PATH Zambia Latest Job Recruitment – June 2017


Job Title: Podcast Consultancy

Consultancy for the Production of the BID Learning  Network (BLN) Podcast                           

Terms of Reference

1.0. Background

The BID Initiative seeks to enhance immunization and overall health service delivery in Zambia. The program is led by PATH in collaboration with the Zambia Ministry of Health and is supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation with a view to creating an enabling environment for reliable, easily accessible and actionable data for improved health outcomes through improved data collection, quality, and use. The BID initiative has within its ambit, a peer-to-peer learning network (BID Learning Network) which addresses challenges in global development by bringing a diverse and varied set of country experiences into the design and dissemination of the new strategies. Since a vast amount of knowledge rests in the minds of the practitioners, BLN members play the dual role of learners and teachers. They share their knowledge through in-person meetings and various electronic platforms such as websites, blog posts, podcasts, website resources, google group discussions.

2.0. Context

The BLN developed a Communication Plan[1] as a framework for communication support to the peer learning network whose membership spans the globe. Currently, BLN disseminates information using print and electronic media but there is need to keep abreast with new technologies. Among the relatively new technologies is the podcasting which has become an increasingly important medium of communication for BLN to effectively leverage with a view to improving its image, spread information more rapidly facilitates interaction and increase interaction among the peer learning network members. Additionally, podcasts have considerable potential value for money in that they are used to reach out to a wider audience, share learning information and leverage collaboration. To this end, the BLN seeks the services of a Consultant (hereinafter referred to as Producer) to produce audio podcasts to illustrate and share key insights from the BLN in solving immunization challenges document the lessons learned from the activities.

3.0 Objectives

The objectives of the Consultancy are to meet the communication goals of the BLN in line with the BLN Communication plan. To communicate key challenges, successes and share lessons learned from the BID Initiative solutions for immunization data management, quality, and use.

4.0. Scope of the Assignment

The Producer will be contracted to work closely with the BLN and BID Communication teams to ensure that high quality and informative podcasts are produced with the ultimate aim of value addition to the BLN google groups and improve the communication tools.

5.0. Specific Tasks

In particular, the Producer is expected to undertake the following tasks:

a) Review the BLN podcasting concept note, add creative ideas and advice on most feasible methodology of undertaking the assignment within the available resources;
b) Work in close collaboration with the BLN team and BID Communications Team to identify topical content about BLN activities and BID Initiative solutions that will generate interest among the target audience;
c) In collaboration with the BLN and Communications team, identify persons to be interviewed or featured on the podcasts;
d) Undertake field visits with BLN and Communications teams to BID Initiative sites and conduct interviews as required;
e) Write the script of the content for background and interview questions for review by the BLN and Communications team;
f) Identify and engage suitable voice over talent for narration as may be required;
g) Edit the recording into high-quality audio files for review by the BLN and Communications team;
h) Finalize the podcasts after final clearance from the BLN and Communications team.

6.0. Key Outputs

The Producer shall be required to deliver the following:

  • Outline with key concepts and inception report
  • Narrative scripts
  • Schedule of topics and interviewees
  • Rough-cut of un-edited audio recordings
  • The final product of podcast recordings of 10 minutes each (in English) presented in formats suitable for webcasting.
  • All the above outputs should meet the satisfaction of BLN as assessed by the BID Communications Team and other technical staff.

7.0. Duration and Milestones

The Producer will be contracted for 40 working days commencing on the effective date of the contract with proposed milestones as follows:

1) Review the BLN podcasting concept note and development of inception report – ½ day
2) Identify topical content about BLN activities and BID Initiative solutions – ½ day
3) Identify persons to be interviewed or featured on the podcasts – 1 day
4) Draft Interview questions and narrative script of the podcast content – 4 days
5) Undertake field visits to BID Initiative sites and conduct interviews – 20 days
6) Production of rough cut podcast – 8 days
7) Edit, master and compress recordings  – 3 days
8) Finalize the podcasts for upload onto BLN website  – 3 days

8.0. Supervision

The Producer will work under the general guidance of the BID Initiative Communications Officer.

9.0. Payment Schedule

Payment for the services of the Producer will be made in accordance with the PATH procurement terms and conditions.

10.0. Skills, Qualifications, and Experience

It is expected that the Producer has:

  • At least a B A Degree in media or relevant field
  • A minimum of five (5) years working experience in producing radio programs and podcasts;
  • Fluent in the English language with good interpersonal, writing and interviewing skills;
  • Creative and analytical thinking skills;
  • Have a clear concept of the BLN and its objectives.
  • Have a fully equipped system for recording of podcasts;
  • Additional experience in health and development communication will be an added advantage.

11.0.Submission of Proposal

Candidates should submit their proposals to the PATH Procurement Committee via e-mail at [email protected] or in person at PATH Offices, Mikwala House, Stand 11059 off Brentwood Lane, Longacres, Lusaka.

Submissions should be made no later than Friday 16th June 2017.