Expression of Interest (EOI) – Consultancy services to build Capacity of local radio stations in Karamoja and Acholi Sub-regions

Mercy Corps has been operating in Uganda since 2006 and works to catalyze change makers within the private sector, civil society and government to create economically dynamic, healthy and secure communities. Our works focus on building resilience and enable economic growth, improve opportunities to attain better health and nutrition, and improved governance and conflict management. We implement programs in the districts of Pader, Kitgum, Gulu, Agago, and Lamwo in Acholi and entire Karamoja as well as eastern Uganda with funding from USAID, USDA, Walmart Foundation, SDC, DFID as well as other private donations.
Improved access to timely and relevant information is one of the interventions that programs focus on. Local media specifically radio stations are key actors in this sector. However, capacity limitations to design and broadcast interactive and quality programs remain a challenge.
To this end Mercy Corps is looking to hire the services of a consultant to build the capacity of targeted stations, therefore invites eligible, qualified and interested individuals and/or firms to submit technical and financial proposals to Mercy Corps.
Objectives of the assignment
The main purpose of this assignment is to identify capacity gaps of the targeted radio stations and design intervention plans that aim at improving the quality of programs, sponsor and listenership bases.
Specifically the consultant will:
· Conduct comprehensive capacity gap assessment of targeted radio stations in Karamoja and Acholi
· Design and implement a comprehensive capacity building interventions that are informed by findings of the assessment
Scope of work
The project will be implemented in Karamoja and Acholi regions with selected radio stations, a maximum of two. Specific responsibilities of the consultant include the following;

• Review of relevant Mercy Corps program documents
• Discussion with program team on the program approach and relevant contextual information
• Discussion on the implementation plan of the proposed media capacity support project including approaches, studies/assessment, tools, coverage and sustainability strategies.
• Implementation of the proposed media capacity support project for the specified period of time as per the agreed time frame
• Assist radio stations in developing a business model, guidelines and strategic documents to assist targeted media in the production and broadcast of sustainable business oriented radio programs
• Conduct monitoring and evaluation including the extent to which new business models are adopted by the media, program progress against the set objectives, sustainability and impact of program on listeners in the project area

Deliverables
The consultancy firm is expected to deliver the following;

• Media capacity building expression of interest and brief proposal (not more than four pages)
• Media capacity assessment report that includes capacity building plan
• Monthly progress report
• Final report that includes assignment structure and lessons learned

Project duration
The proposed duration of this project is for a total of 50 working days in the period of October 2015 to January 2016.
Competencies of the consultancy firm
The successful consultant will have the following key competencies.

• Solid experience in media capacity support
• Experience commercial radio programming
• Familiarity with the project area including the local economy and existing local medias

Consultancy work proposal submission specifications
Interested applicants should submit expression of interest for this assignment that includes:

• Description of the assignment
• Approaches to the assignment and implementation plan
• Curriculum Vitae
• Consultancy fees (Financial Proposal)
• Any other relevant information to the assignment

How to apply:

Proposal submission
Interested consultancy firms can submit their technical and financial proposal by email or hard copy to the following address not later than 25th September, 2015 to the following addresses;
· Email submissions: consultant@ug.mercycorps.org
· Hard Copy Submissions:
Kampala Office, Plot No 1188-1190
P. O. Box 32021, Clock Tower
Ggaba Road, Embassy Plaza Building, 4th Floor.
Note that Hard copies MUSTbe in Sealed Envelops clearly marked with Consultancy details and addressed to Operations Department Mercy Corps Uganda.
For further inquiries, send email to address provided above or contact Mercy Corps on;0414 501014/ 0393265358.