Consultant To Conduct Media and Communication Channel Mapping of Media Stations and Media Related Research

Engagement of a Consultant To Conduct Media and Communication Channel Mapping of Media Stations and Media Related Research on Retainership

Background

Search relies on comprehensive findings that capture relevant information leading to media engagements, partnerships and retainerships in its media related projects. These findings provide support in mapping out stations within a geographical location that Search can partner with to broadcast her media products and to inform tailored effective media/radio

engagements to provide different perspectives on conflict resolution to help reduce tensions, challenges. These can be as a result of coverage area, location, Language of broadcast, Rate, Equipment, Human Resource, Audience appeal in terms of the time of broadcast, language, program type, presenter, etc.

These scientific findings provide the impetus for Search to engage a media house where media products are placed. In a case where a funder or donor has a special preference for a station or media house, Search engages the station based on a documented formal request.

Context

Search for Common Ground (Search) is an international conflict transformation Non-Governmental Organization that aims to transform the way individuals, groups, governments, and companies deal with conflict, away from adversarial approaches and towards collaborative solutions. Headquartered in Washington DC, USA, and Brussels, Belgium, with 52 field offices in over 30 countries, Search designs and implements multifaceted, culturally appropriate, and conflict-sensitive programs using a diverse range of tools, including media and training, to promote dialogue, increase knowledge and determine

a positive shift in behaviors.

Currently, we have seven projects cutting across the peacebuilding and development nexus and implemented in 15 states in the North-East, North-Central, North-West and South-South geo-political zones of the country: Adamawa, Taraba, Bauchi, Gombe, Plateau, Benue, Kaduna, Bayelsa, Delta, Rivers, Niger, Kebbi, Kwara, Katsina, Zamfara and the Federal Capital

Territory. This does not exclude the possibility of expanding to other states of the federation, as our mandate requires us to work in any part of Nigeria, depending on the availability of funding.

The Project

The long term goal is to engage a media research company/agency/individual/organization consultant reliable enough on a retainership basis. The successful consultant will be briefed on the needs and will handle all of Search’s projects that require media research in our project locations. They will ensure that all Search’s deliverables in line with donor

requirements are met. The relevant media engagement/research company/agency/organization will be retained for 1

year, with subject to review depending on performance. They will be conducting media research over the time frame and provide a final report. The successful consultant will work closely with the Head of Program Designing, Quality and Reporting, the National Media Specialist and the Project Manager. Any adjustments to this timeframe shall be pre-discussed

and agreed upon, in writing.

Geographic Locations

This retainership for media research will involve the entire country and is dependent on the projects won by Search for Common Ground, Nigeria. Presently, we are in the North-East, North-West, North-Central and South-South geo-political zones of Nigeria, implementing various projects on peacebuilding and community development. Most of these projects cover some Local Governments and local communities in line with the scope, goals and objectives of the project and theory of change.

Deliverables

• Terms of Reference: detailed Methodology, data collection tools, audience and indicator mapping, media sampling, Media content analysis, and timeline.
• Training and Setup: Training of data collectors, and setting up data collection systems for quality data collection.
• Data Collection Supervision: Oversight and participation in data collection to ensure quality data collection.
• Data Collection Debrief: Presentation of initial trends and preliminary findings from the collected data.
• Data Cleaning and Analysis: Data cleaning and analysis supervision based on the study’s objectives.
• Data Submission: Submission of raw and cleaned data to Search.
• Media Research Report
• Draft Report: A drafted comprehensive report in English will be expected from the consultant within the stated timeframe for review, adhering to Search’s evaluation standards and templates, unless otherwise agreed.
• Final Report: A final comprehensive report written in English (max 30 pages, excluding appendices) will be expected from the consultant after responding to comments and reviews.
• The consultant will be expected to be consistent with Search branding, connecting conflict/context assessment to results, and explaining study objectives, methods, and limitations.
• Findings should relate to target groups and project objectives, linking to the Theory of Change and strategic contributions. Includes strategic recommendations with clear, actionable guidance.
• Appendices should cover research instruments, interviewee lists, terms of reference, and evaluator biography.
• Executive Summary: 2-page key findings summary.
• Presentation: PowerPoint (12 slides max).
• Categorical and Comparative Analysis: Analysis of coverage based on pre-agreed indicators.

Methodology and Data Collection Tools

• The consultant in submitting the proposal should outline the research approach and methodology for data collection to be used, including justification for these methods related to the research objectives. The application submitted must clearly explain why the proposed methodology is the most appropriate to achieve the study objectives; they must also clarify the different tools that will be used and how each of these tools contributes to meeting the established lines of inquiry.
• The consultant will be responsible for finalizing the literature review, designing the final methodology, developing tools, training of enumerators, data analysis, and drafting of the report and actionable recommendations. Proposals should include clarity on data triangulation and key methodologies for data collection. Methodologies for data analysis would also have to be outlined with justifications and reasoning for any key methods mentioned including the Do No Harm strategies and any proposed strategies for sharing the findings of the study in line with research ethics involving human subjects.
• The final methodology and tools will be approved by the Program Development, Quality and Reporting Team (PDQR) and supported by the Design Monitoring Evaluation and Learning team before data collection begins. The Search Media Specialist and DMEL Manager will closely work with the Consultant in managing the research.

