Consultant for conducting strategic planning for Community Radios in Zimbabwe
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Job Description
Project Title: Strengthening Community Radio for Sustainable Access to Information, Freedom of Expression, and Citizen Participation in Zimbabwe. (UDF-21-917-ZIM)
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE
Project description
Community broadcasting in Zimbabwe
ZACRAS in partnership with Amnesty International Zimbabwe are implementing a 2-year project with technical and financial support from the United Nations Democracy Fund (UNDEF) The main objective of the Project is to strengthen licensed and non-licensed community radios for sustainable and effective provision of access to information, freedom of expression and citizen participation in Zimbabwe.
In the next 2 years the project is expected to
1.strengthen the management capacity of community radio stations to enable them to sustain their operations and enhance them to produce high quality radio programs in a more sustainable way.
2. promote lobby and advocate for improvements in the community radio regulatory framework that will allow community radio stations to operate independently, allow them to obtain the operational license much more easily and to fundraise for the sustainability of their operations.
The project seeks to build the capacity of Community Radios (CRs)and Community Radio Initiatives (CRIs)through strengthening their governance, enhancing content programming and operations, with active participation of community members. As a relatively new phenomenon in Zimbabwe, community radios seek ways to remain viable and sustainable.
In endeavors to strengthen the structures and viability of these Community Radio Stations (CRs) and Community Radio Initiatives (CRIs), it is important that these institutions are guided by strategic plans to enable them to fulfill their mission.
Amnesty International Zimbabwe and ZACRAS believe that the Secretariat and Board Members are the key drivers for community radio sustainability hence the need for them to actively engage and participate in the strategy planning development process. In line with the project’s aim to improve the sustainability structures and processes of these stations and initiatives, a dynamic and experienced Consultant is being sought to assist with the development of 10 strategic plans with the input of community radios’ board and staff members.
Purpose of the assignment
To facilitate the development of Strategic Plans for 6Community Radio Stations and 4 Community Radio Initiatives thereby contributing to Outcome 1: Sustainable Community Radio stations and initiatives adopt and implement strategies for effective servicing of their respective communities.
Duties and Responsibilities
Rationale and Objectives of the Assignment
Scope of Work
Develop 10 Strategic Plans for 10 Community Radio Stations and Initiatives
• Conduct needs assessment for 6 CRs and 4 CRI’s including situation analysis and identification of constraints and opportunities for growth and development.
i) Develop the workshop guide showing all stages to be done and content that will be used for the strategy planning workshops.
• Design and facilitate ten -2-day Strategic Planning Workshops that will inform the development of strategic plans.
(i) Develop plans and strategies with clear deliverables, indicators and tools that address the constraints and create the needed support systems and incentives.
(ii) Validation, finalization and the 10 Strategic Plans 2023-2025 with detailed implementation plan for 2023-2024, and general activities for 2024-2025.
• Provide necessary technical guidance to support the CRs/CRI in strategic planning development.
Expected deliverables/outputs or results of the consultancy.
• 10 strategic planning workshops conducted inclusive of External Environment Assessment and Internal Environment Assessment of the CRs and CRI’s.
• 10 Strategic Plans for 10 Community Radio Stations and Initiatives with clear deliverables, key milestones, communication strategies, and direct guidance on implementation to strengthen their visions and missions.
• Submit Final Report of the Consultancy with key findings and assessment of the 10 CRs/CRIs by the end of the contract date.
TIMELINE
Submission of application. May 30, 2023
Consultancy starts. June 16, 2023
BUDGET
Estimated Timelines for the assignment is from 16 June to 31 August 2023 (With 20 working days). The consultant is to provide a budget with a detailed breakdown reflecting number of days and unit costs for the various components of the assignment.
Payment Schedule: The contract is expected to start on June 16, 2023, and end on August 31, 2023, and payment terms will be discussed with the prospective Consultant
Qualifications and Experience
REQUIRED COMPETENCES
ZACRAS is looking for a consultancy with experience in facilitating and developing strategies for community broadcasting.
- University degree in Strategic Planning, Media and Corporate Governance or any other relevant degree.
- At least 8 years’ experience in relevant areas. (Community radio governance, strategic planning)
- In depth knowledge of community broadcasting
- Availability and motivation to commit significant time to the process of producing a high-quality product.
- Extensive experience in assisting organizations to develop strategic plans.
- Excellent analytical writing, and training skills.
- Excellent communication and highly developed self-management skills
- Proven skills in conducting interviews and, focus group discussions in Ndebele, Shona and English.
How to Apply
Interested applicants are encouraged to submit their bids alongside detailed proposals, indicating their work schedule from the commencement to the end of the consultancy. Included should be:
- Technical approach and suggested timeline guided by the project implementation plan (maximum 3 pages)
- Case studies of previous experience of strategic development planning (maximum 2 pages)
- Budget for work to be undertaken (submitted in a single Excel worksheet and broken down into cost items.) Please note that transport, accommodation and per diem costs for the individual consultant will be covered by the implementing partners.
- Evidence of qualifications or just academic certificates and any other related certificates.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Please submit your detailed application documents in PDF format to: udfcrzim@gmail.com by May 30 2023 close of business, indicating the application ID Code (UDF-21-917-ZIM-STRAT 23) as the subject of the email
