Introduction

BBC Media Action is an International NGO working in Ethiopia since 2001 as a registered charity with the Charities and Societies Agency (CSA) under registration number 1118 and Ministry of Communication under a bilateral agreement. BBC Media Action uses media and communications to reduce poverty and promote human rights in countries around the world. Our aim is to inform, connect and empower people around the world. In Ethiopia we predominantly work on health, migration and resilience building focused mass media projects.

Objectives

BBC Media Action is looking to hire a consultant to support the development and production of a series of training audio modules for Ethiopian journalists. These training modules will focus on covering health emergencies (with a specific focus on the Coronavirus pandemic and COVID-19) and tackling mis/disinformation. This piece of work is funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). The project will provide training to journalists to support them to cover the pandemic accurately, safely, and professionally. To do this, BBC Media Action plans to produce short audio training modules in Amharic and Afaan Oromo to be disseminated to journalists. The training modules – delivered remotely in MP3 format – will cover topics including fact checking, safe reporting and combatting misinformation as tools to increase their skills and capacity to report on the COVID-19 pandemic. In a context where physical travel and personal interaction is challenging, the proposed format and model of delivery may be the most effective method of reaching journalists in the Amhara and Oromia regions of Ethiopia.

BBC Media Action aims to produce 6 (six) audio training modules each in Amharic and Oromo languages on the following themes:

• Effective communication around COVID-19
• Generating content on COVID-19
• Choosing contributors for COVID-19 programme-making
• Understanding misinformation
• Dealing with COVID-19 misinformation, rumors, and fact-checking
• Production safety for journalists and contributors 

The Consultant will be responsible for developing simple, concise and short scripts which will be recorded in the two languages. The successful candidate will be required to deliver the scripts in both Amharic and Oromo languages within a time period of 6 weeks.

BBC Media Action will endeavor to provide the consultant with as much information as possible to enable them to develop a comprehensive and innovative response. The consultant will also be required to source their own information/resources that will help them deliver high quality work.

Key responsibilities:

• Develop scripts for six audio training modules on the themes identified in both Amharic and Afaan Oromo to meet the information needs of journalists in Ethiopia
• Work with BBC Media Action to voice the scripts, ensuring the effective production of audio modules which present the information in an accessible and engaging manner. 

Ideally the above responsibilities will be covered by one consultant, however we will also consider applications of a high standard for individual aspects of the activities for example -applications which focus on either Amharic or Afaan Oromo, instead of both languages.

Selection Criteria

• Previous experience of journalism training and practice
• Previous experience of developing training materials and conducting capacity-strengthening activities for journalists in Ethiopia
• A strong background in media development is desirable
• A deep understanding of the media landscape and culture in Ethiopia and specifically in the Amhara and Oromia regions
• Ability to use local language in a way that can be understood by individuals from a variety of backgrounds
• Proficiency in written and spoken Amharic and Afaan Oromo languages
• Ability to work in collaboration with a wider team, build relationships and work to meet tight deadlines
• Enthusiasm for audio/radio production.
• Previous work experience as a radio script writer
• Readiness to accept and incorporate comments 

Confidentiality

• Any applications received will not be revealed to any other applicants.
• All documents submitted are solely used for the purpose of evaluating.

Queries           

Any queries which you may wish to raise during the submission period (regarding the proposal procedure and / or technical information) should be addressed to:

Name: Bethel Chekole            

Telephone: +251 912672509      

Email:  Bethel.Chekole@et.bbcmediaaction.org

Conflict of interest

Applicants must declare any interest financial or otherwise, direct, or indirect, which may affect the impartiality of any obligations which the successful Tenderer owes to BBC Media Action. Tenderers should notify BBC Media Action at the time of submitting a Tender if they consider there to be a conflict of interest.

Notification of award

BBC Media Action will notify the successful applicant(s) in writing. If agreement is reached with the successful applicant, then BBC Media Action will notify the unsuccessful applicant(s) as soon as is reasonably practical.

Inducement

The offering of inducement of any kind in relation to obtaining this or any other contract with BBC Media Action will automatically disqualify and may constitute a criminal offence.

How to Apply

Interested applicants should submit updated CV with a cover letter detailing your suitability for the role to Bethel.Chekole@et.bbcmediaaction.org by Monday 4^th January. Application can also be submitted by post to BBC Media Action, Addis Ababa, House 540, Bole Woreda 04 near Caravan Hotel, Addis Ababa, P.O.Box 29178. If you are sending by post make sure to inform BBC Media Action by the contact detail provided above. 

BBC Media Action has full right to cancel the process if necessary.