Knowledge Management Consultant

Job Description

PRB Request for Proposals

Knowledge Management Consultancy

Response Deadline: 5 P.M EDT, August 31, 2018

Focus of RFP

Population Reference Bureau (PRB) seeks a qualified consultant for a fixed-term project focusing on the development of an organization-wide knowledge management (KM) strategy and an implementation plan based on that strategy.

This RFP covers Phase 1 of a two-phase project. Phase 1 includes discovery, needs elaboration, strategy development, and an implementation plan. Phase 1 is expected to take place in mid-late fall 2018. Phase 2 will include implementation support and will be informed by the outcome of Phase 1. Phase 2 is expected to take place starting in early 2019. Information and a budget template for RFP responses are available at: https://www.prb.org/request-for-proposal/

PRB and Project Background

PRB is a mission-driven organization headquartered in Washington, D.C. that is active globally. PRB’s staff of about 60 include researchers, data analysts, policy analysts, and communications experts who help others understand and leverage data and research from the population, health, and demographic fields. In doing so, we help policy decisionmakers and program implementers improve the well-being of people through evidence-based policies and practices. Visit https://www.prb.org/about/ to learn more.

Much of our work depends on staff being able to readily capture, store, share, and leverage information about our work and that of our partners, as well as the activities of our networks, both over time and across geographies. Effective information gathering, sharing, and learning, as well as effective learning feedback loops, also are critical for the growth and development of the organization itself. We also view KM as a key element in creating a true culture of learning to ensure that our work remains relevant, cutting edge, and responsive to changing needs.

Over the past year, a PRB KM task force has conducted an internal KM needs assessment based on input from staff. We now have a good grasp of our needs but at this juncture we seek outside expertise to help review and validate the findings from an objective and learned perspective, consider our findings in the context of KM best practices, help us create a KM strategy, and develop a relatively specific KM implementation plan that addresses priorities, timing, and resource commitments (including staff time).

It is possible the same consultant may provide support and guidance in Phase 2, though this will be a separate RFP and the scope of work will be subject to PRB’s review of Phase 1 outcomes.

Desired Consultant Profile

We seek a consultant with:

• At least 6 years of experience conceptualizing and implementing KM strategies and initiatives with nonprofit organizations (preferably organizations that are active in similar subject matter areas to PRB).
• Relevant professional qualifications, such as KM skills certifications.
• Experience with organization-wide KM initiatives (as opposed to project-specific initiatives within an organization).
• Experience with implementation of new KM systems and technologies (such as collaboration and intranet platforms), with knowledge of criteria for selecting proper technologies.
• Experience planning strategies for strategy awareness and adoption among staff members.
• Experience with monitoring, learning, and evaluation (MLE) systems is a strong plus.

In addition, the consultant should have:

• Strong interpersonal communication skills.
• Strong analytical skills.
• Proven project management capabilities.
• Strong writing and reporting skills.

We would prefer the Consultant is based in or near the Washington, D.C. area to better facilitate on-site meetings.

Type of Contract: Time and Materials with a maximum budget limit.

RFP Timeline and Instructions

RFP Issue Date: Tuesday August 21, 2018

RFP Questions Submission Deadline: Noon EDT, Thursday August 23, 2018

RFP Question Responses Posted: Noon EDT, Monday August 27, 2018

RFP Response Deadline: 5 P.M. EDT, Friday, August 31, 2018

Consultant Selection: PRB will make a final decision on the selected Consultant by Monday Sept. 10, 2018.

Sending RFP Questions: RFP questions should be sent by email to KMRFP@prb.org. The subject line should be: PRB KM RFP Questions.

Sending RFP Responses: RFP responses should be sent by email with the required documents attached to: KMRFP@prb.org. The subject line should be: PRB KM RFP Response.

Interested and qualified consultants should submit the following in attachments to the Response email:

1. A cover sheet identifying the legal name of the Consultant’s Organization if relevant, (N/A for individual Consultants), including the name of the Organization, physical address, and contact information.
2. An up-to-date CV of primary Consultant.
3. A brief summary of why the Consultant is qualified for the project (no more than 300 words).
4. Contact information for at least 3 professional references for work that is relevant to the scope of this RFP, with mention of relevant project or projects undertaken for each.
5. Proposed Budget using the budget table with Consultant’s daily rate (available for download on the RFP page: https://www.prb.org/request-for-proposal/).

About the Organization

About PRB:

The Population Reference Bureau (PRB) informs people around the world about population, health, and the environment, and empowers them to use that information to advance the well-being of current and future generations. PRB analyzes complex demographic data and research to provide the most objective, accurate, and up-to-date population information in a format that is easily understood by advocates, journalists, and decision makers alike. PRB also builds coalitions and conducts workshops around the world to give our key audiences the tools they need to understand and communicate effectively about population issues. PRB works to ensure that policymakers in developing countries and in the United States rely on sound evidence, rather than anecdotal or outdated information, when creating population, health, and environmental policies. All of our content is available at www.prb.org.