Background

The World Bank’s technical assistance global program, City Planning Labs (CPL), under SURGE pillar 2, has been working to improve urban planners and policymakers' use of city-level data and analytics to inform urban policy and investment planning. As part of the agreement with SECO (component 3), CPL is actively exploring market interest in  the innovative climate-smart Capital Investment Planning (CIP) approach integrating spatial planning with infrastructure investment prioritization.  A Capital High Impact Prioritization (CHIP) framework is being co-created with key stakeholders to assist municipalities in making spatially informed capital investment prioritization. This approach incorporates spatial data and financial planning to maximize the impact of infrastructure investments. Simultaneously, CPL (under component 4) will continue to encourage knowledge exchange, strengthen CPL’s approach via iterative learning and continue technical engagement through knowledge events and publications, bringing the experiences of partner cities to global attention.

To ensure successful development and long-term sustainability of the CHIP approach, as well as strengthening CPL’s broader communication strategy, expert support is required to lead strategic direction, stakeholder engagement, branding, communication material and user-friendly experiences. This engagement will focus on aligning CHIP’s introduction with CPL’s ongoing knowledge-sharing initiatives while ensuring strategic brand coherence across multiple communication platforms. The approach will emphasize design methodology and open-source demonstrative digital concept, ensuring that the framework remains adaptable without direct implementation.

Objective

The objective of this engagement is to:

-       Guide the strategic direction of CPL’s communication efforts (ensuring they are aligned with CPL’s core objectives).

-       Maintain brand identity across all supporting materials.

-       Execute a multi-phased approach to launch CHIP framework, ensuring stakeholder engagement, demand market assessment, piloting methodology and strategy for global adoption.

-       Create communication strategies that align with the World Bank’s urban investment frameworks and strategic partnerships

-       Foster strong relationships with key stakeholders, including World Bank teams, donors, strategic alliances, municipalities, urban planners and policymakers.

Scope of Work

The firm will support CPL across the following five phases:

Phase 1: Synthesize Market Research and Stakeholder Engagement

●      Consolidate existing/ongoing research & convert into digestible content: Synthesize CPL’s existing knowledge base of CIP methodologies and experiences into a brown bag knowledge asset. Assist CPL to organize and document additional stakeholder interviews/webinars. Repurpose insights into content that socializes the concept of CHIP among key stakeholders.

●      Identify key champions and build a stakeholder network: Develop a stakeholder database, provide strategic advice to enhance stakeholder buy-in for the co-creation of CHIP. This may include but is not limited to creating engagement materials, facilitating design thinking workshop(s), providing awareness communication strategies, as well as sustainable solutions to continue nurturing stakeholder relationships.

Phase 2: Communication Material & Demand Creation

●      Update and refinement of CPL’s existing materials: Brand application and necessary revisions to existing brand assets ensuring material and language supports the current brand position and future direction.

●      Core Communication Assets (for CHIP): Develop a communication kit of core CHIP assets resourcefully designed to be leveraged across all key audience segments.

●      Targeted outreach and visibility strategy: Assist team in identifying communication channels and creating materials and campaigns required to raise both CPL and CHIP’s profile.

●      Donor Engagement: Support CPL in developing strategic donor engagement strategies including the development of materials, and coordination of campaigns and/or participation in global/regional events.

●      Engage TTLs to co-create CHIP: Assist CPL team by coordinating with and creating curated content for TTL’s who are interested in co-creating CHIP

Phase 3: Prototyping & Iterative Design Testing

●      Coordinate with TTLs/Centralized Gov’t/Municipalities: For each pilot case, identify/clarify/validate key stakeholders, processes, and user needs that should be incorporated into the design of the CHIP approach.

●      Rapid prototyping & refinement: Design and test CHIP wireframes (analog design interfaces), conduct design sprints, and refine iterations based on stakeholder feedback.