Logistical Support

• The consultant(s) will be responsible for organizing their own logistics for data collection (vehicles, fuel, and drivers), and this must be budgeted into the study.
• In addition, Search will share the following elements with the external consultant: background materials of the project including previous mappings and listenership surveys.

Timeline

• The timeline for any conflict scan is dependent on the scope of the research and the urgency attached to the deliverables. Final deadlines will be agreed upon by Search and the Consultant upon finalization of the contract.

Deliverables

• Search expects the following deliverables from the external consultant(s) as they correspond to the timeline and budget:
• Search Deliverables from External Consultant(s):
• Terms of Reference: detailed Methodology, data collection tools, audience and indicator mapping, media sampling, Media content analysis, and timeline.
• Training and Setup: Training of data collectors, and setting up data collection systems for quality data collection.
• Data Collection Supervision: Oversight and participation in data collection to ensure quality data collection.
• Data Collection Debrief: Presentation of initial trends and preliminary findings from the collected data.
• Data Cleaning and Analysis: Data cleaning and analysis supervision based on the study’s objectives.
• Data Submission: Submission of raw and cleaned data to Search.
• Media Mapping Report:
• Draft Report: A drafted comprehensive media mapping report in English will be expected from the consultant within the stated timeframe for review, adhering to Search’s evaluation standards and templates, unless otherwise agreed.
• Final Report: A final comprehensive media mapping report written in English (max 30 pages, excluding appendices) will be expected from the consultant after responding to comments and reviews. The consultant will be expected to be consistent with Search branding, connecting conflict/context assessment to results, and explaining study objectives, methods, and limitations. Findings should relate to target groups and project objectives, linking to the Theory of Change and strategic contributions. Includes strategic recommendations with clear, actionable guidance. Appendices should cover research instruments, interviewee lists, terms of reference, and evaluator biography.
• Executive Summary: 2-page key findings summary.
• Presentation: PowerPoint (12 slides max).
• Categorical and Comparative Analysis: Analysis of coverage based on pre-agreed indicators.
• Depending on the study, the Consultant should provide:
• Media Database:
• Media Listing: Comprehensive database of media houses and contacts, within the defined geographical region, categorized by type (e.g., radio stations, development bloggers, newspapers).
• Media Positioning: Categorization based on interests and influence levels.
• Rating/Ranking: A detailed ranking/Scorecard evaluating entities’ impact and alignment with the program’s media strategy, including stakeholder support levels.
• Action Plan Recommendations: Suggested media houses/contacts for Search to work with, with justifications for their inclusion.

Budget

• For every engagement, a scope of work will be shared with the consultant and the budget will be agreed upon and signed with the successful candidate.

Requirements of consultant

All the legally registered media engagement/research company/agency/organization with proven track record on organizing media monitoring and research projects are highly encouraged to apply.

Below are the specific competencies that need to be highlighted in the proposal:

• A technical proposal proposing a methodology for the evaluation together with a financial proposal for the completion of the aforementioned deliverables and a short cover letter.
• Relevance of proposed methodology to the goal, objectives, and research questions for the project as well as conflict sensitivity approaches, and quality control measures.
• Curriculum vitae, examples of prior conducted media monitoring/content analysis/media research experience (weblink, attachment, etc.) —along with the sample of the full final report of the prior assignments.
• Qualifications of the candidate(s).
• Proposed budget in relation to proposed methodology, deliverables and team.
• Timeline for proposed activities.
• At least two references of prior partners/clients in the similar projects.

Apart from the above, submission of the following is a MUST:

a. A brief technical and financial proposal along with budget breakdown (along with timeline and CV of team leader/member/s);

b. A copy of Company Registration certificate;

c. A copy of VAT certificate and

d. A copy of tax clearance certificate for last fiscal year from Inland Revenue Office:

The following skills and experience are expected by Search for the selected media engagement/research company/agency/organization for this project:

• Proficiency in English (written and spoken);
• More than seven years of experience in conducting media mapping, and media evaluation, including collecting data using interviews, surveys, and focus group discussion methods;
• Experience in previous work of this nature in vast geographical locations of the country;
• Experience working with international organizations/Non-governmental Organizations;
• Experience conducting quantitative surveys and analysis;
• Strong analytical and report-writing skills
• Familiarity and experience with contextual challenges in the geographic location(s) where the study will take place.

