ENI /2021 / 423-657

EU Project “MediaFit Programme for Information Integrity in Southern and Eastern Ukraine”

Pool of V-Sprint Facilitators

TERMS OF REFERENCE

1.     Project Description

DW Akademie, Germany’s leading organisation for international media development department of Deutsche Welle, in partnership with Transtele Canal France International (CFI) and Lithuanian Radio and Television (LRT) implement the project “MediaFit Programme for Information Integrity in southern and eastern Ukraine” (ENI/2021/423-657).

DW Akademie is Deutsche Welle’s centre for international media development, journalism training and knowledge transfer. Our projects strengthen the human right to freedom of expression and unhindered access to information. DW Akademie empowers people worldwide to make independent decisions based on reliable facts and constructive dialogue.

The 36-month project is financed by the European Union and co-financed by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development. It is aimed at enhancing the information integrity in Ukraine and the resilience of Ukraine’s media against hybrid threats, including the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic.

2.    Overall Objective of the Assignment

The purpose of the involvement of the pool of international or local trainers/facilitators  is conducting online interactive assessment of selected target independent media using the V-Sprint instrument.  The Viability-Sprint (V-Sprint) is a fast-paced, interactive assessment process for media outlets developed by DW Akademie. It allows outlets to explore and validate their viability, but also to design or re-adjust strategies in response to shifting political and socio-economic environments. 

Based on DW Akademie’s  Media Viability concept, V-Sprint assesses different issues such as quality of content, audience engagement and financial sustainability. The assessment also helps to clarify how these areas are interconnected.

Overall, the main objective is for participating media outlets to become more well-versed in relevant strategies for producing quality content that is relevant to their audiences and ultimately to be able to survive financially. The V-Sprint is facilitated by two certified trainers who are experienced in working with journalism start-ups, fundraising with international donors, media development and media viability. 

The results achieved by the V-Sprint application will lead to producing a draft business strategy of each organization which in its turn will lay down a base for development of the Media Viability Programme of the project.

3.    Expected Deliverables

• Online facilitation of the V-Sprint together with a co-facilitator
• Сo-write a joint report called “Viability Fast Forward” based on DWA’s template as a documentation of the V-Sprint with co-facilitator
• Draft a business strategy based on the results of the V-Sprint

4.    Qualifications

• Understanding of DWA counselling
• Experience in working with media / journalistic background
• Conducting strategic planning sessions in the portfolio
• Business background would be an asset
• Fluency in English and Russian/Ukrainian languages
• Experience with other viability aspects (safety, OE, audience research/engagement, innovation in media, etc.) would be an asset
• TTT/TTeT Training/OD meets MV would be an asset

5.    Special Conditions

• Format of work: online
• DWA provides an on-boarding session for facilitators (to be held in March), and necessary materials and templates
• Work in pairs with a co-facilitator
• Use of collaboration platforms Jamboard and Miroboard during V-Sprint sessions
• Scheduled time of conducting V-Sprints: May-July 2022 and Sept-Dec 2021 
• Duration of V-Sprint for one organization: 5 training days and 1 preparation day

Application  instructions

Please send your CV and a Letter of interest with the indication of expected remuneration (your daily rate before tax) to [email protected] with a copy to [email protected]. Please insert V-Sprint Facilitator into the email subject.

Applications should be received by not later  than 11 February 2022.

The results will be announced by 18 February 2022.