Call for Proposals. Support to Media in Jordan Project: Increased understanding of the concept of media and information literacy (MIL) in Jordan

Transcription

1 Call for Proposals Support to Media in Jordan Project Increased understanding of the concept of media and information literacy (MIL) in Jordan Reference STMJO/MIL/2017/14 Closing Date 10 October 2017 (by 18hr00 Amman local time) Duty Station Amman, Jordan Type of Contract Implementing Partner Agreement Contract Duration 8 months (subject to availability of funds). Contract Start Date November 2017 Date 10 September 2017 Dear Sir/Madam, UNESCO is inviting written proposals from local or international organisations for the work assignment described in attachment A. To enable you to prepare a proposal for this assignment, please find attached the following documents (a) Terms of Reference (attachment A); (b) Background material concerning the work assignment (attachment B) (c) Financial template (attachment C) (d) Registration form (attachment D) Your written proposal should comprise (please also refer to the eligible criteria below) A) Technical Proposal consists of the following A description of the organization, including a description of its managerial/administrative capacity and the organization s previous engagement in the field of Media and Information literacy (if possible in the Middle East region); A detailed approach, strategy and methodology guaranteeing a successful undertaking of the assignment; A detailed work plan for the assignment, including specific indicators and timelines and references to the Phases (see below); A description of the proposed team, including updated CV s; Comments on the Terms of Reference, if any.

2 B) Financial proposal to be charged for the assignment, which should be quoted in United States Dollars. Your proposal and any supporting documents must be in English. UNESCO places great emphasis on ensuring that the objectives of the work assignment, as described in the Terms of Reference, are met. Accordingly, in evaluating the proposals for the assignment, attention will focus first and foremost on the technical elements. From those proposals deemed suitable in terms of the criteria in the Terms of Reference, UNESCO shall select the proposal that offers the Organisation best value for money. Your proposal should be submitted by no later than close of business (1800) on October 10, proposals should not exceed 10MB. The address is with cc to To ease the tracing and facilitate quick processing, kindly use the following script Increased understanding of the concept of media and information literacy (MIL) in Jordan as the subject. ONLY selected organizations will receive further notification and correspondences. It is the organization s responsibility to ensure that the proposal is received by the deadline. Thank you for your interest in this UNESCO assignment; and we look forward to receiving your proposal. 2

3 Attachment A Terms of Reference 1. Background and Objective Since 2014, UNESCO Amman Office has been implementing the Support to Media in Jordan project, funded by the European Union, in close collaboration with the Ministry of State for Media Affairs and the media community in Jordan. The Support to Media in Jordan project aims to help Jordan s efforts in advancing the Jordanian media to further increase its freedom, independence and professionalism. During the first phase of the project, UNESCO developed a comprehensive study of the Jordanian media landscape on the basis of UNESCO s Media Development Indicators (MDI). In the second phase of the project, UNESCO has been implementing activities based on the MDI report recommendations. UNESCO Office in Amman, active since more than a decade in the field of mediadevelopment in Jordan, implements the project in close cooperation with the Jordanian stakeholders. The funding for this project is provided by the European Union (EU), within the framework of an agreement signed between UNESCO and EU. For more information on the project, please visit The project is now in Phase Two, which addresses the findings as well as recommendations of the above-mentioned study in the following areas Improvement of legal framework, closer in line with international standards; Entry level journalism education; Systematic quality training for media professionals; Independent self-regulatory mechanism; Media and information literacy (MIL); Diversity and pluralism in the media. Under this project, a specific outcome is dedicated to MIL, namely Outcome 5- Increased understanding of the concept of media and information literacy (MIL) in Jordan. UNESCO was able to mobilize support of decision makers and relevant stakeholders on the importance of MIL for the country. A paper investigating needs and opportunities for MIL in Jordan was developed and adapted from the UNESCO Global guidelines into the national context, designed an outline of a course on MIL for two teachers colleges, carried out training of 24 teachers in eight public schools, including four principals, where MIL clubs are being piloted based on locally developed curricula. Indeed, with the project s support, these teachers have set up MIL clubs at their schools with 15 students from grades 7-9 attending a weekly session in each school, either after or before school hours. The eight pilot MIL clubs focus on the ability to access media outlets (new and old) and other sources of information, the ability to understand and critically evaluate their content and functions, participate in producing media content, as well as cyber security and privacy. For the technical support in the introduction of MIL in the Jordanian curricula for grade 79, under output 5.3 of project workplan MoE supported to introduce MIL as part of the existing curriculum for grade 7-9, UNESCO is requesting proposals by qualified and competent organizations operating in the field of Media and Information Literacy and education, to work on pedagogic materials related to MIL and to increase awareness on MIL in Jordan. 3

