Call for Proposals: Design and Delivery of the Ideas Bank Minimum Viable Platform
We are seeking a consultant to design, prototype, and deliver a minimum viable digital platform for the Ideas Bank a light-touch, publicly accessible digital platform to capture, curate, and share innovation ideas from across the sector.
Job details
Overview
The humanitarian sector is undergoing a period of reform and system-wide reset, creating a timely opportunity to surface and connect new ideas for humanitarian innovation. Over the past year, Elrha’s Humanitarian Innovation Forum and wider programme activities have generated a range of actionable ideas and insights. Without a dedicated mechanism, however, many of these risk remaining siloed or under-utilised.
In response, Elrha is developing the Ideas Bank: a light-touch, publicly accessible digital platform to capture, curate, and share innovation ideas from across the sector. The platform will enable practitioners, researchers, and funders to explore ideas, contribute new submissions, and engage through features such as search, commenting, and curated highlights.
Elrha is seeking a Service Provider to design and deliver a minimum viable platform that is fit for public launch in 2026 and capable of being iterated over time. The work will be delivered collaboratively with Elrha through an iterative, user-centred approach, ensuring the platform is practical, accessible, and sustainable in scope and maintenance.
Objective
The objective of this assignment is to design and deliver the Ideas Bank. The platform will provide a curated and moderated space for practitioners, researchers, and funders to discover, engage with, and contribute ideas emerging from Elrha’s innovation-focused work.
By the end of the contract, Elrha will have a user-centred minimum viable product (MVP) ready for external launch, supported by clear and proportionate approaches to moderation, governance, and sustainability.
The assignment will aim to:
- Finalise the platform concept and core functional requirements.
- Design, build, and test a minimum viable platform enabling idea submission, discovery, and basic engagement.
- Establish light-touch moderation and governance arrangements, including data protection considerations.
- Develop a transition and sustainability plan for maintaining, iterating, or responsibly archiving the platform following the pilot phase.
Timeline
Deadline for proposals: 23:59 GMT on Monday 5 January 2026
Project start: 19 January 2026
Final deliverables: 15 March 2026
Only service providers with availability to meet this timeframe should consider participating in this tender.
How to apply
Full application details and submission instructions are available in the Call for Proposals.
Interested service providers should submit a Technical Proposal following the guidance included in the Call for Proposals.
Documents you require are:
Schedule 1: Cost Structure Proposal
Annex 1: Proposal Submission Letter (Template)
Annex 2: Non-Collusive Proposal Certificate (Template)
Annex 3: Terms And Conditions Acceptance Letter (Template)
Annex 4: Bidder Information Questionnaire
Appendix 1: Elrha Contract Terms and conditions
Appendix 2: Elrha Incident Prevention and Management Policy
Deadline: Proposals must be submitted by 23:59 GMT on Monday 5 January 2026
Please submit the Technical and Cost Structure Proposals, the completed Annex 1 & 2 & 3,and any supporting documents (as relevant) (the ‘Proposal’), to Dan Amias, as per thefollowing instructions:
- Email address: [email protected], with [email protected] in copy
- Subject line: Call for Proposals – Design and Delivery of the Ideas Bank Minimum Viable Platform – [your organisations name]
- Signed with the name and title of the person making the submission
Submissions emailed to any other Elrha email address will not be considered. Submissions not following the ‘subject line’ instructions might not be considered.
About Elrha
Elrha is a global organisation that finds solutions to complex humanitarian problems through research and innovation. We fund and support projects that go on to shape the way in which people across the world are supported during a crisis. We’re an established and respected part of the humanitarian community, working closely and meaningfully with our fellow networks and actors to make change happen.
Read our strategy: Shaping the future: our strategy for research and innovation in humanitarian response 2023 – 2040. It sets out how we’ll work with our community to realise its potential in humanitarian response, and how we’ll capture the real change and improvements to the lives of people affected by crisis.
Commitment to diversity and inclusion
At Elrha, we view diversity as a strength and reflect this in our hiring practices and culture. A diverse workforce helps us tackle the complex challenges of the humanitarian sector.
We strive to create an inclusive environment where all team members feel valued and empowered. Our initiatives promote equality and ensure that everyone has a voice in shaping our organization and the communities we serve.
What do we do?
Elrha is dedicated to improving humanitarian outcomes by funding innovative projects and studies worldwide.
We focus on critical areas such as health, education, and emergency response to address the evolving needs of vulnerable populations. Through our strategic partnerships and rigorous research, we aim to drive impactful change and enhance the effectiveness of humanitarian efforts.
Why Work for Us?
At Elrha, we foster a collaborative and inclusive culture that empowers our team to create meaningful impact in the humanitarian sector.
Our commitment to diversity, innovation, and professional development ensures that everyone has a voice and the opportunity to grow. Join us in our mission to drive positive change!
Meet our team
Our dedicated staff and governance groups are at the heart of everything we do. Our team, trustees, and advisers, join us from diverse backgrounds, bringing unique expertise and experience to our work to find solutions to complex humanitarian problems.
