English to Africa -South Sudan - News Editor.docx

STATEMENT OF WORK

Non-Personal Services News Editor 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).

News Editor, 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 have five assignments per week, normally Monday-Friday, but also including weekends and holidays, as necessary.

SPECIFIC DUTIES INCLUDE:

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

2. Filing news reports, feature stories, background analysis, and interviews for South Sudan Project programming

3. Attending daily news meetings with the team, to discuss coverage and make reporter assignments for South Sudan Project programming

4. Helping guide reporters to use appropriate sources and materials to create fresh and relevant radio and web versions of their stories

5. Editing all reports and scripts, for the radio and web, to ensure accuracy, comprehensiveness, balance, and fairness

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

7. Ensuring all edited reports conform to VOA style and guidelines, and that they fit the requirements of programming

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

9. Posting audio and print material to the web page to keep VOA audiences informed, as required

10. Monitoring broadcasts and web page posts to ensure reports are professional in execution

11. Tracking stringer assignments and noting which scripts and reports were used on air

12. Ensuring assignments are completed, and that deadlines are strictly met

13. Filling in as on-air host of the program, as required

14. Contributing to training sessions for South Sudan Project stringers, as required

15. Working with Managing Editor and COR to identify and recommend stringers and Atlas Fellows to perform the contract requirements for the project’s success and the equipment they will need to perform their tasks

16. Contributing written and/or photographic information and material for the South Sudan Project Quarterly Reports. Writing and editing the narrative according to the provided format and guidelines.

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

18. Working successfully as part of a team, including professional and positive communication with all colleagues and taking direction from supervisors

19. 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

20. Contractor works with the South Sudan Project Coordinator, 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

News Editor

· At least 5 years’ experience as an editor with a national or international broadcast news organization, preparing content for daily programs

· Demonstrated knowledge of South Sudan, Sudan and Africa, it's history and culture, and an understanding of political, economic, and social developments in the region

· Skillfully researches, reports, writes, and edits complex stories and edits the work of other reporters, working in a live news environment

· Demonstrated ability to create exclusive and distinctive content and able to think creatively about how to communicate that content to an African audience

· Applicant must submit exemplary samples of social media engagement and/or broadcast journalism including written copy and a broadcast news aircheck (no more than 3 samples).