Creative Copywriter & Storytelling Consultant (RFP)

The Resilient Cities Network (R-Cities) invites qualified independent consultants to submit proposals to support the execution of its communications strategy through digital storytelling and content production. We are looking for a creative copywriter who combines strong conceptual thinking with exceptional writing craft. Someone who can develop campaign ideas, shape brand and program narratives, and bring clarity to complex briefs through compelling storytelling.

The selected consultant will work with R-Cities' Partnerships & Strategic Communications Lead to create the voice, narratives and captions that turn the network's work into stories people feel. Day-to-day coordination, calendars and deliverables will be managed with the Strategic Communications & Events Manager and the team.

Scope of Work

The consultant will work closely with R-Cities' Partnerships & Strategic Communications Lead and wider communications and program teams to:

• Develop R-Cities' storytelling voice, defining the tone, narrative style and approach for communicating the organization's work and impact.

• Develop campaign concepts and copy, starting with R-Cities' flagship Cities Solve, Cities Deliver campaign, translating strategic priorities into compelling narratives and content for different audiences and channels.

• Develop impact stories across R-Cities' thematic programs, translating program results, evidence and city experiences into compelling narratives that demonstrate impact, bring city voices to the forefront and communicate the value of R-Cities' work.

In support of the above, the consultant will:

• Develop and adapt compelling content across R-Cities' communications channels, including blogs, newsletters, web content, social media posts, reels and short-form video, presentations, graphics and event materials.

• Work with program teams and communications liaisons to identify strong stories, gather relevant inputs and evidence, and ensure program and city perspectives are accurately reflected in communications.

• Identify timely storytelling opportunities by monitoring relevant global trends and conversations, and recommend responsive content that strengthens R-Cities' voice and visibility on urban resilience.

• Support digital engagement and amplification, including partner amplification, engagement with relevant content and identification of opportunities to extend the reach of R-Cities' stories and campaigns.

• Identify and support engagement with relevant urban content creators, city storytellers, influencers and partners who can help amplify R-Cities' work.

• Monitor content and campaign performance, including social media engagement, mentions and partner amplification, and use these insights to inform future storytelling and content development.

• Maintain and organize R-Cities' communications asset library, ensuring photos, videos, templates, graphics and other materials are accessible, current and ready for use.

• Support communications around selected events, including the development of pre-event, live and post-event content as agreed.

• Provide other related communications and storytelling support within the agreed scope and level of effort.

Outputs and Deliverables

1. R-Cities storytelling and voice guide

• Description: Narrative principles, tone and practical guidance for communicating R-Cities' work and impact.

• Indicative timing: November 2026

2. Cities Solve, Cities Deliver campaign

• Description: Campaign concept, narrative, core copy and supporting content and amplification materials.

• Indicative timing: November 2026

3. Thematic program impact stories

• Description: A series of impact stories developed with program teams, translating results, evidence and city experiences into compelling narratives.

• Indicative timing: November–December 2026

4. Priority event and digital content

• Description: Content and amplification support for priority moments including COP31 and other agreed events and campaigns.

• Indicative timing: Ongoing

5. Content performance and communications assets

• Description: Light-touch analytics and maintenance of communications assets to support effective storytelling and amplification.

• Indicative timing: Ongoing

Consultant Qualifications and Experience

• Portfolio of campaign and copywriting work: concepts, voice and copy that moved audiences, in agencies, studios or mission-driven organizations.

• Demonstrated experience producing social media and digital content in agencies, studios or mission-driven organizations.

• Familiarity with urban resilience, climate adaptation, cities, or international development is desired.

• Strong writing and editing skills in English. Additional languages are a plus.

Period of Performance and Level of Effort

• Contract period: November–December 2026

• The assignment is fully remote, with preference for consultants based in Latin America and Asia Pacific.

• The assignment is expected to require up to 45 working days over the period November–December 2026, with actual monthly effort varying in line with the campaign and event calendar. The final level of effort will be agreed based on the consultant's proposed workplan, availability, and R-Cities' priorities. Possibility to extend contract subject to budget and performance.