●      Scenario based testing and refinement: Simulate urban planning challenges in pilot cities and refine CHIP’s methodology through hands-on workshops.

●      Establish feedback frameworks: Allow key stakeholders to review and provide feedback on iteration processes.

●      Finalize designs: Synthesize insights from iterations/stakeholder feedback and incorporate into the final designs.

Phase 4: Development Guidance & Monitoring Framework

●      Provide guidance to technical providers: Provide technical providers with clear architecture, user interface, and user experience instructions.

●      Monitor development progress: assist CPL team in steering the development process ensuring validated quality control.

●      User Testing Design: Design a structured user test and workshop instructions based on the demo developed by the provider.

●      Real-World User Test: Travel to pilot city to conduct at least one complete user test of functioning demo.

●      Establish Monitoring Framework: Facilitate partnerships with TTL’s/municipal government and technical providers to establish a monitoring framework to capture progress across CHIP’s key performance indicators.

Phase 5: Exit Strategy & Sustainability

●      Socialize Pilot Case Study: Curate digestible case studies to emphasize CHIP’s effectiveness. This may include but is not limited to one pager, slide decks and/or teaser videos.

●      Policy integration & sustainability strategies: Assist CPL team in aligning spatially informed CIP for a global context. Create advocacy materials for long-term adoption.

●      Capacity building & training: Develop structured training initiatives to equip policymakers, municipal planners and relevant stakeholders with the knowledge to apply CHIP effectively.

●      Stakeholder handover & long-term alignment: Engage key stakeholders to ensure continued alignment and support for CHIP scale-up phase.

●      Expansion and continuous improvement plan: Develop a structured roadmap for broader adoption, outlining mechanisms for refinement based on user feedback, evolving market needs and policy shifts.

Deliverables & Timeline

Phase I

• Consolidate CIP knowledge + stakeholder insights (Months 1–2)

• Brown bag knowledge asset

• Stakeholder interview log

• CHIP concept content (e.g., 1-pager)

• Stakeholder journey mapping

• Build stakeholder network + initiate engagement (Months 3–4)

• Stakeholder database

• Strategy for engagement

• Virtual design thinking session(s) with TTLs

• Awareness materials

Phase II

• Refine CPL materials (Months 3–4)

• Branded, professionally formatted manuals

• Develop CHIP comms kit (Months 4–6)

• Updated slide decks, briefs

• CHIP visual identity

• Explainer templates, taglines

• 1–2 promotional videos

• Bite-sized assets for social media

• Visibility strategy & targeted outreach (Months 5–8)

• Donor decks + revised teaser video

• TTL intro/onboarding packets

• Communications calendar

Phase III

• Stakeholder mapping & scenario testing (Months 6–8)

• Stakeholder/user maps per pilot city

• One in-person scenario workshop (combined audience)

• Hi-fi UX journey design + clickable prototype (Months 8–12)

• Figma prototype for 2–3 key flows

• Two feedback rounds

• UI handoff specifications

Phase IV

• Provide UX/UI specs to technical provider (Months 12–13)

• Annotated prototype + design guidance

• Sprint planning support

• Facilitate user testing + QA (including travel) (Months 13–16)

• User testing framework + facilitation

• Field test in pilot city

• Diagnostics report

• Develop monitoring framework (Months 17–18)

• KPI tracking plan

• Stakeholder feedback system

Phase V

• Case studies + advocacy materials (Months 18–20)

• 1-pager(s), teaser video, final deck

• Training + capacity-building (Months 20–22)

• Train-the-trainer curriculum & videos

• Facilitation tools

• Global event participation (Months 22–23)

• Branded session or panel

• Lean print materials & key messages

• Onsite presence

• Handover & scale-up plan (Months 22–24)

• Roadmap for adoption

• Stakeholder handover packet

Task Item

Deliverables

Required Firm Experience:

The firm should specialize in expansive design methodologies, integrating strategic communication, innovative digital solutions, and stakeholder-centric knowledge products specifically tailored for complex international development initiatives. The selected firm will be expected to utilize systems-thinking aligned with the World Bank’s Multi-phase Programmatic Approach (MPA), ensuring strategic coherence and adaptability across project phases.

