Call for Application – Consultant for Video Documentary at Search for Common Ground

Search for Common Ground invites interested and qualified consultants to indicate interest by submitting applicaitons for the following works:

Search for Common Ground is an international conflict transformation NGO that aims to transform the way individuals, groups, governments, and companies deal with conflict, away from adversarial approaches and towards collaborative solutions. Headquartered in Washington DC, USA, and Brussels, Belgium, with 52 field offices in 29 countries, Search designs and implements multifaceted, culturally appropriate, and conflict-sensitive programs using a diverse range of tools, including media and training, to promote dialogue, increase knowledge and determine a positive shift in behaviors.

Applications are invited for:

Title: Call for Application – Consultant for Video Documentary on the “Supporting the Efforts of the Nigerian Government on Preventing Violent Extremism (PVE) and promoting Disengagement, Disassociation, Reintegration, and Reconciliation (DDRR)” Project

Context Analysis
The increased presence of Non-State Armed Groups (NSAGs) such as Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), coupled with violence and civil unrest, has generated social, political, and humanitarian crises in northeast Nigeria. Military operations to defeat NSAGs have resulted in the arrest and detention of thousands of suspected fighters, affiliates, and in some cases, civilians and victims, who are often detained together in overcrowded detention facilities, thus amplifying the risk of further recruitment into NSAGs. Establishing an effective Disengagement, Disassociation, Reintegration, and Reconciliation (DDRR) process for former associates of NSAGs within a broader Preventing Violent Extremism (PVE) framework to create the necessary conditions for peace and recovery is therefore urgent and paramount.

In 2016, the GoN took a notable step with the creation of Operation Safe Corridor (OPSC), an initiative promoting military and civilian agencies’ collaboration in the rehabilitation and reintegration of low-risk NSAGs associates. The government’s initiative includes a 6-month rehabilitation program at the OPSC transition and rehabilitation center in Gombe State for former low-risk men associated with NSAGs. Following that, two additional transition and rehabilitation centers were established in Maiduguri in Borno State: one is for women and children and located in Bulumkutu area and the other is for men in Shokari area. Both centers are currently run by the Borno State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development (MoWASD). Although the initiatives primarily aim to assist rehabilitation and preparation for the reintegration of NSAGs defectors, they are also expected to address the mistrust amongst the communities towards defectors and to promote reconciliation in the communities of return.

The Donor considers it necessary to continue enhancing government capacities on conflict sensitivity in connection with DDRR and PVE programming, building upon the research on strategic communications and dissemination activities currently under development with the support of the US Department of State (Bureau of Conflict and Stabilization Operations – CSO), and to be implemented until February 2021. This has become especially relevant under the new circumstances of the mass defections in Borno State and the need to strengthen reconciliation messages in the communities.

Project Objectives
Search for Common Ground’s contribution to this project falls under pillar 1 – Assessment, context analysis, and national planning and pillar 2 – Technical “upstream” government support and aims to strengthen institutional capacities and government coordination between the federal and state levels, and to improve communication amongst civil society and government agencies on Preventing Violent Extremism (PVE) and DDRR programming in Nigeria. The expected result for Search’s component of the project is 3) Communication and awareness on PVE and DDRR programming are enhanced.

The project aims to achieve the overall objective: to strengthen the capacity of the GoN to develop and implement PVE and DDRR programming through attaining three Expected Results: 1) Institutional capacities on PVE and DDRR programming of government officials at the federal and state levels are strengthened; 2) Coordination of DDRR programming between the federal and state government levels is improved, and 3) Communication and awareness on PVE and DDRR programming are enhanced.

Under Expected Result 3, Search for Common Ground (Search) will support institutional communication messaging and empower local platforms. This will enhance the coordination among the federal and state governments and promote a common understanding among government agencies and community members of DDRR and PVE strategies. Search will support the development of a communications strategy on PVE and DDRR through radio programming, audio-visual materials, and promoting the engagement of community platforms with a focus on youth for the promotion and improved trust of the DDRR and PVE policies.

Theories of Change
In line with the Theory of Change for this action, Search will contribute to the provision of comprehensive support to the GoN in its effort to prevent and address violent extremism in northeast Nigeria through DDRR processes, in collaboration with ONSA and relevant MDAs leading each outcome of the DDRR NAP.

