English to Africa -South Sudan -Web and Social Mediator Editor.docx

STATEMENT OF WORK

Non-Personal Services Web and Social Media Editor 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) or from an external location suitable to perform all duties, as mutually agreed to with the Contracting Officer.

Web / Social Media Editor

Contractor is contracted to work as part of a team preparing and broadcasting news content for VOA’s South Sudan Project. Contractor will have up to five assignments per week, normally Monday-Friday, but also including weekends and holidays, as necessary. An assignment is defined as editing and posting on the web all relevant stories used in a South Sudan show on any given day.

STATEMENT OF WORK –

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. Preparing news reports, feature stories, background analysis, and interviews for the South Sudan Project’s webpage.

3. Coordinating daily with the news team, to discuss coverage.

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

5. Editing reports and scripts to ensure accuracy, comprehensiveness, balance, and fairness. Editing all materials to ensure that they conform to VOA style and guidelines, and that they fit the requirements of the VOA internet site.

6. In consultation with the Managing Editor, coordinating video coverage for the web by stringers based in South Sudan and elsewhere. Working with stringers to guide appropriate video collection and storytelling. Editing video inputs from stringers and posting on the web as appropriate.

7. Monitoring broadcasts and web page posts to ensure reports are balanced and comprehensive in nature, and professional in execution

8. Overseeing social media initiatives that are appropriate and effective to increase interactivity with the target audience

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

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

11. 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

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

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

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

15. 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

16. Contractor reports to the South Sudan Project Coordinator, under the overall guidance of the Chief of 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

Web and Social Media Editor

1. At least 3 years’ experience as a reporter/editor with a national or international broadcast news organization, preparing content for the internet

1. 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

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

1. Demonstrated ability to create exclusive and distinctive content and able to think creatively about how to communicate that content to an African 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)