Now Accepting Proposals: Wahba Institute for Strategic Competition Contractor

The Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars (Wilson Center) through its Wahba Institute for Strategic Competition (WISC), requests bids for the provision of research services and related activities as listed in the Statement of Work (SOW) below. In conjunction with the WISC Director, the contractor will develop scholarship-driven research and develop a network of experts for the dissemination of WISC’s events and published work products. The programmatic and research agenda will be determined by the WISC Director and is anticipated to include a primary focus on bolstering private investment in infrastructure in emerging markets and on shock-free energy transition including fostering a market-driven, technology neutral decarbonization. In addition, it could include supporting WISC activities related to promoting resilient supply chains and enhancing trade relations.

Statement of Work

1. Programmatic Research and Content Development – 60%

• Conduct independent and team-based research and analysis on:
  • Bolstering private investment in infrastructure in emerging markets. This includes evaluating strategies for activating greater private infrastructure investment by the US International Development Finance Corporation and The US Export Import Bank in collaboration with other Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) and Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs). This will also include assisting with a grant focused on financing strategically important infrastructure projects in the Indo-Pacific. 
  • Fostering a market-driven, technology neutral decarbonization. This includes methods for fostering a market driven approach such as carbon or carbon intensity measurement and carbon border adjustment mechanisms. It includes exploring the full range of paths to decarbonization including hydrogen, nuclear, and methane abatement to make natural gas more attractive as a bridge fuel and carbon capture. 
• Stays current on developments in bolstering private investment in infrastructure in emerging markets and on shock-free energy transition.
• Develops, co-authors or edits written materials (reports, policy briefs, journal articles, blog posts, op-eds) related to programmatic research articles to be published on the Internet and for Wilson Center publications.
• Plan, organize, and deliver events highlighting Wilson Center scholarship on infrastructure, energy or commercial policies. The meetings may be private-facing workshops that contribute to research or public facing events (in person, online or hybrid).
• Identifies and selects appropriate speakers for public events.
• Serves as a resource for thought leadership for event moderation, media requests, and external publications, as required.

2.  Outreach and Partnerships – 20%

• Develops and implements outreach strategies, including identifying and approaching new partners relating to WISC priorities and research areas.
• Manages the program’s social media platforms on a daily basis to ensure that they reflect up-to-date information about programmatic initiatives.
• Works on the program public website, including the development of its contents.   

3. Project and Program Management - 20% 

• Liaises across the Wilson Center to support intra-Wilson collaboration on behalf of WISC.
• Coordinates grants as assigned; oversees preparation of grant reports and other materials requested by funders in conjunction with Director and other team members as appropriate.
• Identifies funding opportunities and coordinates grant application preparation.

Preferred Qualifications

Specialized Experience

To qualify you must have at least one (1) year of specialized work experience (obtained either in the private or public sectors) performing the following types of duties:

• Knowledge of and experience with politics, economics, science, history, culture, public policy, and related issues to support programmatic research initiatives related to bolstering private investment in infrastructure in emerging markets and shock-free energy transition.
• Knowledge of grammar, punctuation, spelling and presentations, including the ability to proofread and copyedit material for publication.
• Knowledge of research techniques, skills and practices sufficient to assist senior staff in conducting research and implementing programmatic research initiatives related to bolstering private investment in infrastructure in emerging markets and fostering a market-driven, technology neutral decarbonization.
• Knowledge of administrative regulations and procedures to support program in the areas of event management and logistic coordination, and outreach.
• Ability to cultivate partnerships with internal and external partners.
• Comprehensive knowledge of automated hardware and software programs to accomplish mission of the program.

Education

Graduate degree in international affairs, economics or business

Term of Contract

This is a fixed-price contract for a 12-month period with the Wilson Center retaining the sole option to extend the contract for similar services for 2 (two) six-month periods. Renewal beyond 12 months is contingent upon: 1) the need for the service still exists, 2) acceptance and approval by the program during the respective contract period, 3) availability of funds from which payment for contract purposes can be made, and 4) the contract price for services to be provided under the optional periods shall be in accordance with the contractor's quote.

The contractor will be paid in monthly increments upon submission of invoice by the contractor.

This contract may require domestic and/or international travel at the discretion of the program.

How to Submit a Bid

Bids should include a resume or CV, pricing (ensure that base year and option period pricing is included, as well as an allowance for travel), and a cover letter that includes a statement of interest and qualifications relevant to the work. The contractor must have a valid passport and valid and active SAM registration at the time of award.

Proposals should be submitted to wisc@wilsoncenter.org by Friday, December 6, 2024.