ICT-based service models. Directly demonstrable experience with AI technologies, IVR systems, mobile applications, call center software, or complex information systems.

• Domain Knowledge: Clear familiarity with disability inclusion metrics, accessible software standards (WCAG), and a history of working productively alongside CSOs, local initiatives, or vulnerable communities.

• Compliance: Possession of a valid, renewed business license, tax identification number (TIN), and VAT registration certificate (for firms).

Evaluation Matrix

The selection panel will judge incoming proposals against a strict 100-point rubric:

Evaluation Component	Weight
Relevant Experience in Similar Assignments	30%
Financial Proposal (Budget Efficiency & Fee Breakdown)	30%
Understanding of the Assignment & Methodology	15%
Qualifications & Competencies of Key Experts	15%
Quality & Realism of the Proposed Work Plan	10%

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Organizational Safeguarding & Disclaimers

ECDD is a disability-focused organization committed to protecting all children and adults at risk. It enforces a strict zero-tolerance policy regarding corruption, financial mismanagement, and any forms of sexual exploitation, abuse, or harassment. All consultants and contractors are legally bound to uphold ECDD’s Safeguarding Policy and Code of Conduct. Any violation will result in immediate contract termination and legal recourse.

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How To Apply

Interested individual consultants or consulting firms must submit their technical and financial proposals in person using sealed hard-copy envelopes. The outer envelope must be clearly marked with the job title, signed, and stamped.

Required Submission Components

1. Technical Proposal Folder: Including a detailed company profile or CV, statement of understanding, methodology breakdown, work plan timeline, team matrix, and real sample work of a previously authored media roadmap or ICT strategy.

2. Financial Proposal Folder: Providing a complete itemized budget breakdown detailing professional fees, operating expenses, and applicable taxes.

3. Supporting Documentation Folder: Copies of valid business licenses, TIN certificates, VAT certificates, and expert CVs.

Delivery Physical Address

ECDD Office – Beklo Bet

In front of the Ministry of Revenues

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

For additional project specifications or directional queries, interested applicants can contact the main office directly on active working days via:

📞 Tel Office: +251-11-4165859

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