Engagement of a Production Company – Zaza & Zuzu Children’s Audio Programme (Phase II)-BBC Media Action Retour vers les opportunités

Engagement of a Production Company – Zaza & Zuzu Children’s Audio Programme (Phase II)

1. BBC Media Action

BBC Media Action is the BBC’s international development organisation. We believe in the power of media and communication for good. We work in more than 20 countries worldwide, supporting the independent media essential to democracy and development. Each year our projects reach over 100 million people facing poverty, inequality, and insecurity with information they can trust—helping to improve health, bridge divides, challenge prejudice, and save and change lives.

We follow the editorial standards and values of the BBC, but rely on funding from donors and partners to carry out our work.

In the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), BBC Media Action runs Zaza & Zuzu, an award-winning children’s programme providing psychosocial support and educational entertainment for children aged 5–10 years affected by war and displacement.

Phase I produced 52 episodes, reaching children in Gaza, Palestine, Syria, Lebanon, and Egypt with resilience-building stories. Phase II will build on this success with 45 new episodes, deepening the programme’s mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) impact, strengthening outreach to caregivers and communities, and ensuring safeguarding and child protection remain central to production.

2. Objectives of the Assignment

The selected production company will:

• Deliver high-quality production services for 45 audio episodes of Zaza & Zuzu.
• Ensure authentic voices from Gaza and strong regional cultural relevance.
• Support pre-testing, outreach, and safe dissemination of the content.
• Guarantee compliance with BBC Media Action’s safeguarding and editorial standards.

3. Scope of Work
4. Casting & Voices

• Recruit and manage child and adult voice actors, with emphasis on authentic Gaza voices.
• Secure signed parental/guardian consent forms for all child participants.
• Ensure child participation is safe, ethical, and culturally appropriate.

1. Production & Pre-Testing

• Provide studio facilities for professional recording.
• Direct, record, edit, mix, and master 45 episodes (approx. 15 minutes each).
• Conduct pre-testing of scripts/pilot episodes with children and caregivers to gather feedback on comprehension, relevance, and emotional impact.
• Revise scripts/episodes accordingly before final approval.

1. Dissemination & Outreach

• Prepare approved episodes in multiple formats (broadcast, podcast, streaming).
• Coordinate dissemination through radio partners, digital platforms, shelters, SOS villages, hospitals, and schools.
• Support outreach activities to maximize reach and engagement in Gaza, Palestine, Syria, Lebanon, and Egypt.
• Disseminate content only after BBC Media Action approval.

4. Deliverables

• 45 fully recorded, edited, mastered episodes (approx. 15 minutes each).
• Pre-testing report documenting methodology, feedback, and adaptations made.
• Casting list with consent documentation.
• Safeguarding compliance report.
• Outreach and dissemination report (coverage, partners, and audiences reached).

5. Timeline

• Start date: 15 October 2025
• Production period: 4–5 months
• Delivery of all 45 approved episodes on a rolling basis, in agreement with BBC Media Action.

6. Vendor Qualifications

The company must demonstrate:

• At least 10 years of experience producing children’s audio or media content.
• Proven experience working in conflict-affected settings.
• Documented safeguarding and child protection policies.
• Adequate facilities and staff capacity to deliver high-quality production on time.
• Experience in outreach and content dissemination via radio and digital platforms.
• Proven track record in delivering similar projects with NGOs/UN agencies.
• Strong professional references.

7. Reporting & Coordination

• The production company will report to the Senior Projects Manager at BBC Media Action MENA.
• Close collaboration will be required with the Head of Production and the creative/technical teams.

8. Safeguarding & Compliance

The production company must:

• Adhere to BBC Media Action’s safeguarding policy and ensure all staff complete training.
• Follow BBC editorial guidelines and values.
• Collect and manage signed consent forms for all children engaged in production.
• Ensure safe recruitment, supervision, and monitoring of all staff and contractors.

9. Payment Terms (linked to deliverables)

• 30% upon contract signing and submission of production plan.
• 40% after successful pre-testing and delivery of 20 approved episodes.
• 30% after final delivery and approval of all 45 episodes, outreach activities, and reporting.

10. Application Process

Interested companies should submit:

• Technical proposal (approach, outreach & dissemination strategy, safeguarding plan, timeline).
• Financial proposal (budget in USD, inclusive of taxes/fees).
• Company profile with relevant portfolio and proof of similar experience.
• Safeguarding policy and procedures.
• CVs of key staff (sound engineer, safeguarding focal point, outreach coordinator, etc.).

Submissions should be sent to: khadija.maalej@TN.bbcmediaaction.org by 5 October 2025 with the subject line:
RFQ – Zaza & Zuzu Production – [Company Name].

Safeguarding Note

This work involves engaging with vulnerable children, youth, and adults. Mandatory training will be provided to the successful company on BBC Media Action’s safeguarding policy and staff code of conduct. BBC Media Action operates a zero-tolerance policy on all forms of abuse and exploitation of vulnerable people. A background check may form part of the recruitment process.