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Terms of Reference Tunisia’s Media Landscape Assessment Update, Two Research Consultants

ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY

Internews is seeking to recruit two experts to update the Media Landscape Assessment (MLA) in Tunisia. The assessment will evaluate the current state of freedom of expression and press, taking into account the country’s political, legal, and socio-economic context. This updated assessment is needed in light of recent changes and developments that have occurred since the original assessment conducted in 2021. In coordination with the Internews Tunisia team, the consultants will lead the design and implementation of this research. The ideal candidates should be experienced in quantitative and qualitative data collection methods.

PROJECT BACKGROUND

This consultation is part of a project in which Internews is involved in Tunisia. The project focuses on strengthening key electoral institutions, civil society organizations, media and elected officials in order to increase public trust and inclusive participation in the political process. Internews’s aim is to work with its partners to better inform and engage Tunisian citizens and civil society groups in elections and political processes. We aim to achieve this by creating healthy, dynamic and transparent information environments that empower citizens to make better-informed decisions, bridge divides, participate more fully in their communities, and hold power to account.

LOGISTICS

This is a remote-based role, and candidates based anywhere in Tunisia will be considered.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, so candidates are encouraged to apply soon. This is a limited-term position with an anticipated term of 24 days; these positions may possibly be extended, contingent upon funding and donor approval.

OUR COMMITMENT TO FOSTERING A CULTURE OF BELONGING

We are an organization of dynamic, mission-driven individuals who are passionate about our core values and about supporting positive change in the world. We pride ourselves on our commitment to innovation and flexibility. We believe that diverse teams are strong teams and work to support an ethic of belonging, dignity, and justice for all people. Our current team includes a mix of genders, parents and non-parents, and people of multiple races, nationalities, ages, sexual orientations, and socioeconomic backgrounds. We are an EEO employer and encourage candidates of all races, genders, ages, orientations, ethnicities, and national origins to apply, and welcome those with alternative backgrounds and experiences.

PURPOSE OF THE SEARCH

The main objective of this consultancy is to update the Media Landscape Assessment in Tunisia, with a special emphasis on evaluating the status of freedom of expression and freedom of the press. This assessment is designed to pinpoint significant trends, obstacles, and potential avenues within the media landscape, placing a particular spotlight on the spread of mis- and disinformation.

The consultancy will encompass the following key aspects:

a. Media Coverage: The assessment will include both traditional and alternative media outlets.

·       Traditional media outlets: This includes television channels and radio stations.

·       Alternative media platforms: This includes online news portals, blogs, podcasts, and emerging platforms.

The extent to which each type of media will be included in the assessment will be determined in collaboration with media partners, who will serve as valuable sources of information and insights.

b. Thematic Scope:

·       The primary thematic focus of the assessment will be freedom of expression and freedom of the press within the socio-political and economic context of Tunisia.

·       Key aspects to be explored within this thematic scope include media regulations, censorship practices, journalist safety, media ownership structures, access to information, and the role of the government in ensuring and protecting press freedom.

·       The assessment will seek to identify key trends, challenges, and opportunities related to these thematic areas, with the aim of providing actionable recommendations.

·       Assess the prevalence and impact of misinformation and disinformation in the Tunisian media landscape, including the dissemination of false or misleading information through traditional media outlets, new media platforms, and social media channels.

·       Analyze the role of social media platforms in the spread of misinformation and disinformation, and their impact on public opinion, political discourse, and societal dynamics.

·       Examine the effectiveness of existing measures and initiatives aimed at countering misinformation and disinformation in Tunisia, including fact-checking organizations, media literacy programs, and regulatory frameworks.

·       Identify challenges and gaps in media literacy initiatives and recommend strategies to enhance media literacy education, targeting different segments of the population, such as students, journalists, civil society organizations, and policymakers.

·       Investigate the current media consumption habits and preferences of the Tunisian population, including the usage of traditional media outlets, online news platforms, social media, and other digital channels.

·       Analyze the factors influencing media consumption habits, such as age, gender, education level, socioeconomic status, and geographic location, to understand variations and trends in media consumption patterns.

·       Assess the trustworthiness and reliability of different media sources among the Tunisian population, including perceptions of bias, accuracy, and editorial independence.

·       Evaluate the role of media diversity and pluralism in shaping media consumption habits and assess the availability and accessibility of a diverse range of media sources and perspectives.

TIMEFRAME

This is a provisional timetable to be agreed with the selected consultants

Please note that the budget should cover all logistical costs associated with conducting this evaluation, including translation costs if required. In your application, please specify whether data will be collected in the country or remotely.

Note that the draft and final reports should be presented in English and be no longer than 50 pages (excluding any relevant annexes) and contain a concise Executive Summary of core findings and recommendations. The latter should be specific and action-oriented and tailored to all relevant stakeholders (i.e., Internews and the donor). It should also include a methodology section that makes explicit any limitations for the evaluation.

APPLICATION GUIDELINES AND REQUIREMENTS

Interested applicants should send their applications at: tn-tcba-applications@internews.org

Applications should include the below documentation (Deadline: September 25, 2023):

·       A 2-3 page statement of interest/draft proposal, highlighting how your methodological approach will address the scope planned for this assessment as well as describing how your profile meets the criteria (See Qualifications).

·       CVs of the researchers.

·       Evidence of previous relevant work (e.g., link to reports or PDF attachments) highlighting evaluation theories and approaches.

·       A short cost justification (not included in the 2-page limit) and estimated level of effort (number of days), as well as other relevant expenses.

QUALIFICATIONS WE’RE LOOKING FOR

To perform this job successfully, the consultants must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Required:

·       Based in Tunisia;

·       MA or PhD degree in media, journalism, or related field is preferred;

·       Fluency in Arabic and English required, as the final report will be delivered in English;

·       Experience in quantitative and qualitative data collection/survey design, implementation, and analysis;

·       Strong Experience of working in Tunisia; familiarity with Tunisian Media Landscape;

·       Familiarity with the business environment and the legal framework related to the media field in Tunisia;

·       Excellent  skills in collecting, processing, and interpreting data to generate insights;

·       Strong analytical, presentation, writing, and communication skills;

·       Extensive report writing experience;

·       Ability to work discreetly and securely;

·       In all services, uphold Internews’ Core Values and demonstrate commitment to fostering a culture of Belonging, Dignity, and Justice.

*** We strongly encourage applications in the form of pairs (duos). In the event that individual applications are submitted, Internews will ensure that the selected experts collaborate together to deliver a single final product.