REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS: Framework Agreements for Copyediting, Translation, Graphic Design, Photography, Videography Consultants 107 views1 applications

BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT

The humanitarian situation in Somalia is complex, longstanding and dynamic with development indicators being among the worst in the world. The Building Resilient Communities in Somalia BRCiS is a consortium and it takes a bottom-up approach to supporting Somali communities to develop their capacity to resist and absorb minor shocks without undermining their ability to move out of poverty. Cutting across the Humanitarian-Development spectrum, the BRCiS programme balances its response to short-term humanitarian needs with the longer-term aim of building community and household capacities to deal with the shocks that drive the humanitarian needs in the first place.

Currently in the inception period of phase two of BRCiS (2018-2022), the Consortium wishes to enhance and strengthen communication, advocacy and outreach of the programme over the next four years. In line with the BRCiS adaptive management approach, this objective will be achieved through the dissemination of project results, increased advocacy and early warning to mitigate against shocks, and documentation of key learning areas to build an evidence base around resilience programming. By establishing Framework Agreements with a number of on-call Consultants, the BRCiS Consortium aims to utilize a diverse range of skill sets in order to effectively execute its communication and advocacy strategy.

OBJECTIVE OF THE ASSIGNMENT

The BRCiS Consortium aims to develop a pool of consultants who can provide copyediting, writing, graphic design, photography, videography, and translation services as required over a period of 3 years. Successful candidates will enter into a Framework Agreement with [BRCiS] wherein the Consultant’s services will be requested through individual task orders on an intermittent basis throughout the duration of the agreement. The Consultant will receive Terms of Reference for each task order and shall agree with the BRCiS Consortium Management Unit (CMU) on the specific deliverables and timeline prior to commencing the task. The duration of the agreement will be 1 year, with a possible 2-year extension based on performance. Well-rounded communication generalists with skills in two or more of the aforementioned areas will be considered as highly competitive candidates.

BRCiS is seeking qualified candidates for the following consultancy positions:

1. Copy Editor/Writer
2. Translator
3. Graphic Designer and animation designs
4. Photographer/Videographer

1. COPY EDITOR/WRITER

a. Scope of Work

With a strong focus on effective and impactful communication, Copy Editing/Writing Consultants will support the BRCiS CMU through editing, proofreading and writing (as required) key documents and publications on BRCiS strategies, research findings and areas of learning.

Copy Editing/Writing Consultants will undertake the following duties and responsibilities:

• Professional copy editing and proofreading of documents, including research publications, reports, and information materials.
• Editing documents according to the style employed by BRCiS, using British English.
• Rewriting and restructuring texts where necessary.
• Correcting grammatical and spelling errors.
• Eliminating repetition and ensuring consistency in style, syntax, tone and format.
• Ensuring references, sources and footnotes are correctly and consistently cited.
• Ensuring appropriate positioning and correct captioning of tables, figures, diagrams and pictures.
• Formatting documents in line with the BRCiS style and branding guidelines.
• Preparing executive summaries of publications and reports (as required).
• Drafting factsheets or other external communication materials based on BRCiS reports, studies, strategy papers, etc (as required).

b. Expected Deliverables and Outputs

Key deliverables include:

• Documents are edited to a professional standard, coherent and free of grammatical errors or inconsistencies.
• Documents are aligned with the BRCiS style and branding guidelines, and effectively communicate BRCiS’ overall key messaging.
• Documents drafted by the consultant are clear, concise and easily understood by an external audience.
• Edited documents are submitted by the deadline in soft copy.
• Additional deliverables will apply based on the ToR and deliverables of each individual task order as agreed upon by the Consultant and BRCiS CMU.

c. Required Skills and Experience

Professional competencies and experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Political Science, or other relevant fields. Advanced university degree desirable.
• A minimum of 3 years relevant professional experience in communication, journalism, publishing or similar field.
• Demonstrated experience in editing, writing and proofreading technical reports and publications.
• Previous experience working in the humanitarian and development sector.
• Exceptional command of written and spoken English.
• Excellent writing, editing and reviewing skills.
• Ability to write in a manner that is clear, concise and easily understood by an external audience, applying flair and creativity where appropriate.
• A meticulous approach and attention to detail.
• Ability to maintain high-quality work while meeting tight deadlines.
• Able to work independently without supervision.
• Context/Specific skills, knowledge and experience
• Knowledge of concepts in the field of resilience, humanitarian assistance and other key concepts related to BRCiS.
• Knowledge of the Somali socio-economic, political and cultural context.
• Graphic design and visual formatting skills are considered a strong asset.

2. TRANSLATOR

a. Scope of Work

Translation Consultants will work with the BRCiS Consortium Management Unit (CMU) to support localization, community engagement and capacity building for national staff. Specifically, the Consultant will support the CMU through translation, editing and proofreading key documents including training manuals and information, education and communication (IEC) materials.

Translators will undertake the following duties and responsibilities:

• Written translation of internal and external documents (such as training manuals, factsheets and information, education and communication materials) from English to Somali.
• Localisation of content (as required).
• Proof read and edit documents.
• Translate manuals for community trainings using simple, easy to understand Somali language and ensure the contents and processes are aligned to the set objectives.
• Share draft translations with the CMU; Incorporate suggested changes to the translation.
• Translate and proofread text contained in figures, boxes, captions, sources and covers.
• Ensure accuracy of the terms and terminology used in the documents.
• Ensure consistency of style, tone and syntax and correct grammar and spelling.

b. Expected Deliverables and Outputs

Key deliverables include:

