Communications Firm | Request for Proposals

About Search for Common Ground

For over 40 years, Search for Common Ground has worked to demonstrate that even the deepest divides can be transformed into cooperation. Today, we are the world's largest peacebuilding organization, active in 29 countries across six continents. We partner with local communities to break cycles of violence, building trust and creating opportunities for lasting collaboration. Our principle of multipartiality means we engage with all sides in a conflict, ensuring that every voice is heard and every perspective matters. From empowering young people and elevating women in peace processes to advancing digital peacebuilding,  climate resilience, security sector reform, and political deconfliction, we bring people together to imagine and build a world of safe, healthy, and just societies, free from the threat of violent conflict.

Overview

Search for Common Ground, the world’s largest peacebuilding organization and nominee for the 2018 Nobel Peace Prize, is seeking an international communications firm to provide public affairs support through strategic media engagement to promote our organization’s vision to gain visibility, drive conversations, position ourselves as thought leaders in issues related to peace and conflict.

The right firm will deliver immediate and impactful support in developing timely, news-driven content and amplifying our messaging through strategic media outreach, providing editorial guidance, supporting message development, and ensuring Search for Common Ground remains at the forefront of global conversations on peace and conflict. With an array of conflicts capturing public attention over the last few years, and more at risk of developing, Search for Common Ground is well-positioned to raise public awareness of such conflicts, provide local and international expertise, and relevant insights, and drive support for peacebuilding initiatives and are seeking for a firm that can support us in this endeavor.

We are looking for a firm with experience in UK, US, and European media markets.

Confidentiality

Shortlisted firms will be required to execute a non-disclosure agreement prior to receiving a detailed briefing on proprietary information, and all personnel assigned to the account must be covered by it. Firms currently retained by, or in active discussions with, related peacebuilding-sector organizations should disclose this in their application.

Deliverables

• Provide public affairs and media pitching support for big organizational announcements or initiatives.
  
• Monitor and identify news events and developments that align with Search for Common Ground’s mission and expertise.
  
• Develop a strategic framework for timely and effective engagement with relevant news cycles to amplify the organization’s visibility and thought leadership in peacebuilding.
  
• Provide ongoing alerts and recommendations for timely organizational responses to news events, including a clear protocol for handling premature leaks or press inquiries ahead of a planned announcement date.
  
• Propose media engagement strategies that go beyond pure visibility to drive narrative impact, align with organizational goals and shape key messaging around specific developments.
  
• Offer editorial support for creating high-quality, rapid-response materials, including press releases, op-eds, statements, and other emerging content, to address newsworthy events.
  
• Ensure alignment with organizational messaging and positioning.
  
• Provide editorial guidance for op-eds or feature articles on timely topics related to peace and conflict.
  
• Secure placements in major international publications to elevate the organization’s voice in global discussions.
  
• Develop a deep understanding of Search for Common Ground’s work and objectives to craft media pitches and execute successful newsjacking initiatives.
  
• Identify and capitalize on opportunities to position the organization as a key voice in peacebuilding.
  
• Conduct one comprehensive training session for global staff to enhance their skills in engaging with the media, including best practices for interviews and public appearances.
  
• Facilitate tier one media appearances for Search leadership or staff, or features on our work, in high-profile international outlets across US, UK, and Europe (focusing on Germany, France, Sweden and Switzerland, among others) to discuss timely and relevant issues in global peacebuilding.
  
• Sustain narrative management for a minimum of 4–6 weeks following any major announcement, including responding to sector, donor, and partner reaction as it plays out in press.
  
• Respond to rapid-response requests within 24 hours of being briefed by Search’s comms team.

Duration

September 15, 2026 – December 31, 2026, with the potential for extension based on satisfaction with services delivered. The scope may also broaden to enable the organization to build a stronger framework for media engagement.

Team & Exclusivity Requirements

Firms must specify which named individuals will staff the account, including the proportion of senior/partner-level time versus account support. Given the sensitivity of the work in this window, the firm must not represent any other client with a direct interest in the same announcements during the contract period.

Application Requirements

Interested firms are invited to submit their application, including:

• Proposed Cost: A detailed budget, including a breakdown of fees and any anticipated expenses.
  
• Relevant Experience: A summary of experience in media and press relations, including examples of past work, message development, and editorial support.
  
• Client References: Contact information for at least one existing or previous client who can speak to the firm’s capabilities.
  
• Proposal: A brief proposal outlining the approach to achieving the deliverables outlined in this scope of work, including timelines and any innovative methodologies.
  

Evaluation Criteria: Proposals will be assessed on; relevant experience, proposed approach, cost, and team’s understanding of our work.

Intellectual Property: All materials produced under this engagement (press materials, strategy documents, training content, and other materials) are the property of Search for Common Ground upon delivery.

Application Deadline: September 10th, 2026

Please submit all applications via the “submit” button above. Use the “upload” button at the bottom of the submission form for uploading the required proposal, budget and references. Please disregard the resume upload button and related skills & certifications sections.   Any questions about this RFP can be directed to Search’s Global Director of Communications, Jack Farrell, via email: [apply contact hidden].