Call for Consultant: Redesign of Project Website

1. Background

The Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA), in partnership with Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and Fondation Hirondelle (FH), is implementing a multi-year, EU-funded project in Guinea-Bissau titled “Promote and Protect Democracy by Safeguarding Freedom of Opinion and Expression and Combating Mis/Disinformation.” The project seeks to enhance media professionalism, promote freedom of expression, and counter disinformation in the country.

As part of this initiative, the project’s online platform, mediagb.org, serves as a central hub for knowledge dissemination, stakeholder engagement, and project visibility. To improve its usability, accessibility, and overall impact, MFWA intends to redesign the website into a modern, multilingual (Portuguese and English) platform that effectively communicates the project’s objectives, activities, and results.

MFWA therefore invites qualified consultants or firms to submit proposals for the redesign, development, and post-launch support of mediagb.org, in line with international standards on web design, accessibility, user experience (UX), and search engine optimisation (SEO).

2. Objectives of the Redesign

The redesigned mediagb.org should:

• Strengthen brand credibility, visibility, and alignment with project identity.
• Provide an optimised, user-friendly, and mobile-responsive experience.
• Ensure strong SEO performance and analytics tracking.
• Integrate multilingual functionality (Portuguese and English).
• Include a structured, searchable knowledge repository to host project resources.
• Migrate, clean up, and optimise existing content while preserving SEO value.
• Support long-term sustainability through documentation, training, and capacity building for the local team.

3. Key Technical and Functional Requirements

Technical

• WordPress CMS (latest version) with well-defined backend user roles and permissions.
• Performance optimisation (caching, lazy-loading, image compression, and script minification).
• Secure HTTPS setup, firewall configuration, malware protection, and automated backups.
• Migration with 301 redirects to maintain SEO integrity.
• Server environment compatibility documentation and clear hosting recommendations.

SEO and Content

• Proper H1/H2/H3 structure with optimised titles, meta descriptions, and image alt text.
• XML sitemap, robots.txt, and SEO plugin integration (Yoast or equivalent).
• Google Analytics 4 and Search Console setup.
• Structured content audit before migration to ensure relevance, quality, and consistency of materials.
• Keyword optimisation and metadata mapping to align with project themes and audiences.

Multilingual Support

• Portuguese and English via WPML or Polylang plugin.
• Prominent and intuitive language switcher visible on all pages.

Design and User Experience

• Modern, fully responsive, mobile-first design.
• Clear and intuitive navigation structure with breadcrumb trails.
• Central contact form with captcha, anti-spam filters, and automated acknowledgements.
• Modular homepage (banners, news, reports, and publications).
• Dedicated pages for programmes, reports, and publications (with downloadable PDFs).
• Consistent brand identity with approved project colours, typography, and logo use.

Accessibility and Compliance

• WCAG 2.1 AA compliance (colour contrast, text size, keyboard navigation).
• Alt text for all images and transcripts for video/audio where applicable.
• Privacy notice, cookies banner, and legal notice in the footer.
• GDPR compliance for all contact forms and data collection mechanisms.

4. Deliverables

1. Wireframes and functional prototypes for approval.
2. Graphic mock-ups for desktop and mobile interfaces.
3. Full WordPress integration with multilingual and SEO functionality.
4. Migration and optimisation of current content following a structured content audit.
5. Performance, accessibility, and SEO testing reports.
6. Final website deployment on the live domain, with verified backups.
7. Administrative guide for content updates, user roles, and routine maintenance.
8. Team capacity-building session (one day) for the local project team on website management, updates, and basic troubleshooting.
9. Post-launch monitoring phase (minimum of 90 days) to identify, fix, and document any technical or usability issues.
10. Final technical handover package, including all source files, credentials, licences, and documentation.

5. Recommended Team Composition

MFWA seeks individual consultants or teams with expertise in the following areas:

• Lead Consultant / Project Manager – responsible for coordination, delivery, and client communication.
• Senior WordPress Developer – proficient in custom theme design, multilingual setup, and secure WordPress architecture.
• UX/UI Designer – experienced in user-centred design and responsive mock-ups.
• SEO Specialist – experienced in technical and on-page SEO optimisation.
• Web Analytics Expert – capable of setting up performance dashboards and reporting.
• Content Manager/Copywriter – for content structuring, editing, and keyword optimisation.
• Trainer or Technical Support Specialist – for post-launch training and maintenance support.

6. Duration and Work Plan

The consultancy is expected to be completed within eight (8) weeks, starting from the signing of the contract.
A detailed work plan, including milestones and timelines for design, testing, training, and post-launch monitoring, will be finalised in consultation with MFWA upon selection.

7. Reporting and Coordination

The consultant or firm will report to the Project Manager at MFWA, working closely with the Communications and ICT teams to ensure alignment with organisational standards and project objectives.
Regular progress updates will be required at each key milestone (prototype, development, testing, and launch).

8. Application Requirements

Interested consultants or firms should submit the following:

1. A technical proposal outlining understanding of the assignment, methodology, tools, and implementation plan.
2. A financial proposal (in EUR) providing a detailed cost breakdown, including professional fees, licences, and optional maintenance packages.
3. CVs or company profile highlighting relevant experience in WordPress development, UX/UI design, SEO, and multilingual projects.
4. Links to at least three (3) comparable websites previously designed or redesigned.
5. Contact details of at least two professional referees or previous clients.
6. Proposed training and post-launch support plan.
7. Maintenance and sustainability proposal, detailing options for continued technical support beyond the initial contract period.

9. Evaluation Criteria

Proposals will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

• Understanding of the assignment and quality of proposed methodology (30%).
• Technical expertise and portfolio relevance (25%).
• Proposed team composition and management approach (15%).
• Cost-effectiveness and value for money (15%).
• Training, sustainability, and post-launch support plan (10%).
• References and past performance (5%).

10. Submission Details

All applications should be submitted by Sunday, 30 November 2025, with the subject line: “Consultancy: Website Redesign.”

Applications should be sent to applications [@] mfwa.org, with daniel [@] mfwa.org copied. Late submissions will not be considered.

11. Ownership and Confidentiality

All materials, content, designs, and source code developed under this assignment will remain the sole property of MFWA and its project partners. Consultants must maintain confidentiality regarding all project-related information and materials.