The subject of the assignment is the program-accompanying communication of the ERDF/JTF program NRW 2021-2027. The communication accompanying the programme is a continuous service that is to be implemented on the basis of the communication strategy developed by the client, which shows the essential contents of the communication of the ERDF/JTF programme NRW 2021-2027.

In summary, the communication for the ERDF/JTF programme is intended to present the diverse funding opportunities and to make the importance of European regional policy in North Rhine-Westphalia visible. In order to achieve this, the contractor should support the client in transparent and efficient communication about funding opportunities and results of the ERDF/JTF programme NRW 2021-2027.

1. Creation of an integrated concept for program communication:

The contractor (contractor) shall support the client (client) in the planning and implementation of the communication measures for the ERDF/JTF programme NRW 2021-2027 with advisory activities. A concept for the implementation of the planned communication measures must be drawn up, which should run until the end of the entire funding period. The concept is to be continuously developed. The findings of the evaluation report of the ERDF funding period from 2014-2020 must be taken into account.

2. Development and maintenance of a corporate design:

A corporate design is to be developed that complies with EU and state requirements and combines the EU logo with the funding note "Co-financed by the European Union" with the NRW state coat of arms.

3. Relaunch of the website:

The existing website of the AG (www.efre.nrw) is to be relaunched by the Contractor in the near future. In doing so, it must be ensured that it provides information about the funding period 2021-2027 as well as information about the past funding period 2014-2020. The new JTF added in the 2021-2027 funding period must be integrated into the programme website. Already in the design of the website, it should be taken into account that from around 2025 information about the funding period from 2028 onwards must be presented. The website is to be maintained, continuously expanded and adapted to current developments.

Since the web hosting is provided by the state company IT. NRW, Drupal is to be used as a CMS. In addition, the client should have access to the back-end in order to be able to make minor adjustments himself. The quality of the website must be continuously optimized. Access to and use of the internet platform must be barrier-free. In doing so, §§ 2 et seq. of the Ordinance on the Creation of Barrier-Free Information Technology in accordance with the North Rhine-Westphalia Disability Equality Act (BITV NRW) must be observed.

4. Continuous content support of the website:

After the relaunch of the program website, the Contractor takes over the continuous, timely familiarization of necessary content changes and adjustments to the CMS. The technical texts required for this are usually provided by the client. The Contractor is expected to edit and design these technical texts in such a way that they are suitable and understandable for outsiders.

5. Electronic newsletter:

To the current website of the ERDF. NRW, a newsletter is integrated with which approx. 3,300 subscribers are reached. This instrument is to be continued and conceptually restructured.

The publication of the event-related electronic newsletter, e.g. with information and dates on competitions and calls for relevant procedural and program changes or results of program implementation, is to be carried out by the Contractor (approx. eight times a year). The tool used should be easy to use and offer various design options and short-term use. Subscriber management must be implemented in compliance with the GDPR.

6. Development of a social media strategy and continuous support in the area of social media:

The existing channels of the ERDF. NRW in the social media (Facebook, Twitter, YouTube) are to be continued and expanded in terms of content to include the JTF, with the aim of increasing the reach.

In coordination with the client, the contractor develops a social media strategy that also covers content-related and editorial aspects. It is intended to dovetail all communication measures. The use of social media can be planned flexibly with the option of discontinuing media that are no longer successful and using new ones. The idea of networking is to be lived by involving partner organisations and funded projects. The guidelines of the state government of North Rhine-Westphalia on communication and information in social media must be observed. On the basis of the social media strategy, the Contractor takes over the maintenance of the social media presences.

7. Planning, conception and support in the implementation of events and workshops:

During the term of the contract, the Contractor organises larger specialist events, workshops and smaller events as well as events for the general public.

These are the following formats:

a.) Three conferences (approx. 600 participants). The first is planned for 2025.

b.) Three workshops with about 50 participants. The first is scheduled to take place in 2024.

c.) Monitoring committee meeting (once a year with about 60 people)

d.) Organization and management for the ERDF/JTF NRW Presence at events for the general public (once a year) including conception and design of accompanying communication elements and on-site support

e.) Presentation of the program at third-party professional events (approx. 2-3 times a year, all day)

8. Support in the planning and implementation of the ERDF award. Stars North Rhine-Westphalia

9. Creation of leaflets/work aids

10. Communication on projects of strategic importance:

The Contractor shall design a corresponding communication package for the Client's projects of strategic importance and provide support in their implementation.

11. Conception of publications in various formats (texts, graphics, audiovisual media):

Editorial or graphic development of coordinated content

12. The Contractor shall develop a procedure for the organisation/management of the image material, including the image rights

13. Press work: Supporting research for press-relevant topics/occasions and answering journalists' inquiries

14. Development of proposals for further communication measures

15. Ongoing evaluation of program communication

16. Implementation of monthly jour fixes with the client

17. Continuous quality management throughout the contract period