Therefore, the overall objective of this project will be achieved through the three Expected Results:

• If the institutional capacities in PVE and DDRR are strengthened, government officials will improve their skills to contribute to the development and implementation of PVE and DDRR programming effectively (taking into account political willingness).
• If government inter-agency coordination is improved (and institutional capacities are strengthened), government officials will be able to develop and implement PVE and DDRR programming efficiently (considering political willingness).
• If coordination for communication and awareness is enhanced between the different sectors and levels of the Government, and between Government and civil society as well as within civil society and communities, the development and implementation of PVE and DDRR programming by the Government will be better understood and inclusive, and will easily contribute to the common goal of sustainable peace and stabilization in the region.

Documentary Video – Returning from The Guns & Smokes
Search for Common Ground (Search) is seeking the services of a consultant or filming company that is experienced working with donor organizations to produce a video documentary, tagged,’ Returning from The Guns & Smokes’, related to Preventing Violent Extremism (PVE) and Disengagement, Disassociation, Reintegration, and Reconciliation (DDRR).

The documentary will promote awareness on the benefits of DDRR and will feature the testimonials of beneficiaries of ongoing DDRR efforts using the conflict-sensitive approach and presentation of the benefits and gains of DDRR efforts in Nigeria across the BAY – Borno, Adamawa and Yobe, Gombe States, and the Federal Capital Territory.

The Film Company/Consultant is expected to have a proven record of documenting videos in the development sector and demonstrate an understanding of PVE and DDRR context including knowledge of working with Non-State Armed Groups in the BAY states of Nigeria. The Film Company/Consultant should ensure that the documentary meets the highest cinematic standards of quality to reinforce the idea that effective DDRR is an essential component for developing sustainable peace.

Purpose and Objectives of the Documentary
As part of achieving expected result 3 which is making sure that communication and awareness of PVE and DDRR programming are enhanced through the development and dissemination of conflict-sensitive media programs aimed at promoting the implementation of ongoing PCVE and DDRR programs in North-East Nigeria, Search will engage produce a Film Company/Consultant to produce a video documentary which will showcase testimonials of real-life beneficiaries on ongoing DDRR efforts by the Government of Nigeria (GoN). Other objectives are specified below:

• The documentary will promote awareness of the benefits of Disengagement, Disassociation, Reintegration, and Reconciliation (DDRR)
• It will also enhance the visibility of ongoing DDRR and PCVE efforts for increased acceptance of repentant ex-combatants who are being integrated into the communities.
• It should also contribute to enhancing collaboration between the state and federal governments and promoting trust between the governments, civil society, and other relevant actors supporting GoN on DDRR.
• It should also tackle misinformation and misunderstanding around PVE and DDRR thereby creating positive dialogue around DDRR and peace-related issues.
• This documentary will be shot in locations in Borno, Adamawa, Gombe, and Yobe States as well as the Federal Capital Territory.

Geographic Locations:Methodology

• The documentary will be shot in 3 versions in HD, 4k and 8k formats in the Kanuri, Hausa, and English languages with an interchange of translations in a ‘voice-over format’ and English subtitles so that the messages and themes are more relatable and accessible to a wide range of people beyond the BAY region of Nigeria.
• It will feature positive testimonies from people who participated in the DDR process and reintegrated into their communities, members of the receiving communities and other key stakeholders involved in the process, and most importantly the beneficiaries of the ongoing DDRR program.

Deliverables

• The documentary should convey conflict-sensitive messages that will enhance the efforts for increased acceptance of truly repentant ex-combatants who are being integrated into the communities.
• The documentary should mirror the beneficiaries’ situations through different and unexpected perspectives, the challenges faced, and also their conflict coping and managing strategies.
• It should be 30 minutes long with short versions that can be posted on social media platforms
• The documentary will be narrated in 3 languages: Kanuri, Hausa, and English. This means that 3 narrated versions of this documentary will be produced. Subtitles will be used appropriately.
• The consultant will take high-quality, high-resolution professional action photographs of not less than 100 during production for SEARCH photo library.
• The consultant should ensure that the movie meets the highest cinematic standards of quality to engage and inspire empathy from viewers.
• The consultant will provide all necessary filming, production, and post-production equipment. No equipment or software (i.e. cameras, computers, movie editing software, etc.) will be purchased under this activity.
• The consultant is solely responsible for engaging all personnel to facilitate all aspects of this contract as necessary. All costs associated with the film or documentary production and photography will be the sole responsibility of the contractor and should be incorporated in the contract cost proposal.
• The consultant will establish operations rapidly and efficiently in consultation with the Search project team, the Regional Communications Specialist, the Communications Coordinator, Media Manager and partners, to accomplish formative scripts and other preparatory work.
• The contractor is expected to hold early and intensive meetings with  the Search project team, the Regional Communications Specialist, the Communications Coordinator, Media Manager and its partners.
• The consultant will provide illustrative examples of how videos would be structured including high-level storyboards and scripts during the pre-production phase. Final film content decisions will be discussed between the consultant, SEARCH, and the partners.

