Request for Proposals from non-for-profit organizations Request to submit a written and financial proposal for a work assignment with UNESCO on Support and development of journalism entry education in Jordan and access to quality media training Reference: STMJO/JETNT/2016/10 Date: 16 December 2015 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 development, journalism education and curricular revision (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.
B) Financial proposal to be charged for the assignment, which should be quoted in United States Dollars or in Euros. 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 e-mail no later than close of business (18:00) on January 23, 2016. E-mail proposals should not exceed 10MB. The e-mail address is: b.tatomir@unesco.org, with cc to r.arafeh@unesco.org To ease the email tracing and facilitate quick processing, kindly use the following script Support and development of journalism entry education in Jordan and access to quality media training as the email subject. Submissions will be acknowledged by email upon receipt but ONLY selected organisations will receive further notification and correspondences. It is the organisation 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. Staff member responsible for the assignment: Ms. Biljana Tatomir Senior Project Officer UNESCO Office in Amman 2
Attachment A Terms of Reference 1. Background and Objective UNESCO implements the EU-funded three-year project Support to Media in Jordan aiming for increased freedom, independence and professionalism for the Jordanian media. The project builds on a Media Strategy adopted by the Government of Jordan in 2011, and the Action Plan. The project focuses on the media sector in Jordan as a platform for democratic dialogue and a crucial instrument to transparency and accountability in a democratic society. The project aims to address these areas following an inclusive and highly participatory approach. Its primary objective is to strengthen an enabling regulatory and institutional environment and to build the capacity for an independent, quality based media sector serving the entire population. The project is based on a holistic, two-phase approach and is implemented in close cooperation with the media community in Jordan, including state and non-state stakeholders. Phase one focused on the following results: Media study, stakeholder driven review of implementation of the media strategy and detailing of action plan. Activities of phase one included a thorough analysis of the media landscape on the basis of UNESCO s Media Development Indicators (MDI; focusing on the economic sustainability of the media structures; the professional and technical capacity of private and public media; media and journalist associations; regulatory mechanisms; existing media legislation and international standards), a comparative analysis of relevant structures and models from 28 EU Member States, a review of the implementation of the media strategy and a detailed action plan, the update of detailing of the action plan and procedures for the implementation of the strategy. The review and action plan of the media strategy took place through a comprehensive stakeholder process with the media sector and the relevant government representatives discussing the implementation of the media strategy and the results of the analysis. The project is now in the Phase Two that, in addressing the findings as well as recommendations of the above-mentioned study, will work 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 Strengthening community media 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. 3
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: www.stmjo.com/en. The MDI analysis identifies the need for a curriculum revision stating that the proportion of practical training in academic programmes relating to the media needs to be increased substantially and courses should be updated periodically to ensure that they reflect the current realities of the media, including in terms of technology. Key recommendation No 12 reads: Organisations providing media training and education could endeavor to coordinate between themselves more effectively, among other things to ensure that training responds to the real needs of the media sector in Jordan. Key measures to be considered include offering a wide range of subjects and specialisations, ensuring that participants are broadly representative of Jordanian society, including in terms of gender, and substantially increasing the proportion of practical training in academic programmes. Furthermore, recommendations 1 3 of Category 4 of the MDI study (Professional capacity building and supporting institutions that underpins freedom of expression, pluralism and diversity) state: Organisations providing training should endeavor to ensure that, as far as possible, training responds to the real needs of the media sector in Jordan, that it is based on a longer-term perspective, that it is available in different geographic areas around the country and that participants are broadly representative of Jordanian society, including in terms of gender. Greater efforts could be made to promote coordination among the different bodies providing academic qualifications for media workers so as to promote synergies and to ensure that, collectively, they offer a wide range of subjects and specialisations to students. The proportion of practical training in academic programmes relating to the media needs to be increased substantially and