Agency Qualifications

Non-Negotiable:

Proven experience in Communications Infrastructure & Systems Design (building reusable templates/toolkits).

Proven commitment to Capacity Transfer & Handover (training clients, documenting for sustainability).

Core Qualifications:

Donor-first strategic positioning for complex organizations.

Outcome-led storytelling showcasing data and impact.

Global media strategy ambition, particularly for African based but globally operated entities.

Delivery led by Senior named team members with clear time commitments.

Relevant client references.

Responsibilities

Scope of Work

The fixed-term engagement comprises five core workstreams:

Workstream 1: Donor Positioning & Messaging Architecture

Deliverables: A core Narrative Framework & Message House; Audience-Specific Messaging Grid for funders; Proof Framework; comprehensive Narrative Architecture Document.

Workstream 2: Communications Infrastructure (The Toolkit)

Deliverables: A modular system of reusable templates: Proposal & Concept Note suites; Pitch Deck architecture; One-Pager/Fact Sheet system; Case Study format; Media Kit; Digital Content templates; Q&A Repository; Asset Management & Governance guide.

Workstream 3: Donor-Facing Case Studies (Pilot Assets)

Deliverables: 2-3 complete, outcome-led case studies in multiple formats (1-pager, detailed, slides); accompanying Case Study Methodology Guide.

Workstream 4: Global Visibility Strategy & Plan

Deliverables: Media Audit & Landscape Analysis; Editorial Narrative & Angles; Target Media List (30-50 priority contacts); Spokesperson Readiness materials; 12-Month Media Engagement Plan; Crisis Communications Framework.

Workstream 5: Internal Capacity & Handover

Deliverables: A 12-Month Communications Strategy & Execution Plan; Communications Officer Role Definition & Recruitment Package; a 2-Day Training Workshop; complete Handover Documentation & User Guide.

Excluded from Scope: Ongoing social media management, press release writing, website development, video production, paid media, and event logistics.

Instead, they are the outcomes this engagement exists to achieve.

Enable Fundraising Success:

Donors and investors immediately understand Natural State's unique value proposition, why it is credible, and what their money enables. Proposal development time is reduced by half. Conversion rates increase.

Build Global Visibility Pathways:

Natural State has a clear, credible narrative and media strategy designed to secure top-tier global coverage (TIME, Bloomberg, The Economist, Reuters). The internal team knows exactly who to pitch, when, and with what.

Create Institutional Communications Capacity:

Natural State's internal Communications Officer inherits a complete, documented system — messaging framework, asset library, editorial calendar, media contacts, Q&A repository — and is trained to use it. The organization is not dependent on external agencies for day-to-day execution.

Deliver Launch-Ready Assets & Plans:

Major initiatives (ACNRR, new finance products) have fully developed narratives, collateral, and media plans. Natural State can activate these at the right moment with confidence and speed.

• Develop a core Narrative Framework & Message House.
• Create an Audience-Specific Messaging Grid for funders.
• Develop a Proof Framework.
• Produce a comprehensive Narrative Architecture Document.
• Design a modular system of reusable templates for proposals, concept notes, pitch decks, one-pagers, fact sheets, case studies, media kits, and digital content.
• Create a Q&A Repository.
• Develop an Asset Management & Governance guide.
• Produce 2-3 complete, outcome-led case studies in multiple formats.
• Develop an accompanying Case Study Methodology Guide.
• Conduct a Media Audit & Landscape Analysis.
• Define Editorial Narrative & Angles.
• Create a Target Media List (30-50 priority contacts).
• Develop Spokesperson Readiness materials.
• Create a 12-Month Media Engagement Plan.
• Develop a Crisis Communications Framework.
• Develop a 12-Month Communications Strategy & Execution Plan.
• Define a Communications Officer Role Definition & Recruitment Package.
• Deliver a 2-Day Training Workshop.
• Provide complete Handover Documentation & User Guide.

• Communications Infrastructure & Systems Design
• Capacity Transfer & Handover
• Donor Positioning
• Strategic Positioning
• Outcome-led Storytelling
• Data Visualization
• Impact Reporting
• Global Media Strategy
• Media Relations
• Content Strategy
• Template Design
• Documentation
• Training Delivery
• Crisis Communications

• Proven experience in Communications Infrastructure & Systems Design (building reusable templates/toolkits).
• Proven commitment to Capacity Transfer & Handover (training clients, documenting for sustainability).
• Donor-first strategic positioning for complex organizations.
• Outcome-led storytelling showcasing data and impact.
• Global media strategy ambition, particularly for African based but globally operated entities.
• Delivery led by Senior named team members with clear time commitments.
• Relevant client references.