English_to_Africa_-South_Sudan_-Managing_Editor_and_Host_.docx

STATEMENT OF WORK

Non-Personal Services Managing Editor and Host Voice of America English Division /South Sudan Project

1.0 INTRODUCTION

(a) The Voice of America’s (VOA) English to Africa Service has a requirement for a talent vendor (hereinafter referred to as “Contractor”) to provide services as described below. The work shall be performed on a “per Assignment” basis. In addition, the Government will reimburse the Contractor for actual expenses as stated below. The Contractor’s assignment rate shall include overhead and profit. All work shall be performed in accordance with The VOA Journalistic Code and the VOA Charter as well as VOA Learning English writing, production and broadcast standards. The contractor must request pre-approval before engaging in outside speaking and writing that might give rise to an actual or perceived violation of the Code.

(b) ) For purposes of this Statement of Work, an Assignment is defined as the specific duties listed below under 2.0 Statement of Work. The Contractor shall be required to complete the assignment by the deadline set by VOA.

2.0 STATEMENT OF WORK

The Contractor shall perform the following work at the IBB Voice of America Headquarters Building (330 Independence Ave, SW) unless otherwise mutually agreed to by the Contracting Officer Representative (COR).

Managing Editor / Host, VOA’s South Sudan Project

Contractor is contracted to work as part of a team preparing and broadcasting news content for VOA’s South Sudan Project. Contractor will normally have five assignments per week, usually Monday-Friday, but also including weekends and holidays, as necessary.

SPECIFIC DUTIES INCLUDE:

1. Providing expert journalistic and editorial advice about South Sudan, Sudan, and the greater Horn of Africa region to help shape “South Sudan In Focus” radio and web programming in concert with the team, for final approval by the Contracting Officer Representative (COR)

2. Keeping up-to-date and knowledgeable about issues, events, and developments affecting South Sudan, Sudan and the greater Horn of Africa region

3. Leading discussions at daily news meetings on important topics and events

4. Generating a list of topics for the daily news line-up

5. Providing project writers, editors and producers advice in terms of which stories should be covered and how such stories are appropriately framed to meet VOA standards and guidelines

6. Suggesting stories and follow-up coverage of developing issues

7. Working collaboratively with reporters so that their coverage is complete, balanced, fair, and accurate

8. Filing news reports, feature stories, background analysis, and interviews for South Sudan Project programming that conform to VOA style and guidelines.

9. Presenting views that are representative of the diversity of South Sudanese society, as well as the region as a whole, to the extent possible

10. Preparing broadcast scripts for the 30-minute South Sudan Project airshow

11. Preparing material appropriate for the internet, social media, and related electronic and/or broadcast efforts

12. Hosting the daily live airshow, ensuring that content and style conform to VOA’s production and professional standards

13. Anchoring live discussion segments that can include point/counterpoint debate, or analysis with studio guests – these must always be balanced and comprehensive in nature, and it is the host’s responsibility to ensure that they are

14. Ensuring assignments are completed for every day worked, and that deadlines are strictly met -- all scripts and reports must be of high quality.

15. Monitoring the general editorial and technical quality of broadcasts from preparation of scripts and related audio files to the production of shows and their realization in VOA studios to ensure smooth, high-quality broadcast program delivery

16. Cooperating with VOA’s internet staff to ensure the proper functioning of the South Sudan Project web page including regular updates, and to exploit other technologies such as text messaging, to achieve project objectives

17. Coordinating with the COR to identify and recommend contractors, stringers and Atlas Fellows in South Sudan and in Washington DC to perform the contract requirements for the project’s success and the equipment they will need to perform their tasks

18. Conducting editorial and technical journalism training to contract reporters, editors, or other journalists in the target region, as needs arise, in conjunction with the Development Office

19. Communicating regularly with VOA’s Central News and Language Divisions as appropriate, to gather newsworthy material and share original reporting on South Sudan more widely throughout VOA

20. Contributing written and/or photographic information and material for the South Sudan Project Quarterly Reports that the COR submits to funding partners

21. Working successfully as part of a team

22. Traveling to South Sudan or other locations, as determined by the needs of the project

23. Adhering to the standards and principles in the Voice of America Journalistic Code and requesting pre-approval before engaging in outside speaking and writing that might give rise to an actual or perceived violation of the Code

24. Contractor works with the South Sudan Project team, under the overall guidance of the COR, who is the Chief of the English to Africa Service in VOA’s English Division.

The Contractor and Agency agree that no employer-employee relationship exist between the Agency and Contractor.

The Contractor shall conduct himself/herself in accordance with the Standards of Conduct rules of the agency.

3.0 GOV’T FURNISHED PROPERTY, FACILITIES, SERVICES OR INFORMATION

The Government will furnish office space, expendable supplies, and equipment (e.g., PC with LAN connection, camera, laptop, fax, and telephone) if necessary solely for the Contractor’s use while performing the work prescribed herein.

4.0 SUBMISSION OF DELIVERABLES

Deliverables are submitted within a specified timeframe. This specified time will be arranged by the Contracting Officer Representative.

5.0 REGISTRATION & SECURITY

The Contractor shall possess a DUNS (Data Universal Numbering System) number and maintain current registration with SAM (System for Award Management) in order to perform government work. The Contractor shall also submit required security documents and pass security clearance.

- End of Statement of Work –

EVALUATION FACTORS/QUALIFICATIONS

Managing Editor/Host