courses should be updated periodically to ensure that they reflect the current realities of the media, including in terms of technology. UNESCO has developed a model curricular for journalism that should server as the basis for the revision assignment. The updated curricular builds on the original UNESCO Model Curricular developed in 2007 and adapted in over 60 countries. The newest syllabi on journalism education fill the gap for specialized literacies required by journalism educators to respond to new challenges, including those relating to media sustainability, data mining, intercultural dialogue, global communication, humanitarian crisis, human trafficking, community participation, science and bioethics, as well as gender inequality. The UNESCO Amman office has published a call for the expression of interests of Jordanian public and private universities that are willing to engage with UNESCO in revising their curricula based on the UNESCO Model Curricular and best international practice. An expert panel comprising experts in journalism education will select universities based on their expression and needs assessment. UNESCO will enter a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the selected universities. 4
For the support and development of journalism entry education in Jordan of the selected universities and improved access to quality media, UNESCO is requesting proposals by qualified and competent organizations operating in the field of journalism education, training and media development. The activities will be organized in two phases. Phase I: March July 2016, Phase II: August 2016 July 2017. 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 2 and 3 of the project work plan for Phase II (please see below), and in light of providing well-informed facilitation, capacity building and training, the overall purpose of this assignment is to provide action-oriented technical assistance in the (1) revision of journalism education curricula to meet international standards and the needs of the Jordanian media industry, and in the (2) development and provision of increased access to systematic quality training meeting the needs of media professionals, building on previous attempts, reviews and best international and regional practices in line with the GoJ efforts. 4. Duties/Tasks and Expected Output Outcome Outputs Entry level/ma journalism education offered by public and private higher learning institutions further developed to meet international standards and the needs of the media industry (Area 1, refers to outcome 2 of the work plan) Number of universities/journalism training institutions in Jordan revise their curricula based on UNESCO s model curriculum Media professionals have increased access to systematic quality training meeting their needs (Area 2, outcome 3 of the work plan) Number of Training Needs Analysis (TNA) conducted Number of university staff change their methodologies, especially in practical modules Number of students applying for the courses and average grades among the selected students Number of annual TNA published in the form of a report Number of training programmes for 2016 and 2017 designed on the basis of the TNA Number of 20 training courses implemented on the basis of the TNA Number of journalists trained Number of courses leading to change in quality of published journalism 5
5. Activities/Deliverables Area 1 (corresponds to outcome 2 of UNESCO s work plan): Entry level/ma journalism education offered by public and private higher learning institutions further developed to meet international standards and the needs of the media industry (a) To establish productive and results-oriented working relationship with the two selected universities; Phase I (b) To analyze the existent curricula of the selected universities and propose areas of improvement based on international standards and UNESCO s model curricula; Phase I (c) To deliver analysis to UNESCO in the form of a comprehensive report; Phase I (d) On the basis of the analysis of existent curricula, to develop and implement a revision strategy for journalism curricula of the selected universities, including training, based on best international standards and UNESCO s model curricula; Phase I (e) To conduct and facilitate sufficient training and capacity building exercises for university staff as part of the implementation of the above mentioned revision strategy; Phase II (f) To ensure relevant facilitators and administrators of the curricula receive appropriate training and ongoing supervision that provide sufficient assurances for the quality of the programme outcomes; Phase II (g) To develop and implement a monitoring strategy to track beneficiaries progression throughout their learning path during the program; Phase I + II (h) To develop and implement an outreach strategy for the journalism programs and the specific curricular of the selected universities to increase attraction; Phase I + II (i) To provide UNESCO with quarterly progress reports and other reporting requirements; Phase I + II (j) To ensure appropriate level of visibility of UNESCO and the EU throughout the implementation; Phase I + II Area 2 (corresponds to outcome 2 of UNESCO s work plan): Media professionals have increased access to systematic quality training meeting their needs (a) To conduct a comprehensive Training Needs Analysis (TNA) for mid-career journalists and media practitioners (2015, 2016) in English; Phase I (b) To deliver the TNA to UNESCO in the form of a comprehensive report; Phase I (c) To develop a strategic training program for 2016 and 2017 designed on the basis of the TNA aiming to increase quality of published journalism in Jordan; Phase I 6
