1.1. Objectives
To engage a consultant to develop a comprehensive training manual for media professionals on the role of civil society organization in observation, International electoral standards, election observation principles and methodologies, and professional standards for media reporting during elections, and to facilitate two training sessions for media professionals.
1.2. Background
CECOE is a non-profit, non-governmental civil society organization comprising over 175 member organizations. Looking ahead to the 7th General Election, anticipated for June 2026, CECOE will undertake a comprehensive program of activities, including voter education, comprehensive election observation (through the deployment of long-term and short-term observers), capacity-building workshops for electoral stakeholders, and advocacy for electoral reforms.
The media play a crucial role in democracy, and a truly democratic election is impossible without them. A free and fair election involves not only the right to vote and knowledge of how to cast a ballot, but also a participatory process. Collaboration between media and civil society is essential, as election observer groups benefit greatly from strong engagement with media professionals. To fulfill these roles effectively, media professionals must maintain high standards of professionalism, accuracy, and impartiality in their coverage, supported by continuous engagement and capacity-building initiatives.
To this end, CECOE seeks to engage a qualified consultant to develop a comprehensive training manual and curriculum (in English) for media professionals and stakeholders.
The manual will cover the role of civil society organization in election, electoral standards, election observation principles and methodologies, Ethiopia’s legal framework governing media and elections, the
political media landscape, and the role of media in promoting transparent, ethical, and professional election reporting. In addition to preparing the manual, the consultant will facilitate a two-day training for Ethiopian media professionals and stakeholders based on the developed curriculum.
1.3. Scope of work and Expected Outcome
Training Manual Development
○ Based on the research and identified gaps, develop a well-structured and comprehensive election reporting training manual for media stakeholders.
○ Ensure the manual is aligned with Ethiopian legal frameworks, electoral standards, election observation principles, and best practices in professional and ethical election reporting.
Training Coordination and Delivery
○ Design and schedule a two one-day training program for media professionals and stakeholders.
○ Identify potential trainees and manage invitations and confirmations.
○ Facilitate the training sessions, ensuring interactive and practical engagement. Training Assessment
○ Develop and administer pre- and post-training assessments to measure participants’ knowledge and learning outcomes.
Reporting and Evaluation
○ Prepare a comprehensive report documenting the training, including evaluation of participants, lessons learned, and impact assessment.
○ Provide recommendations for future capacity-building initiatives for media in election reporting.
1.4. Key Issues to Be Covered in the training
A. Overview of the Electoral Cycle
B. Role of Civil Society Organizations in Elections
C. Engagement between Media and Election Stakeholders
D. Election Reporting: legal and ethical considerations, source identification, and election news coverage
E. Social media, misinformation and elections reporting
1.5. Final Deliverable
● A comprehensive election reporting training manual
● A two one-day training program
● pre- and post-training assessments
● A comprehensive training report
2. Requirement for Educational background and Experience
A. Educational and Professional Background
○ A relevant Master’s degree (MSc or MA) in Journalism, Media Studies, Political Science, Communications, Law, Development Studies, or a related field.
B. Relevant Experience
○ 5–7 years in media training, election reporting, or election observation.
○ Experience in developing training manuals, curricula, or learning materials.
○ Prior work in media research, needs assessments, and stakeholder engagement. C. Skills and Competencies
○ Ability to facilitate training and workshops effectively.
○ Excellent writing, editing, and communication skills in English.
○ Experience engaging media, civil society, and election stakeholders.
D. Technical Approach
○ Demonstrated understanding of the Ethiopian media landscape, electoral processes, and election observation principles.
○ Practical approach for developing the manual and delivering the training.
F. Deliverables and Timeliness
○ Track record of producing high-quality reports and materials.
○ Ability to meet deadlines and submit a comprehensive final report including training evaluation.
3. Application and Deadline
3.1. Documents to be submitted
While submitting the application the Applicant shall, in particular, ensure to attach the following:
1. Technical and financial proposal
2. Profile of the consultant (max 1 page) explaining why they are the most suitable for the work. 3. Recent CV and sample work 4. Renewed business license, including VAT registration and Tin Number certificate 4. Timeframe
