Media Firm for Documenting Impact Through Strategic Storytelling and Visual Narratives

1. Background

The Asia Foundation (TAF) Pakistan implements a diverse portfolio of programs across justice sector reform, social cohesion, cybersecurity, judicial strengthening, and women’s empowerment. These initiatives have contributed to strengthening institutions, improving service delivery, and expanding opportunities for individuals and communities.

As TAF Pakistan continues to build on these achievements, there is an opportunity to further enhance how program impact is communicated through engaging visual formats. While existing reporting mechanisms effectively capture program progress and results, there is increasing value in complementing them with visual storytelling that highlights long-term outcomes, behavioral change, and personal experiences.

In line with evolving communication needs and the growing importance of digital engagement, TAF Pakistan intends to adopt a more strategic and structured approach to visual storytelling. This includes capturing both the retrospective impact of completed programs and the real-time implementation of ongoing initiatives.

To support this, TAF Pakistan plans to engage a professional media firm to develop high-quality visual content that effectively communicates its work, strengthens stakeholder engagement, and amplifies its overall impact.

2. Objective of the Assignment

The objective is to design and produce a cohesive, high-quality set of visual and multimedia products that:

1. Capture program impact in a compelling and engaging visual format

2. Communicate both immediate results and long-term outcomes

3. Enhance donor engagement, visibility, and policy influence

4. Support internal learning and institutional memory

3. Scope of Work

The selected media firm will provide end-to-end production services, including creative development, filming, editing, and final delivery. The selected media firm will be responsible for managing the entire production process from planning to final delivery. In the initial stage, the firm will develop the overall creative concept and storytelling approach, prepare scripts and outlines, and identify key individuals to be featured in the videos in coordination with TAF. 

During the production phase, the firm will film at agreed locations, capturing high-quality interviews with beneficiaries, stakeholders, and program teams, along with supporting visuals. Where field access is limited, interviews may be conducted in controlled or studio settings.

In the final stage, the firm will edit the footage into clear and engaging videos, incorporating subtitles, branding elements, and appropriate music. They will also integrate any available archival materials and simple graphics where needed. The content will be adapted for different platforms such as social media and events, and all final outputs, along with raw footage, will be organized into a structured digital repository for easy access and future use.

4. Key Deliverables

1. The media firm will produce a range of videos designed to clearly and engagingly showcase TAF Pakistan’s work. This will include one flagship documentary that brings together stories from different programs to present an overall picture of impact.

2. Two to three thematic documentaries will focus on specific sectors or programs, highlighting key results and experiences.

3. The firm will also develop three to four short stakeholder story videos that capture individual journeys.

4. The firm will produce four to six short testimonial clips featuring quick reflections and key messages.

5. To simplify complex ideas, one to two short explainer or animated videos will also be created.

5. Duration of Assignment

The duration of the assignment is expected to be between 12 to 16 weeks, commencing from the date of contract signing. The firm is expected to adhere to the agreed timeline and deliver all outputs within the specified timeframe.

6. Reporting and Coordination

The media firm will report directly to the designated Director of Programs and focal person at TAF Pakistan and will be required to maintain regular communication throughout the assignment. Periodic progress updates will be provided to ensure alignment and timely resolution of any issues.

7. Required Qualifications

The media firm should have:

1. Demonstrated experience in documentary production and storytelling

2. Strong portfolio of development sector or impact-focused content

3. Proven ability to produce short-form and long-form video content

4. Experience working with NGOs, donors, or international organizations (preferred)

5. Technical capacity for filming and editing, animation, and graphics (basic to intermediate)

6. Ability to work within tight timelines and budget constraints

8. Evaluation Criteria

Proposals submitted in response to this ToR will be evaluated based on the extent to which they demonstrate a clear understanding of the assignment, the relevance and appropriateness of the proposed methodology, and the media firm’s previous experience.

The qualifications and expertise of the proposed team will also be assessed, along with the overall value for money reflected in the financial proposal.

9. Application Process

Interested candidates or firms should submit:

1. Technical proposal, including a clear description of the proposed approach and methodology for delivering the assignment. A detailed workplan and timeline, outlining key phases, milestones, and deliverables

2. Financial proposal, with a detailed cost breakdown covering all major components such as pre-production, filming, post-production, travel, and any additional costs

3. Company profile, highlighting the firm’s background, relevant experience, and areas of expertise

4. Portfolio of relevant work, including links to previous documentaries, short videos, or similar assignments, particularly in the development sector

Interested firms/organizations are invited to submit sealed technical and financial proposals no later than April 13, 2026, at the following address. 

The Asia Foundation Pakistan Office

EOBI House, 3rd Floor, Block 32-34 

Mauve Area, I&T Center, G-10/4 Islamabad.

For any further information, please contact [email protected] by email. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

10. Financial Offer Template 

Note: The firm is encouraged to propose any additional deliverables or creative outputs, where appropriate, that add value to the assignment and align with its overall objectives.

11. Evaluation Criteria 

Proposals will be evaluated based on:

• Technical understanding and approach of the assignment (30%)

• Creativity and storytelling quality (25%)

• Cost-effectiveness of the financial proposal (25%)

• Portfolio and relevant experience of the firm (10%)

• Quality of previous work samples (10%)

12. Ethical Considerations

• The media firm must adhere to Do No Harm principles and ensure ethical research practices, including informed consent, confidentiality, and sensitivity to cultural issues.

• All data collection and reporting must comply with TAF’s data protection and safeguarding policies.

•  All materials produced under this assignment shall remain the intellectual property of TAF and shall not be used, reproduced, or distributed by the firm without prior written approval from TAF.