Terms of Reference (TOR) 

Consultant to Train and Mentor Journalists on Conflict Sensitive Reporting and Civic Engagement 
 

Introduction and Background 
International Research and Exchanges Board (IREX) is working with Association for Media Development in South Sudan (AMDISS) to implement the Sustainable Independent Media Activity (SIMA) in South Sudan. The project (SIMA) aims to improve South Sudanese citizens' access to credible, accurate, and reliable information by promoting the sustainability of high-quality and independent radio operations. SIMA is envisioned to contribute to three objectives results: 

• Increased access to credible information by South Sudanese citizens. 

• Increased sustainability of independent commercial and community radio operations  

• Improved quality of reporting from journalists and broadcasters. 

To achieve objective#1 and #3, IREX is seeking qualified consultants to review literature and design a curriculum to train and mentor journalists on Conflict Sensitive reporting and enhance civic engagement. The literature review will include but not limited to The Sudan Mass Media Election Coverage Code of Conduct, Election Act, and other conflict-sensitive reporting training curricula, including materials relating to the democratic and civic participation process. The consultant will be expected to complete the following tasks: 

• Develop a structure of training materials based on the reviewed literature.  

• Deliver comprehensive training, mentorship, and coaching to 20 selected journalists to boost their Journalism skills, Conflict Sensitive Reporting, and Participation in Democratic and Civic Engagement Processes. 

Duration of Assignment and Indicative Time Frame of Various Tasks  
In line with the above context, AMDISS, with support from IREX, will bring together 20 journalists across South Sudan to benefit from this fellowship. The fellowship is anticipated to last at least 3 months, from April through June 2024. The 20 journalists will be divided into 2 groups, 10 journalists each.   

The consultant is expected to deliver face-to-face training in Juba in two batches.  

• Phase I: The consultant will work no more 4 days reviewing existing literature on conflict sensitive reporting and enhancing community engagement, and then develop a course outline customized to the South Sudan context.  

• Phase II: The consultant will conduct two in-person trainings, each training course will be held for four days with 10 journalists. By the end of the training a total of 20 journalists will have been trained.  

• Phase III: The consultant will work with each journalist to develop an implementation plan based on the learning from the four-day training. This phase will require mentorship and coaching which will be conducted virtually on areas and plans developed and agreed upon during the training, engaging each journalist for up to two hours per week for a period of up to twelve weeks.  

Qualification, Skills, and Experience: 

• A post-graduate degree or master’s in media and journalism, International Development, international relations, or diplomacy. Academic qualification in education is an added advantage. 

• Excellent English communication and writing skills. 

• Demonstrates experience in development of training materials, delivery of trainings and provision of mentorship to journalists on conflict-sensitive reporting and participation in democratic and civic engagement processes.  

• Strong analytical and presentation skills and familiarity with online training or meeting platforms.  

Proposal Evaluation criteria: 
The following will be the criteria used to evaluate the proposal.  

• Sufficiency of the methodology outlined (20%) 

• Qualification of the consultant (20%) 

• Individual capacity (20%) 

• Experience and references (15%) 

• Overall price competitiveness (15%) 

How to apply:  

Interested individual consultants are invited to submit the following by Friday, March 22, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. Central Africa Time. 

• A technical proposal outlining the methodology and strategy for implementing the consultancy, qualifications/ skills, and experience matching the consultancy's requirements. 

• Expected daily rate/budget.  

• List of 3 references 

• An updated Curriculum Vitae  

Submissions can be emailed to [email protected] with the subject line “Conflict Sensitive Reporting Consultant” All proposals must be valid for at least sixty (60) calendar days from Friday, March 22, 2024. 

Renewal 
IREX reserves the right, based on funding availability and vendor performance, to enter into subsequent contractual agreements with the winning vendor for up to three years without issuing a new RFP. 

Contact Information 
James Boboya 
Senior Technical Advisor, Sustainable Independent Media Activity, IREX 
Juba, South Sudan 
​​​​​​​[email protected]