MPP s website redesign Request for Proposals - Communications 1
Contents Summary... 3 About the Medicines Patent Pool... 3 Project Overview... 3 Approach and Deliverables... 4 Timing... 5 Place of Work... 5 To Apply... 6 2
Summary The Medicines Patent Pool (MPP) is seeking proposals from individuals and organisations to help redesign its current website: www.medicinespatentpool.org. The Foundation is specifically interested in working with full- service communications firms with strong messaging development, online marketing and branding expertise. A proven track record in re- launching or upgrading websites for nonprofits or global health organisations as well as an understanding of public health issues in developing countries is preferred. Interested parties should submit the following information: (1) a proposal, including planned approach, staffing model, billing rates and biographies for agency team and licensing fees; (2) total cost and daily rate as well as a portfolio and links to relevant web design work. The deadline for submission of proposals is 16 October 2015. About the Medicines Patent Pool The Medicines Patent Pool is a United Nations- backed organisation offering a public health- driven business model that aims to lower the prices of HIV medicines and facilitate the development of better- adapted HIV treatments through voluntary licensing and patent pooling. Founded by UNITAID in 2010, the MPP works with a range of stakeholders communities of people living with HIV, governments, industry and international organisations. To date, MPP has signed agreements for twelve antiretrovirals (ARVs) for countries home to 87-93% of people living with HIV in the developing world and for one medicine for an HIV opportunistic infection. The MPP is an independent foundation based in Geneva, Switzerland, founded and fully funded by UNITAID as part of its efforts to increase access to HIV medicines. UNITAID is engaged in finding new ways to prevent, treat and diagnose HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and materials. Project Overview Marking its 5 th anniversary as the world s only patent pool for HIV medicines, the foundation is currently exploring the expansion into other disease areas. The communications consultant or firm must offer creative, adaptable solutions to allow the organisation to grow and reach new, untapped audiences over the next few years. The proposal requires some support for a new visual identity for the MPP to potentially support a more ambitious re- branding programme in 2016. 3
The MPP website hosts an external portal for submissions from sub- licensees (Expression of Interest) as well as the Patent Status Database, a repository of information on HIV patents in developing countries, currently under restructuring. This RFP does not cover the Patent Status Database or the Expression of Interest (EOI) portal but coordination with the other MPP business units that manage these areas (Business Development and Policy) will be necessary. In the future, the website must offer a more easily accessible, user- friendly approach to attract general audiences. Under the direction of a new communications team, the MPP has updated the website to reflect the organisation s current visual identity and to improve navigation. However, this RFP includes a thorough functional and structural review of the site as well as the launch of a new site, www.medicinespatentpool.org Key objectives of the project will include: Ensuring a dynamic, rather than static, website with creative direction on adding content on yet to be defined business areas; Clear messaging and enhanced use of visuals for non- technical audience (see below); Implementation of new web communications strategy for attracting and retaining visitors; Re- launch of the website for greater functionality and clarity and to align with evolving business model and new user profile. Audiences The website s main audiences are: 1 o o o Civil society and technical partners (including national patent offices, and international organisations, WHO and WIPO, attorneys and other IP specialists) Private sector pharmaceutical and generic medicines companies Journalists and other external parties Approach and Deliverables The project team/teams should take an agile approach to upgrading and re- launching the MPP website. The firm/individuals should demonstrate an understanding of MPP s history, challenges, impact and value- added to effectively assist in presenting clear, non- technical information to visitors. 1 To be evaluated in more detail through this consultancy. 4
Under the supervision of the Head of Communications and Communications Officer, the service provider/providers, on the basis of the proposal submitted, will deliver: Phase I A comprehensive review of the MPP website to include a survey of: i) website performance (e.g., SEO, widgets, browser capability); ii) website design and layout, accessibility, navigation and ease of use. For the survey, target approximately 10-15 people including Board members, MPP staff, consultants and partners (list to be provided); Review website architecture and optimisation for mobile devices. Phase II Suggest new mock- ups/wireframes/page designs for overall site image and structure; Identify new functionalities to improve user retention, including improved navigation tools, photos and other visuals as well as interactive features; Provide overview of content appropriateness and accessibility; Assess resources needed for the ongoing maintenance of the website; Submit proposed recommendations for MPP approval and incorporate feedback received. Phase III Implement approved design/structure; Testing and quality assurance; Analytics software setup and SEO redesign Provide training to administrators if necessary. Timing The web development project is expected to kickoff on or before 26 October 2015 for a re- launch in the first quarter of 2016. Place of Work The Medicines Patent Pool is based in Geneva, Switzerland. The project team may be based worldwide, as they will perform many of their activities from their own premises. International travel may be required depending upon the location of the organisation. The project team will work under the supervision of the Head of Communications and Communications Officer. 5
To Apply Please send a proposal; project plan (including time frame of each phase if appropriate); budget including proposed daily rate and expenses, software licensing fees; biographies of all key project team members and a description of relevant activities or experience to recruitment@medicinespatentpool.org by 16 October 2015. We guarantee that your personal data will be kept confidential by the MPP. You have a right to access, rectify or request deletion of your data. To exercise these rights, please write to recruitment@medicinespatentpool.org. 6