PROGRAM DESIGN & SESSION IMPLEMENTATION FOR ASIA MEDIA FORUM

Introduction

An open civic space empowers people to come together, voice their needs, demand accountability, and fight for justice.

Mobilizing the power of people to overcome poverty and injustice is at the heart of Oxfam’s mission and vision. To realize this vision, people need space to speak out and organize against injustice and the root causes of poverty, without fear of repercussions.

Oxfam International is committed to empowering civil society actors to drive change even in places where civic space is obstructed. We are committed to building the media forum and ensuring there are opportunities for Asian journalists to expand their networks and explore themes, from inequality and climate justice to combating misinformation.

The Asia Media Forum has one objective – to be a meeting point for journalists working for an equitable Asia and offer them opportunity to connect beyond local and national bubbles.

Last year, under the theme ‘Let’s Talk Equality’ we successfully brought together 20 senior and mid-career journalists from various countries.

In 2024, the forum will feature journalists from across Asia, nominated by those who attended last year’s event, as well as nominations from our partners and colleagues familiar with the forum’s objectives. Oxfam colleagues who manage communications across various countries will also participate. Additionally, we will be joined by partners and stakeholders working on media narratives and press freedom, bringing diverse insights and expertise to the discussions.

OBJECTIVE

Oxfam International will employ the services of an organization with experience of building media networks, training journalists on fact-checking, carrying out research and conducting sessions for The Asia Media Forum on 19th November- 20th November.

RESPONSIBILITY OF COMPANY

• Event Planning and Coordination:
  Company/Consultant shall collaborate with Oxfam International’s Asia Communications team no later than three (3) weeks prior to the event, to jointly plan the agenda and co-develop sessions with a focus on digital rights and climate justice.
• Session Design and Integration:
  Company/Consultant shall propose a draft flow for the sessions, ensuring integration of content that enables journalists to gain a clear understanding of climate justice work. For the session on digital misinformation and disinformation, Company/Consultant will provide opportunities for Oxfam International’s Digital Rights team to contribute feedback and propose modifications to the session content as necessary.
• Session Facilitation:
  Company/Consultant agrees to host two (2) sessions on Day 2 of the Asia Media Forum. These sessions will be facilitated by qualified professionals who have prior experience working with senior journalists and editors across Asia.
• Approval of Session Hosts:
  Company/Consultant will provide the profiles of the designated session hosts to Oxfam International for review, approval, and verification of their qualifications.
• Participation in Day 1 Activities:
  A designated team from Company/Consultant shall attend Day 1 of the Asia Media Forum to familiarize themselves with the audience and gather insights into the expectations of the journalists attending the forum.
• Session Format:
  Company/Consultant will ensure that the sessions are interactive, non-prescriptive, and provide opportunities for feedback and adjustments to be made as necessary.
• Sharing of Journalist Contacts:
  Company/Consultant agrees to share the contact details of relevant journalists within its network with Oxfam International, for the purpose of extending invitations to the Asia Media Forum.
• Post-Event Reporting:
  Company/Consultant shall submit a narrative and financial report to Oxfam International on or before December 20, 2024. This report will include a detailed account of the sessions, and the financial expenditures associated with Company/Consultants’ participation.
• Proposed Next Steps:
  In the narrative report, Company/Consultant will provide recommendations for next steps, based on interactions with journalists, to facilitate ongoing engagement and strengthen the network developed during the forum.
• Confidentiality:
  Company/Consultant shall maintain the confidentiality of all documents, materials, and insights gathered from the event, ensuring that neither Oxfam nor the participating journalists are subject to any adverse consequences or targeting based on their expressed views or opinions.

RESPONSIBILITY OF OXFAM

• Oxfam International’s team will collaborate with Company/Consultant on the session design, providing timely feedback to facilitate any necessary adjustments to the session structure.
• Oxfam International will cover the costs of accommodation and flights for two (2) consultants.
• Oxfam International will keep Company/Consultant informed about the journalists they have contacted and invited to the forum.
• Oxfam International will ensure prompt payment for consultancy services as agreed.
• Oxfam International will acknowledge the session hosts in the event agenda, which will be shared with participating journalists and other external partners.

BUDGET

Disbursement schedule: The payment will be disbursed in the following tranches:

▪ Tranche 1: 20% of the total budget payable with two weeks of signing the contract

▪ Tranche 2: 50% of the total budget post the sessions at Asia media forum on 20th November 2024.

▪ Tranche 3: 30% of the final paymentafter submission of narrative and financial report with proposed next steps of engagement with journalists.

SELECTION CRITERIA

• The organization must have at least 7 years of experience working on media literacy and capacity-building projects.
• Expertise in areas such as digital rights, fact-checking tools, and key social issues like climate justice, inequality, and gender justice.
• Proven experience in designing workshops for journalists, specifically in the Asia region.
• A well-established network of journalists across Asia.
• Ability to provide examples of pre-designed curricula or training models focused on media professionals, particularly on climate issues and combating misinformation/disinformation.
• Previous experience working with Oxfam International, or its partner organizations is preferred.

TIMELINES
Meetings on 19-20th November. Arrive in Colombo by 18th November

Curriculum design- 1st -2nd week of November

Follow up/sharing toolkit with journalists – end of November

Narrative & Financial report submission – by December