Indicative Budget

R-Cities has an indicative budget of up to USD 10,500 for professional fees for the full assignment, based on up to 45 working days and inclusive of all applicable taxes. Software, subscription, and other reimbursable costs must be itemized separately in the financial proposal and are not covered by this figure.

This figure is indicative and is provided to help consultants scope their proposals; it does not commit R-Cities to any minimum or maximum award. Proposals materially above this amount may be considered non-competitive.

Proposal Submission Requirements

• Portfolio samples: 3–5 examples of comparable campaign, storytelling, copywriting, social media, or digital content work, each noting your role, client/organization type, audience, and results or engagement where available.

• CV or professional profile: demonstrating the qualifications above, relevant experience, sectors served, language skills, and related studies or training.

• Technical proposal (up to 3 pages): (i) your specific approach to developing a distinct narrative voice for R-Cities; (ii) proposed workplan for delivering the scope (timeline aligned to October–December 2026); (iii) assumptions, risks, or support needed from R-Cities.

• Financial proposal: proposed daily rate and/or total budget, estimated level of effort, applicable taxes or fees, and assumptions on software, subscriptions, or other reimbursable costs.

• 1–2 references from recent clients or collaborators who can speak to the quality of work, reliability, responsiveness, and ability to deliver communications or storytelling assignments.

• Availability confirmation: confirm your ability to support the assignment on the terms above, your time zone, preferred working arrangements, and any scheduling constraints.

• All required submission materials must be combined and submitted as a single PDF.

Evaluation Criteria

Proposals will be evaluated by a review panel against the following weighted criteria:

• Relevant experience and portfolio quality (45%): demonstrated campaign, storytelling and copywriting work of comparable scope, and evidence of audience impact.

• Technical approach and workplan (25%): quality of the proposed approach to developing R-Cities' narrative voice, feasibility of the workplan, and clarity of the proposed level of effort.

• Cost and value for money (20%): competitiveness of the daily rate and total cost relative to the proposed level of effort and deliverables.

• Sector familiarity and language skills (10%): familiarity with urban resilience, climate adaptation, cities or international development, and additional language capability.

R-Cities reserves the right to interview shortlisted candidates, request clarifications, and to accept or reject any proposal. R-Cities is not obliged to award a contract as a result of this process.

Process Timeline

• Application deadline: October 9, 2026

• Review: October 12–16, 2026

• Interview: October 19–20, 2026

• Selection: The selected consultant will be informed on October 26, 2026. Contracting is expected to take up to 10 working days, with onboarding running in parallel so that delivery can begin in November 2026.

Submission Instructions

Interested consultants should submit their complete proposal through the R-Cities website by October 9, 2026. Proposals should include the materials listed above. Only shortlisted consultants will be contacted for an interview.

IP and Contract Terms

All final deliverables, materials, copy, concepts, and work products developed under this assignment will be the property of R-Cities, unless otherwise agreed in writing. The selected consultant will be required to enter R-Cities' standard consultancy agreement, including provisions on confidentiality, intellectual property, invoicing, data protection, and termination.

AI Use Disclosure

Bidders must disclose whether they intend to use generative AI tools in developing any work products under this assignment, including copy, concepts, visuals, research summaries, or drafts. Any use of such tools must comply with confidentiality, data protection, originality, and quality-control requirements agreed with R-Cities.

About the Resilient Cities Network (R-Cities)

Resilient Cities Network (R-Cities) is the world's leading urban resilience network. Established in 2019, we bring together global knowledge, practice, partnerships, and funding to empower our member cities. Together with our member cities, we help build a safer, more equitable, and sustainable future for all their residents. We are an agile not-for-profit organization with a mission to reduce the vulnerability and improve the well-being of over 220 million urban dwellers around the world. R-Cities work is broadly organized along three themes: Climate Resilience, Circularity and Equity. Present in over 40 countries around the world, R-Cities' member cities have created an innovative position in city government, the Chief Resilience Officer (CRO), to lead the city's resilience efforts and they have adopted a City Resilience Strategy to guide their resilience efforts. Through these actions R-Cities not only helps individual cities become more resilient but facilitates the building of urban resilience globally.

R-Cities is committed to inclusive, transparent, and non-discriminatory procurement processes. R-Cities encourages proposals from consultants and firms from diverse geographic and professional backgrounds.