Request for Proposals | Develop 2X Challenge Marketing & Communications Materials

Background

The 2X Challenge was launched at the 2018 G7 Summit in Canada as a bold capital commitment of development and multilateral finance institutions to invest in the world’s women. Since then, this flagship initiative has mobilised over US$33 billion in investments. Over 1000 transactions into approximately 620 individual entities have been qualified under the 2X Criteria, reflecting the growing interest of investors and investees in gender lens investing. To continue building the case for such investments, there is a need to provide a coherent narrative and adaptable materials in core messaging, while allowing for regional and investor-specific customisation.

Purpose of the Assignment

The purpose of this consultancy is to (1) develop marketing and communication materials that highlight the benefits of the 2X qualification for companies, funds, and financial institutions, which investors can share with potential 2X-qualified investees to make the case for the investee’s participation in the 2X Challenge, and (2) develop ten spotlights of companies qualified as part of the 2X Challenge

The marketing and communications materials will be developed to articulate a clear value proposition for companies, funds, and financial intermediaries to participate in the 2X Challenge. The materials will be tailored by investor type and region, and will also be available to investors to share with investees.

The ten investee spotlights will be designed to increase the investee’s visibility as a market leader and encourage potential 2X Challenge participants to participate in the 2X Challenge. The spotlights will consist of mini case studies that provide a description of the investee company, their 2X qualification and gender-smart approaches, and testimonials on how the qualification has supported their businesses. The spotlights should be of high production value, feature high-quality, compelling photos of each investee, and be ready for publication on social media platforms (primarily LinkedIn) and on 2X Global’s website (2xglobal.org).

The consultant will be responsible for the following core services.

• Conduct light desk research and stakeholder consultations to understand audience needs and messaging priorities for different investor types and regions.

• Identify key value drivers and framing that resonate with each audience.

• Develop a core narrative and value proposition framework for the 2X Challenge.

• Adapt the narrative for different investor segments and regions.

• Develop ten spotlights, i.e., mini case studies of companies qualified as part of the 2X Challenge.

Objectives of the Assignment

The consultant will be responsible for the following key tasks:

• Market & Audience Research

• Messaging Strategy

• Producing the following materials:

• One core global deck articulating the value proposition of 2X participation

• Tailored decks versions for at least three investor types (e.g., Development Finance Institutions, private sector investors, financial institutions)

• Tailored deck versions for at least two regions (e.g., Africa, Latin America)

• One-page value proposition summaries for both the investor and investees, by type and region. This will include clear, concise executive summary documents useful for outreach and sharing with prospective investees and partners.

Produce ten investee spotlights of companies qualified under the 2X Challenge. The spotlights will highlight each company’s profile, their pathway to 2X qualification, and their gender smart approaches, demonstrating how the 2X Challenge qualification has supported and strengthened their businesses. Where required, the contractor will be responsible for engaging and coordinating with investee companies to obtain high-quality photographs. All images must be suitable for use across the 2X Challenge communications platforms and must be provided with the appropriate usage rights.

Timelines

Proposals are requested by Friday March 13, 2026.

It is expected that the successful applicant will begin work on April 1st, 2026 with final deliverables no later than July 31st, 2026.

Budget

We invite bidders to provide a budget proposal for this work. We anticipate the budget range to be between $40,000 to $60,000.

The budget shall be of moderate detail, outlining the expected days' input and fee rates for each key activity. Please note that 2X Global has a maximum daily fee of $1000. Blended rates are acceptable.