4 2. Objective The specific objective of the project is to strengthen an enabling regulatory and institutional environment and build the capacity for an independent, quality based media sector serving the entire population. 3. Purpose of the Assignment In view of outcome 5 of the project work plan for Phase II and in light of the results achieved so far by the project on MIL in Jordan, the overall purpose of this assignment is to contribute to output 5.3 MoE supported to introduce MIL as part of the existing curriculum for grade 7-9. The specific tasks are related to (1) update the MIL syllabus developed by the project based on the evaluation and monitoring results of pilot phase experiences; (2) editing, printing and disseminating syllabus; (3) carry out 5 awareness-raising sessions to introduce MIL concept outside Amman, building on previous attempts, reviews and best regional practices in line and cooperation with the GoJ efforts. 4. Duties/Tasks and Expected Output Outcome Increased understanding of the concept of media and information literacy (MIL) in Jordan (Outcome 5 of the work plan) Outputs Ministry of Education supported to introduce MIL as part of the existing curriculum for grade Activities/Deliverables (a) To establish productive and results-oriented working relationship with beneficiaries and stakeholders of the pilot MIL clubs established under the project; (b) To analyze the report reflecting the monitoring and evaluation results on the MIL syllabus developed by the project during the pilot phase; (c) To deliver analysis to UNESCO on how to update the syllabus in the form of a comprehensive report; (d) To update the syllabus, including concepts of gender and human rights; (e) To organize 3 consultations with relevant stakeholders (students, professors, parents, MoE experts) to present the updated version of the syllabus and incorporate the feedback into the final version; (f) To deliver the final version of the syllabus to UNESCO for approval; (g) To design the syllabus for online and printing version; (h) To print the syllabus; (i) To organize one closing event where to disseminate the syllabus; 4

5 (j) To identify 5 locations out of Amman where to carry out 5 awareness-raising sessions to introduce MIL concept; (k) To provide UNESCO with a plan of the 5 awareness-raising sessions, including specification of the select criteria of trainer(s)/facilitator(s), locations and beneficiaries, agenda, program and tools that will be used for the sessions; (l) To carry out 5 awareness-raising sessions to introduce MIL concepts. This should target in particular women and youth outside Amman; (m) To provide logistical support to four meetings with decision makers of the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Higher education (n) To ensure appropriate level of visibility of UNESCO and the EU throughout the implementation; (o) To ensure that gender is mainstreamed in the project. Moreover, the organization should explain which strategy will be applied for gender, as per below A project that is gender-sensitive acknowledges basic gender differentials (for example representation of women, men in workshops/activities); A project that is gender-responsive it goes further to respond to genderbased needs (for example specific MIL modules on gender stereotype in media and how to address it). 6. Timing The assignment is expected to start in November 2017 and be concluded not later than May 2018 (subject to availability of funds). 7. Reporting The following are the list of general reports that will be required from the provider during the implementation period Project inception report; Work plan with detailed activities schedule; Periodic progress reports (both technical activity reports for training, workshops, campaigns etc.); Periodic financial reports; Final narrative and financial report with supporting documents. The selected organization will be required to produce independently verifiable narrative and financial reports according to a reporting schedule agreed to by both parties at contracting phase, which includes both progress and periodic reports and a final report. Periodic reports and final report (in a specific template to be provided by UNESCO at the time of contracting) will include annexes and supporting documentation outlined in the report format, and a certified financial report (also in a specific template to be provided by UNESCO at the time of contracting). This reporting must include a detailed financial report with certified copies of vouchers as proof of expenditure. Finally, the organization should describe which measures/tool will be taken to ensure that the reports include gender disaggregated data and information. 8. Eligibility Criteria The organization should be a non-for-profit entity with full respect to the following minimum eligibility criteria. 5