The firm must demonstrate:

●      At least 10 years of cumulative team experience applying strategic design approaches specifically within development, finance and technology sectors and substantial direct experience collaborating with the World Bank.

●      Expertise in digital product development, specifically in user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) design, as well as iterative prototyping processes to refine and optimize solutions efficiently.

●      A strong, verifiable track record of successfully delivering engaging and impactful knowledge products and comprehensive communication strategies that achieve effective stakeholder alignment, buy-in, and measurable results.

●      Robust capabilities in stakeholder engagement, strategic branding, and targeted communication planning designed to resonate across diverse and multi-level audiences within the development context.

●      Exceptional proficiency in translating complex, technical content into clear, accessible, and engaging communication materials for varied audiences, facilitating informed decision-making and improved outcomes.

●      In-depth experience in developing tailored communication materials and knowledge products relevant to urban planning, development finance, public policy, and related fields.

●      Demonstrable familiarity and practical experience with the World Bank’s urban investment frameworks, including multi-phase programmatic approaches, ensuring seamless integration with established institutional processes and standards.

Additional desirable qualifications:

●      Experience facilitating interactive workshops and co-creation sessions with diverse stakeholders.

●      Experience in global event coordination.

●      Proven success in leveraging visual storytelling and interactive digital approaches to enhance audience engagement and understanding.

●      Capability to operate effectively within cross-sector partnerships, particularly in development, technology, and climate finance sectors.

Reporting & Coordination:

The firm will report to the CPL Team Lead, collaborating closely with World Bank TTLs and an advisory panel. Regular check-ins will ensure alignment with project milestones.

Duration:

The engagement will span 24 months, with the potential for extension based on CHIP’s impact and CPL’s evolving needs.

For more information:

Contact Daniel Coila at ucoilaquispe@worldbank.org

Scope of Services:

The selected firm will work across five key areas:

• Strategic Communication Planning – Define CPL’s communications strategy, ensure consistent brand identity, and guide knowledge dissemination.
• Stakeholder Engagement – Build and maintain partnerships with TTLs, donors, and municipal counterparts through tailored outreach and co-creation sessions.
• Content & Product Development – Develop engaging, accessible materials such as slide decks, visual identities, explainer videos, and online toolkits.
• UX/UI & Prototype Support – Design and test digital wireframes and tools, ensuring usability and relevance to pilot cities.
• Sustainability Planning – Support capacity-building, training materials, and strategies for long-term adoption and scale-up of the CHIP framework.

Firm Qualifications:

Firms should demonstrate:

• At least 10 years of relevant experience in strategic design, communications, and stakeholder engagement within the development or urban sectors;
• Proven track record with international development organizations, preferably with the World Bank;
• Expertise in UX/UI design and prototyping for knowledge and policy products;
• Strong capabilities in producing communication materials for technical and policy audiences.

Desirable qualifications include experience in event coordination, co-creation facilitation, and urban development communications.

Assignment Duration:

Up to 24 months, with potential for extension.

Eligibility:

Eligibility restrictions apply in accordance with World Bank Group guidelines.

Submission Requirements:

Interested firms must submit an Expression of Interest, including:

• A brief description of relevant experience;
• Examples of similar assignments;
• Qualifications of key staff;
• Confirmation of ability to work globally/remotely.

Firms may associate to enhance qualifications but must designate a lead firm. Only shortlisted firms will be invited to the Request for Proposal (RFP) stage.

Submission Method:

Submit your EOI electronically via WBGeProcure (RFx Now). Total attachment size must not exceed 5MB.

For technical issues with submission, contact: corporateprocurement@worldbank.org

For more information, contact:
Daniel Coila – ucoilaquispe@worldbank.org