• Texts are translated to a professional standard, technically and linguistically correct and free of grammatical errors or inconsistencies.
• The Translator is responsible for ensuring high quality and accuracy of translation before submitting to the CMU. Translated documents should require no further editing.
• Documents drafted by the Translator are clear and easily understood by the intended audience.
• Edited documents are submitted by the deadline in soft copy, in the format of the original document unless stipulated otherwise.
• Additional deliverables will apply based on the ToR and deliverables of each individual task order as agreed upon by the Consultant and BRCiS CMU.

c. Required Skills and Experience

Professional competencies and experience

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in translation, linguistics, political science, development studies, communications or related fields. Certificate in professional translation is an asset.
• A minimum of 3 years of professional translation experience.
• Excellent written/spoken English; native in Somali language.
• Excellent translating, writing, editing and proofreading skills.
• A meticulous approach and attention to detail.
• Ability to maintain high-quality work while meeting tight deadlines.
• Able to work independently without supervision.
• Context/Specific skills, knowledge and experience
• Demonstrated understanding of key concepts and technical terms used in the field of development, humanitarian assistance, resilience, crisis response, gender, environment and other key concepts related to BRCiS.
• Knowledge of the Somali socio-economic, political and cultural context.

Female Somali nationals are strongly encouraged to apply.

3. GRAPHIC DESIGNER and ANIMATION DESIGN

a. Scope of Work

Graphic Design Consultants will support the BRCiS Consortium Management Unit (CMU) through the design and layout of key external documents and publications with visually compelling and on-brand designs.

Graphic designers will undertake the following duties and responsibilities:

• Graphic design and layouting of external communication materials for print and digital, including factsheets, reports and training manuals.
• Create infographics, diagrams and graphs that are eye-catching and easy to digest for general audiences.
• Layout text and other content strategically for ease of reading.
• Design according to the BRCiS visibility and branding guidelines.
• Ensure consistency of branding, presentation and messaging.
• Collaborate with CMU team members to devise creative ways of visually communicating information on BRCiS programme.
• Designing of animations on the learning in the BRCIS programmes.

b. Expected Deliverables and Outputs

Key deliverables include:

• High quality, visually engaging final products are delivered to BRCiS CMU by the stipulated deadline in soft copy.
• All text and figures in documents are free of errors.
• Products are easy to read and infographics and diagrams are easily understood by a general audience.
• Files are designed in line with the BRCiS visibility and branding guidelines.
• Additional deliverables will apply based on the ToR and deliverables of each individual task order as agreed upon by the Consultant and BRCiS CMU.
• Deliverables regarding animations rendered on learning.

c. Required Skills and Experience

Professional competencies and experience

• Bachelor’s degree in graphic design, fine arts, communications, marketing, political science, or other relevant fields.
• A minimum of 3 years relevant professional experience in graphic design and communications.
• Portfolio of previous work.
• Previous experience designing and layouting materials for humanitarian or development organisations.
• Proficiency in Abode Creative Cloud software (Adobe Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop)
• Fluency in English.
• A meticulous approach and attention to detail.
• Ability to maintain high-quality work while meeting tight deadlines.
• Able to work independently without supervision.
• A creative and strategic thinker.
• Context/Specific skills, knowledge and experience
• Knowledge of the Somalia socio-economic, political and cultural context.
• Knowledge of concepts in the field of resilience, humanitarian assistance and other key concepts related to BRCiS is a plus.
• Copywriting and editing skills are considered a strong asset.

4. PHOTOGRAPHER/VIDEOGRAPHER

a. Scope of Work

Photography/Videography Consultants will support the BRCiS Consortium Management Unit (CMU) through compelling visual storytelling in the form of photographs and videos. The Consultant would ideally be based in Somalia, or able to travel to Somalia for assignments.

Photographers/Videographers will undertake the following duties and responsibilities:

• Produce visually engaging digital photography of the BRCiS Consortium’s projects for promotional materials, publications and digital platforms.
• Write succinct and well-written captions for each photograph.
• Ensure high quality composition, lighting and editing of photographs.
• Produce visually engaging videos for promotional and advocacy purposes.
• Create scripts for videos that follow a compelling story arc.
• Ensure good quality audio and composition and lighting of scenes.
• Cut and edit videos, applying overlay text where required.
• Ensure subjects in photographs and videos give their informed consent prior to the photo being taken.
• Ensure subjects are portrayed with dignity and respect.

b. Expected Deliverables and Outputs

Key deliverables include:

• For photography assignments, high definition photos are delivered to CMU with succinct, appropriate captions.
• For videography assignments, raw footage and finished files in full high definition and with high-quality sound delivered to CMU.
• Video footage should be accompanied by raw footage log, interview transcripts, and a short description including timecodes.
• All subjects in delivered materials have given their informed consent.
• Additional deliverables will apply based on the ToR and deliverables of each individual task order as agreed upon by the Consultant and BRCiS CMU.

c. Required Skills and Experience

Professional competencies and experience

• Degree or certificate in photography, film production, fine arts, visual communications, journalism, or other relevant fields. If no degree held, candidate should be able to demonstrate a wealth of relevant experience.
• A minimum of 3 years relevant professional experience in photography, film production or visual communications.
• Demonstrated experience in capturing professional photography and videos in the field for humanitarian organisations.
• A portfolio or reel of previous work.
• Proficiency in photo editing and video editing software (Adobe Premiere Pro).
• Fluency in English; fluency in Somali desirable.
• Ability to maintain high-quality work while meeting tight deadlines.
• Creative, adaptable and innovative.
• Must have own equipment required for projects.
• Context/Specific skills, knowledge and experience
• Experience working in the field in Somalia or other high security field locations.
• Knowledge of the Somalia socio-economic, political and cultural context.
• Knowledge of concepts in the field of resilience, humanitarian assistance and other key concepts related to BRCiS.

Candidates with either photography or videography skills but not both are still encouraged to apply.

Somali nationals are strongly encouraged to apply.