6 The organization shall ensure following supporting documentation and evidence is part of the technical proposal. Applying organizations shall not be listed under any global terrorism list. # Requirement Eligibility criteria 1 Legal status Should be registered as a non-for-profit entity. Registration documents should be provided 2 Areas of Expertise/ mandate Areas of expertise Media Information Literacy, Media education, training and media development, teachers training and capacity building. Strong record of engagement in the field of Media Information Literacy Broad knowledge of the Jordanian Educational System and the Jordanian journalism education landscape; Strong network of national and regional contacts and trainers in field of the Media Information Literacy, media development and education; Excellent knowledge of international standards and good practices in the introduction of MIL into curricular; Access to regional and international networks in the field of Media Information Literacy 3 Working relationship At least one previous project with one of the following entities, preferably in the Middle East and Jordan Government, UN Organization, EU delegation, Educational institutions, or any similar international development organization. 4 History of similar assignments At least successful completion of one project in Media and Information Literacy or education. Reference letter(s) (in English) from the project owner/contract awarding entity will be required as part of the submission. 5 Working languages English language is a must, in addition to the Arabic language for the Training component 6 Bank account Valid bank account with name of account holder matches the name of institution (i.e. not personal account). Letter by bank providing bank account information is a must. 7 Not to be listed in the UN 1267 list The organization (including personnel/experts) shall not be eligible to submit a Proposal if at the time of the submission The Offeror is listed as suspended on United Nations Global Marketplace (http// as a result of having committed fraudulent activities, The organization s name is mentioned in the UN 1267 list issued by the Security Council resolution 1267 that establishes a sanctions regime to cover individuals and entities associated with Al-Qaida and/or the Taliban; The organization should not be debarred by the World Bank Group, or included in the UNPD Suspended Vendor List. 8 Mandatory documentation/ Supporting documents - Registration/ incorporation certificate - Organizational chart of the Offeror - Organization s profile/ CV and profile of its key staff - History of previous projects - Relevant reference letters - Audited financial statement for 2015 and

7 - Power of attorney - CVs of proposed Experts and key project personnel - Submission of a technical proposal and a financial proposal 9. Awarding Criteria # Technical criteria Up to Part One Institution s qualifications and expertise (mandatory/ 25 ) The intuition has a sound structure that ensures a successful undertaking for the work assignment proven by a good profile for the institution and key personnel, flow decision-making process, a well-established financial and administration system, and solid performance during the last three years (mandatory/ 25 ) A healthy financial position in 2014 and 2015 proven by null debts and the ownership of fixed assets (mandatory/ 50 ) The institution should have relevant technical experience in related professional areas of media development through undertaking at least one project and proven by submitting a supporting document b 50 4 (desirable/ 50 ) Documented track record of implementing projects in the MENA region and/or other regions of the world (desirable/ 25 ) A demonstrated ability to work with government counterparts, civil society organizations, UN affiliated organizations, educational institutes, or any international development/ aid agency (proven through at least by one previous cooperation in form of reference letter) 25 6 (desirable/ 25 ) Experience in managing funds with a strong financial capacity to support implementation of the project; proven by running at least one project worth more than US$100, Proof Financial audited statements for years 2014 and 2015 Up to Part Two Methodology and work plan (desirable/ up to 45 ) The Institution was able to present a sound strategy and an applicable technical approach that both guarantee a successful implementation for the project (desirable/ up to 50 ) A clear work plan; which is relevant to the work assignment and timelines that carefully considers proposition of a reasonable number of project personnel, a detailed listing of proper sequence of activities and reasonable duration (desirable/ up to 40 ) The institution considers its own financial capacity to mobilize the project within its own financial resources during the first month of implementation (should be clearly indicated by the institution in the technical proposal) (desirable/ up to 30 ) The institution is willing to incorporate modern project management techniques and methodologies during the implementation of the project; including project monitoring and control, fully-fledged documentation and reporting procedures. Supporting element Description of project management methodology and any IT tools (desirable/ up to 45 ) The institution considered different potential risks may affect 45 7

8 timely implementation of project activities and provided an adequate risk mitigation plan. 12 (desirable/ up to 45 ) The institution considered proper engagement of all project stakeholders and provided a sound communication plan and clear escalation procedures (desirable/ up to 45 ) The institution proposed a timely resourcing plan for the project personnel, trainers/ teachers including identification and contracting, facilities, and other project requirements. 45 Up to Part Three Key personnel 200 (mandatory/ up to 200) The institution was able to propose suitable key candidates for the assignment. 14 Roles, names, location in organigram, and a detailed CV of each project staff should be provided. 200 Proven professional track record of the staff to be assigned to the project, supported by adequate documentation of previous projects. Total scores for the technical part 700 Minimum passing score for technical criteria (70%) 490 Total Financial Proposal 300 Up to 300 Price proposal submitted by the Organization according to Attachment C 8

9 Attachment B Any relevant background information/documents UNESCO MIL Policy and Strategy guidelines http//unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0022/002256/225606e.pdf UNESCO MIL Curriculum for teachers http//unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0019/001929/192971e.pdf Media Development Indicators (MDI) report for Jordan http//stmjo.com/en/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/jordanmdi_en_small.pdf 9

10 Attachment C Template for financial proposal submitted by a non-for-profit organization See separate document Attachment D Vendor Form See separate document 10