Objectives

The primary objective of the tender is to appoint a qualified service provider to deliver Media Buying and Planning Services on a project basis and/or for a 12-month period. The aim is to develop and execute strategic media campaigns that enhance SAWS's brand visibility, public engagement, and communication of critical weather information, including warnings and educational content. The partnership seeks to improve current media processes, ensure effective reach across diverse demographics, and maximize return on media investments.

Scope

The scope of work includes:

• Developing media strategies aligned with SAWS's marketing and communication objectives.
• Planning and executing media placements across various channels, including digital, social media, TV, radio, and digital news platforms.
• Negotiating media buys based on proposed schedules and ensuring proof of placements.
• Utilizing key media channels such as national, regional, and community stations in all 11 official languages, as well as digital platforms like LinkedIn, YouTube, SEM, and partnerships with major news publishers.
• Providing comprehensive reporting on campaign performance metrics (GRPs, ROI, reach, engagement) and managing make-good opportunities.
• Handling media cost components, including commissions, rebates, and pass-through discounts, with transparent invoicing.
• Developing ROI metrics and providing rate cards demonstrating buying power.
• Ensuring compliance with contractual, legal, and regulatory requirements, including POPIA and tax compliance.

Technical Requirements

The technical requirements for the tender include:

• Proven experience of at least 5 years in media buying and planning, with demonstrated expertise in government/public or private sectors.
• Accredited media agency status approved by SAWS.
• Capability to develop integrated media strategies, including platform selection, media mix, reach, and frequency planning.
• Proficiency in digital tools and platforms such as Google Ads, Meta Blueprint, DV360, TTD, Google Analytics, Looker Studio, SQL, and AI-driven marketing tools.
• Qualified personnel with relevant certifications (e.g., Google Ads, Meta, Programmatic, Analytics) and experience in media planning, buying, and data analysis.
• Capacity to produce creative content such as animations, social media clips, and other digital assets.
• Ability to provide detailed, transparent invoices, including media costs, agency commissions, and rebates, with pass-through of discounts.
• Compliance with all legal and regulatory frameworks, including POPIA and tax verification via SARS.
• Capacity for ongoing reporting, ROI analysis, and strategic recommendations for future campaigns.

Skills Requirements

The successful bidder must demonstrate:

• At least 5 years of experience in media planning and buying, with a proven track record in government or private sector campaigns.
• Qualified and certified team members in digital marketing, media planning, and data analytics.
• Strong strategic and creative skills to develop innovative media campaigns tailored to diverse audiences.
• Excellent negotiation skills for media placement and cost management.
• Proficiency in digital marketing tools, analytics platforms, and content creation software.
• Ability to produce detailed reports, insights, and ROI metrics to inform decision-making.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills to work closely with SAWS and adapt strategies as needed.
• Capacity to handle multiple media channels and deliver integrated campaigns within specified timelines and budgets.