Communications & Design Firm - ESMAP 2026 Annual Report (World Bank Group)

The objective of this assignment is to prepare, write, edit, proofread, design, and produce the ESMAP 2026 Annual Report, transforming presentations to donors, technical progress reports and results data into a high-quality, engaging publication that effectively communicates ESMAP’s impact and strategic priorities.

The selected firm will be responsible for the full editorial and production process, from content development through final design and publication-ready files.

1. Inputs Provided by ESMAP

ESMAP will provide the following materials for FY2026 (July 1, 2025 - June 30, 2026):

• Progress reports for each of ESMAP’s three strategic pillars:

1. Energy Access

2. Foundations

3. Energy Transitions

These progress reports will include:

o Status updates on all projects receiving ESMAP funding;

o Information on all knowledge products developed under each pillar (reports, webinars, conferences, study tours, and other events);

o Financial data, including grant amounts by project;

o Results data, including:

• Number of people provided with access to electricity;

• Number of people provided with access to clean cooking;

• Renewable energy capacity supported;

• Public and private financing mobilized.

· Presentations given to ESMAP’s Consultative Group meeting (yearly meeting with donor partners) including

§ Narrative and results for each of the pillars

§ Detailed project examples

ESMAP will also provide:

• The ESMAP 2025 Annual Report as a model and reference document;
• ESMAP branding guidelines;
• ESMAP annual report design template;
• Access to relevant ESMAP staff and technical teams;
• Guidance from the ESMAP Communications Team;
• Support in sourcing photographs.

1. Scope of Work

The firm will be responsible for developing the ESMAP 2026 Annual Report in its entirety.

4.1 Content Development

The firm shall:

a) Develop the three pillar chapters

Transform the technical progress reports into compelling narratives for each of the three strategic pillars:

• Energy Access
• Foundations
• Energy Transitions

For each pillar, the firm shall:

• Draft an introductory summary presenting key achievements and strategic priorities;
• Develop a coherent narrative that synthesizes the information provided;
• Incorporate approximately five detailed examples, case studies, or stories illustrating impact;
• Ensure consistency of tone, messaging, and storytelling across all chapters.

b) Develop the Results section

ESMAP’s Portfolio Team will provide the content and data for the Results section.

The firm shall:

• Edit, refine, and structure the content;
• Ensure readability and consistency with the rest of the report;
• Improve flow and accessibility while maintaining technical accuracy.

c) Develop special feature sections

The report will include four to six special sections highlighting priority themes selected jointly by the ESMAP Communications Team and ESMAP management.

The firm shall:

• Develop the editorial approach for each feature;
• Conduct interviews with relevant Task Team Leaders and subject matter experts;
• Draft engaging, publication-ready content;
• Integrate visuals, data, and storytelling elements.

d) Draft the Foreword

The firm shall draft the Foreword based on guidance provided by the ESMAP Communications Team.

1. Design and Production Responsibilities

The firm will be responsible for the complete production of the report, including:

Editorial Services

• Writing;
• Developmental editing;
• Technical editing;
• Copyediting;
• Proofreading;
• Factchecking and quality assurance.

Design Services

The firm shall:

• Design the report in accordance with:
• ESMAP’s Annual Report template;
• ESMAP branding guidelines;
• World Bank accessibility requirements, where applicable;
• Select and integrate photographs and visual assets in coordination with the ESMAP Communications Team;
• Create charts, infographics, social media postcards, and other visual elements as needed;
• Produce files for digital and print dissemination.

1. Coordination and Review Process

The firm will be responsible for managing the editorial review process and coordinating with ESMAP stakeholders throughout the assignment.

This includes:

• Conducting interviews with Task Team Leaders for the special sections;
• Managing all back-and-forth exchanges with Pillar Leaders to review and obtain approval of draft texts;
• Incorporating comments received from ESMAP stakeholders;
• Maintaining version control and ensuring timely delivery of revised drafts.

The ESMAP Communications Team will serve as the primary counterpart and provide strategic guidance throughout the assignment.

1. Proposed Structure of the ESMAP 2026 Annual Report

The report shall follow the structure of the ESMAP 2025 Annual Report and include:

• Foreword
• Table of Contents
• Results Section
• Energy Access
• Introductory summary
• Narrative section
• Approximately five detailed stories/examples
• Foundations
• Introductory summary
• Narrative section
• Approximately five detailed stories/examples
• Energy Transitions
• Introductory summary
• Narrative section
• Approximately five detailed stories/examples
• Four to six Special Sections
• Annexes
• Detailed results data
• Portfolio information
• Additional supporting information, as required

1. Deliverables, Detailed workplan and production schedule

Developed jointly with the ESMAP Communications Team

Annotated report outline

Including proposed narrative approaches

First draft

Complete draft of all report sections

Revised draft

Incorporating comments from ESMAP stakeholders

Final edited report

Publication-ready text

Final designed report

Fully designed report compliant with ESMAP branding

Publication package

Print-ready and web-ready files

All source files (InDesign, image files, charts, and editable assets) shall be transferred to ESMAP upon completion.

1. Timeline

A detailed production timeline will be established jointly with the ESMAP Communications Team at contract inception.

The assignment will officially commence once the pillar progress reports are available (date to be confirmed).

The final report must be completed, approved, and ready for publication and dissemination no later than December 11, 2026.

The selected firm shall propose a production schedule that accommodates drafting, stakeholder reviews, revisions, design, and final approvals while ensuring timely delivery.

The selected firm should demonstrate:

• Extensive experience producing high-quality annual reports for international organizations, development institutions, or multilateral organizations;
• Strong editorial, storytelling, and technical writing capabilities;
• Expertise in translating complex technical content into compelling narratives;
• Experience conducting stakeholder interviews;
• Excellent graphic design and publication production capabilities;
• Familiarity with energy, climate, sustainable development, or international development topics;
• Capacity to manage complex multi-stakeholder review processes and work under tight deadlines.

The Energy Sector Management Assistance Program (ESMAP) is a global knowledge and technical assistance partnership administered by the World Bank Group that supports low- and middle-income countries in achieving universal access to sustainable energy and accelerating the energy transition.

Each year, ESMAP publishes an Annual Report that presents its results, highlights achievements across its strategic pillars, showcases impact stories, and provides accountability to donors and partners.

The ESMAP 2026 Annual Report will build on the structure, editorial approach, and visual identity of the ESMAP 2025 Annual Report. It will synthesize progress made under ESMAP’s Business Plan and communicate key achievements in a compelling, accessible, and evidence-based manner for a broad audience, including donors, development partners, clients, policymakers, and World Bank Group staff.

ESMAP will hire a communications and design firm to develop the 2026 Annual Report from inception to final publication.