Application Requirements
The following skills and experience are expected by Search for the film company/Consultant:

• Proficiency in Kanuri and Hausa (written and spoken);
• More than 7 years of experience in filming and producing top-notch quality documentaries for International donor organizations;
• Specialization in documentaries related to Preventing Violent Extremism (PVE) and Disengagement, Disassociation, Reintegration, and Reconciliation (DDRR)
• Familiarity and experience with the BAY regions in Nigeria.
• Must be registered with the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFCVB) or its equivalent
• The period of performance for this contract is from May 2022 – to December 2022.

Timeline:Proposal / Offer Submission
Each bidder must submit the following:

• A technical proposal, no more than four pages, describing how the documentary production objectives will be met within the stated timetable. Also, a narrative “pitch” describing the basic film concepts and illustrative examples of how it would be structured.
• Technical qualifications of the team members (for film companies) including CVs, for all proposed personnel along with select internet links or digital copies of relevant films developed by team members as well as Creative portfolios, including internet links or digital copies of relevant short films developed by the company.
• Budget/financial proposal including a description of costs for personnel, per diems, travel, logistics, any local production company support, and all film production costs (development, pre-production, production, and post-production). Include an overall cost for the contract.

Evaluation

• SFCG will evaluate applications based on the following criteria: Price will be a major factor in the evaluation of proposals. (20%)
• Understanding of the proposed project narrated in the technical requirements per the SOW. (40%)
• Review of the filmmakers’ portfolio and technical capabilities including creative storytelling, applying emotion to film, and content that informs, inspires, and motivates audiences. (30%)
• Experience and demonstrated ability to operate in difficult conditions within a developing country. (10%)

Note: Only two documents can be submitted, so the technical and financial proposals must be combined, along with the short cover letter.

Logistical Support:

• The contractor will provide all necessary filming, production, and post-production equipment. No equipment or software (i.e. cameras, computers, movie editing software, etc.) will be purchased under this activity. The contractor is solely responsible for engaging all personnel to facilitate all aspects of this contract as necessary. All costs associated with the documentary production and photography will be the sole responsibility of the contractor and should be incorporated in the contract cost proposal.

Ethical Considerations

• It is expected that this documentary will be ethically filmed. It should be inclusive of a range of relevant actors, while adhering to principles of Do No Harm and Conflict sensitivity. Proposals submitted should include what steps will be taken by the consultant to adhere to Do No Harm and Conflict Sensitivity, and inclusion principles (ie. gender, age, ethnicity, religion, etc.). Steps to ensure informed consent and where needed safeguarding of respondents should also be outlined. A risk assessment and plans to mitigate these risks should further be included

In addition, the consultant is required to respect the following Ethical Principles:

• Comprehensive and systematic inquiry: Consultant should make the most of the existing information and full range of stakeholders available at the time of the review. Consultant should conduct systematic, data-based inquiries. He or she should communicate his or her methods and approaches accurately and in sufficient detail to allow others to understand, interpret and critique his or her work. He or she should make clear the limitations of the review and its results.
• Competence: Consultant should possess the abilities and skills and experience appropriate to undertake the tasks proposed and should practice within the limits of his or her professional training and competence.
• Honesty and integrity: Consultant should be transparent with the contractor/constituent about: any conflict of interest, any change made in the negotiated project plan and the reasons why those changes were made, any risk that certain procedures or activities produce misleading review information.
• Respect for people: Consultant respect the security, dignity and self-worth of respondents, program participants. Consultant has the responsibility to be sensitive to and respect differences amongst participants in culture, religion, gender, disability, age and ethnicity.

Application Closing Date
Not Specified.

Submission of Documents
interested candidates should Click Here to fill and submit application form.

Submitted offers will be reviewed on an ongoing basis and selection made according to the following criteria:

• Financial offer will be awarded based on the lowest cost basis but with following criteria: (i) Cost proposal submitted cites specific rates by each major items; and (ii) Relevance and consistency with technical proposal.

N/B: As job descriptions cannot be exhaustive, the position holder may be required to undertake other duties that are broadly in line with the above key responsibilities.