Experienced Journalist Trainer
Terms of Reference (ToR) for the selection of an experienced journalist trainer to co-lead a two-day training with a legal expert and a CSO risk management specialist.
Background
The American Bar Association Rule of Law Initiative (ABA ROLI) and the Centre for Policy Alternatives seek an experienced journalist trainer to co-lead two training workshops (3 days each) on risk mitigation and security for Civil Society Actors (CSAs) in Sri Lanka. The workshop aims to enhance the digital and physical security of CSAs operating in a restrictive legal environment. The journalist trainer will collaborate with a CSO risk mitigation expert and a legal expert to deliver training on topics such as risk assessment, secure communication, digital security, and crisis management. The training will also address the specific challenges faced by journalists and activists in Sri Lanka. The goal of this training is to strengthen the capacity of CSAs to operate safely, advocate for legal reforms, and ensure compliance with international human rights obligations related to freedom of expression.
Scope of Work
The journalist trainer will be responsible for:
Co-leading the workshop with the CSO risk mitigation expert and legal expert to design and deliver a comprehensive and engaging training program within the allocated budget.
Sharing personal experiences and insights into the challenges and risks faced by journalists and activists in high-risk environments, specifically in Sri Lanka, to help inform participants’ efforts to develop risk mitigation plans.
Facilitating group discussions and workshops on topics such as:
Identifying and assessing risks in the Sri Lankan context
Developing effective security plans
Secure communication practices
Digital security and privacy
Physical security measures
Crisis management and response
Specific risks faced by journalists, including online harassment and legal threats
Offering practical tips and advice on how to stay safe while reporting and advocating for human rights in Sri Lanka.
Integrating information on psychosocial assistance resources and coping mechanisms into training modules and materials to support participants who may have experienced Freedom of Expression violations.
Contributing to the development of training materials, including handouts, presentations, and case studies, with a focus on Sri Lanka's specific legal and social environment.
Offering 3- months of virtual Post-Training Support. This will include:
Assisting participants in developing security and risk mitigation plans based on their specific needs and the Sri Lankan landscape.
Participating in ongoing check-ins with participants to ensure their security plans remain effective as the environment evolves.
Providing guidance on accessing and utilizing psychosocial support resources.
Facilitating the establishment of secure communication channels for participants to remain in touch and coordinate with each other.
Key Deliverables
Deliverable | Description | Anticipated Deadline |
Developing Training Materials | Create high-quality training materials, including handouts, presentations, and a participant manual, tailored to the Sri Lankan context. | 01st March 2025 |
Delivering two workshops | Conduct virtual planning discussions with the CSO risk mitigation expert and legal expert to co-design and co-deliver two comprehensive and engaging two-day training programs. One session will be in Colombo and one outside the Western Province. | 31st March 2025 |
3- months of virtual Post-Training Support | Participate in virtual follow-up consultations with workshop participants and their organizations. | 30th June 2025 |
Final Evaluation Report | Submit a comprehensive report summarizing the training, including participant feedback, lessons learned, and recommendations for future training. | 31st July 2025 |
Duration: The proposed contract duration is 06 months, from 01st Feb to 31st July 2025.
Payment Schedule:
Payment for expert fee will be made as follows
Payment Phase | Percentage of Contract Value | Trigger |
First Installment | 30% | Completion of training materials including handouts, presentations and participant manual. |
Second Installment | 50% | Completion of the two training workshops |
Final Installment | 20% | Completion of the 3-month virtual post-training support and submission of final evaluation report |
Selection Criteria: The following selection criteria will be applied to all complete applications received.
Criteria of Expertise | Points/100 | Points Awarded |
Education: Relevant educational degree or certification in journalism or a related field, or equivalent experience. | 10 | |
Experience: Proven journalistic experience in high-risk environments and risk mitigation training. | 20 | |
Training Skills: Prior experience designing training material and delivering journalistic trainings . | 20 | |
Knowledge: Familiarity with Sri Lankan context and international human rights standards. | 20 | |
Quality of training proposal and methodology | 20 | |
Cost competitiveness of proposed fee | 10 |
Application Process: Complete applications should include:
A cover letter of no longer than 2 pages summarizing how the criteria of expertise above are met.
A proposal of no longer than 2 pages outlining how the trainer proposes to carry out the scope of work.
A summary estimate of all costs associated with the scope of work. Please note that lodging, accommodation, meals and shared transport to the workshop outside the Western Province will be provided by ABA ROLI and should not be included in the cost proposal.
All applications should be sent via email including the above information, addressed to [email protected] with the email subject line “Application- Selection of a Journalist Trainer. The deadline for receipt of all proposals is 4 PM, Colombo time, on 10th January 2025. No applications will be accepted after this date.