English to Africa -South Sudan -Reporter.docx

STATEMENT OF WORK

Non-Personal Services Reporter 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 with the Contracting Officer Representative (COR).

Reporter, 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 and U.S. foreign policy there

2. Attending and participating in daily news meetings to discuss South Sudan Project radio and web programming, and pro-actively contributing story ideas

3. Cultivating sources in the diplomatic community, with U.S. policy makers on Capitol Hill, and at Washington-based think tanks to cover stories pertaining to U.S. policy and international developments affecting South Sudan.

4. Cultivating sources in the South Sudanese diaspora, to report on issues, ideas, and activities of the community as they relate to the region.

5. Filing news reports, feature stories, background analysis, and interviews making use of appropriate sources and materials to create fresh and relevant radio and web versions of the story that conform to VOA style and guidelines.

6. The radio reports can include, but are not limited to, the following:

a. Short Correspondent Reports – 40-50 seconds with a 10 second introduction

b. Long Correspondent Reports – One minute to 2:30 in length with a short introduction

c. Background Reports – Three to five minute reports on news and feature topics with a short introduction

d. Question and Answer Reports – One to three minute conversations with newsmakers with a short introduction

e. Magazine Segments – Reports of varying length to fit in with requirements of programming

7. The web stories can include, but are not limited to, the following:

a. Text reports

b. Slide shows with photographs

c. Text/audio/video posts

d. Social media interactives (blog entries, Facebook updates, etc)

8. On occasion, hosting live air shows, ensuring that content and style conform to VOA’s production and professional standards

9. On occasion, anchoring live discussion and/or call-in segments that can include point/counterpoint debate, or analysis with newsmakers and listeners – these must always be balanced and comprehensive in nature

10. Completing assignments and meeting deadlines -- all reports must be of high quality.

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

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

13. 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

14. 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

Reporter

1. Demonstrated knowledge of South Sudan, Sudan and Africa, it's history and culture, and knowledge of political, economic, and social developments in the region. Demonstrated knowledge of issues that interest the South Sudan diaspora.

1. Excellent writing skills with the ability to tailor and adapt content for South Sudanese radio and web audiences

1. Demonstrated ability to secure and execute interviews with noted newsmakers, experts and officials, from South Sudan and elsewhere

1. Must possess broad knowledge of topics of interest to audiences in South Sudan

1. Adept at generating exclusive and distinctive content, and be able to think creatively about how to communicate that content to the target audience

1. 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)