(d) To implement the strategic training programs in at least 20 locations throughout Jordan, targeting a total of 200 mid-career journalists; Phase II (e) To develop and implement a monitoring strategy to track beneficiaries progression throughout their learning path during the program; Phase I + II (f) To ensure relevant facilitators and administrators of the strategic training programs receive appropriate training and ongoing supervision that provide sufficient assurances for the quality of the program outcomes; Phase I + II (g) To provide UNESCO with quarterly progress reports and other reporting requirements; Phase I + II (h) To ensure appropriate level of visibility of UNESCO and the EU throughout the implementation; Phase I + II 6. Timing The assignment is expected to start in March 2016 and be concluded not later than July 2017. The activities will be organized in two phases. Contract for Phase II is subject to the 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, including the analysis (activity b) 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 organisation 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. 7
8. Eligibility Criteria The organization should be a non-for-profit entity with full respect to the following minimum eligibility criteria. 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: Journalism education/training, media development, journalism curricular revision; Strong record of engagement in the revision of journalism study curricular; experience in the Middle East desired but not mandatory Broad knowledge of the Jordanian media and the Jordanian journalism education landscape; Strong network of national contacts and trainers in the media, and in the field of journalism education; Excellent knowledge of international standards and good practices of journalism training and training needs; Access to regional and international networks in the field of media development and journalism training 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 journalism education and curricular revision. 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://www.ungm.org) 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/ - Registration/ incorporation certificate 8
Supporting documents - 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 2013 and 2014 - 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 points Up to Part One: Institution s qualifications and expertise: 200 points 1 (mandatory/ 25 points) 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. 25 points 2 (mandatory/ 25 points) A healthy financial position in 2013 and 2014 proven by null debts and the ownership of fixed assets. 25 points 3 (mandatory/ 50 points) 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 points 4 (desirable/ 50 points) Documented track record of implementing projects in the MENA region and/or other regions of the world. 50 points 5 (desirable/ 25 points) 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 points 6 (desirable/ 25 points) 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$100,000 25 points Proof: Financial audited statements for years 2013 and 2014 Up to Part Two: Methodology and work plan 300 points 7 (desirable/ up to 45 points) The Institution was able to present a sound strategy and an applicable technical approach that both guarantee a successful implementation for the project. 45 points 8 (desirable/ up to 50 points) 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. 50 points 9 (desirable/ up to 40 points) 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) 40 points 10 (desirable/ up to 30 points) The institution is willing to incorporate modern project management 30 points 9
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. 11 (desirable/ up to 45 points) The institution considered different potential risks may affect timely implementation of project activities and provided an adequate risk mitigation plan. 45 points 12 (desirable/ up to 45 points) The institution considered proper engagement of all project stakeholders and provided a sound communication plan and clear escalation procedures. 45 points 13 (desirable/ up to 45 points) The institution proposed a timely resourcing plan for the project personnel, trainers/ teachers including identification and contracting, facilities, and other project requirements. 45 points Up to Part Three: Key personnel 200 points (mandatory/ up to 200) The institution was able to propose suitable key candidates for the assignment. 14 200 points Roles, names, location in organigram, and a detailed CV of each project staff should be provided. 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 points Up to 300 points Price proposal submitted by the Organization according to Attachment C 10
Attachment B Any relevant background information/documents UNESCO Model Curricular for Journalism Education: http://www.unesco.org/new/en/communication-andinformation/resources/publications-and-communicationmaterials/publications/full-list/model-curricula-for-journalism-education-acompendium-of-new-syllabi/ Media Development Indicators (MDI) report for Jordan: http://stmjo.com/en/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/jordanmdi_en_small.pdf 11
Attachment C Template for financial proposal submitted by a non-for-profit organization See separate document 12
Attachment D Vendor Form See separate document 13