In addition, the consultant is required to respect the following Ethical Principles

• Comprehensive and systematic inquiry: Consultant should make the most of the existing information and full range of stakeholders available at the time of the review. Consultant should conduct systematic, data-based inquiries. He or she should communicate his or her methods and approaches accurately and in sufficient detail to allow others to understand, interpret and critique his or her work. He or she should make clear the limitations of the review and its results.
• Competence: Consultant should possess the abilities and skills and experience appropriate to undertake the tasks proposed and should practice within the limits of his or her professional training and competence.
• Honesty and integrity: Consultant should be transparent with the contractor/constituent about: any conflict of interest, any change made in the negotiated project plan and the reasons why those changes were made, any risk that certain procedures or activities produce misleading review information.
• Respect for people: Consultant respect the security, dignity and self-worth of respondents, program participants. Consultant has the responsibility to be sensitive to and respect differences amongst participants in culture, religion, gender, disability, age and ethnicity. In addition, the consultant will respect Search’s evaluations standards, to be found in

Search’s evaluation guidelines: http:/ www.sfcg.org/programmes/ilt/dme_guidelines.html

Note that all documents should be merged and uploaded as a single document.

Applications must be submitted on or before October 2, 2024

As job descriptions cannot be exhaustive, the position holder may be required to undertake other duties that are broadly in line with the above key responsibilities.

Only applicants invited for an interview will be contacted. No phone calls, please. Please see our website www.sfcg.org for full details of our work. All Search Employees must adhere to the values: Collaboration- Audacity – Tenacity – Empathy – Results. In accordance with these values, Search enforces compliance with the Code of Conduct and related policies on Anti Workplace Harassment, Protection from Exploitation and Abuse, Child Safeguarding, Conflict of Interest, and Anti-fraud. Search is committed to safeguarding the interests, rights, and well-being of children, youth, and vulnerable adults with whom it is in contact and to conducting its programs and operations in a manner that is safe for children, youth, and vulnerable adults. Search for Common Ground does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. View our code of conduct here and our privacy policy here.

Les descriptifs de pouvant ne pouvant être exhaustifs, le titulaire du poste pourra être amené à entreprendre d’autres tâches qui correspondent globalement aux responsabilités clés ci-dessus.

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Seuls les candidats invités à un entretien seront contactés. Pas d’appels téléphoniques s’il vous plaît. Veuillez consulter notre site Web www.sfcg.org pour tous les détails de notre mission.

Tous les employés de Search doivent adhérer aux valeurs de Search : Collaboration- Audace – Ténacité – Empathie – Résultats. Conformément à ces valeurs, Search fait respecter le code de conduite et les politiques connexes sur la lutte contre le harcèlement au travail, la protection contre l’exploitation et les abus, la protection des enfants, les conflits d’intérêts et la lutte contre la fraude. Search s’engage à préserver les intérêts, les droits et le bien-être des enfants, des jeunes et des adultes vulnérables avec lesquels elle est en contact et à mener ses programmes et ses opérations d’une manière qui soit sûre pour les enfants, les jeunes et les adultes vulnérables.

Search for Common Ground ne fait pas et ne doit pas faire de discrimination fondée sur la race, la couleur, la religion (croyance), le sexe, l’expression de genre, l’âge, l’origine nationale (ascendance), le handicap, l’état matrimonial, l’orientation sexuelle ou le statut militaire, dans aucune de ses activités ou opérations.

Consultez notre code de conduite ici et notre politique de confidentialité ici.

Dado que la descripción de funciones no puede ser exhaustiva, el titular del puesto puede tener que realizar otras tareas que coinciden en líneas generales con las responsabilidades clave mencionadas.

Sólo se contactará con los candidatos invitados a una entrevista. Se agradece no recibir llamadas telefónicas. Consulte nuestro sitio web www.sfcg.org para conocer todos los detalles de nuestro trabajo. Todos los empleados de Search deben adherirse a los valores de la organización: Colaboración – Audacia – Tenacidad – Empatía – Resultados. De acuerdo con estos valores, Search hace cumplir el Código de Conducta y las políticas relacionadas con luchar contra el acoso en el lugar de trabajo, la protección contra la explotación y el abuso, la protección de la infancia, los conflictos de intereses y la lucha contra el fraude. Search se compromete a salvaguardar los intereses, derechos y bienestar de los niños, jóvenes y adultos vulnerables con los que está en contacto y a llevar a cabo sus programas y operaciones de una manera que sea segura para los niños, jóvenes y adultos vulnerables. Search for Common Ground no discrimina ni discriminará por motivos de raza, color, religión (credo), género, expresión de género, edad, origen nacional (ascendencia), discapacidad, estado civil, orientación sexual o condición militar, en ninguna de sus actividades u operaciones. Consulte nuestro código de conducta aquí y nuestra política de privacidad aquí.

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