Researcher/Academic Institution to Conduct Comprehensive study of the state of media development in Georgia

To encourage civic monitoring and advocacy efforts for more accountable, transparent, and needs-based public policy making in Georgia, Europe Foundation launched a new initiative – Watchdog Journalism for Change – which aims at supporting the media and advocacy groups to work together to expose poor governance in Georgia, in order to achieve concrete improvements for families and communities across the country. As part of this initiative, Europe Foundation plans to conduct research and monitoring of various aspects of the state of the media in Georgia, to mobilize the sector in evidence-based collaborative advocacy efforts that challenge selective regulation and promote media independence.

Goal

Europe Foundation seeks the services of a lead researcher or research/academic institution to conduct a comprehensive study and analysis of the state of media development in Georgia. The assessment will result in an evidence-based research paper and a set of recommendations and contribute to media policy dialogues in order to improve the media landscape in Georgia.

Europe Foundation will identify and recruit a team of competent local researchers/research institution who will collect the data under the leadership of a lead researcher as part of the process of the assessment.

The lead researcher should be an expert on media issues with competences in academic research, data collection and analysis and evidence-based policy making.

Key Responsibilities

The lead researcher should:

· Identify data sources to provide a basis for the survey. The data sources should include the review of existing literature, desk research, focus group discussions, and consultations/interviews with the key experts and stakeholders;**

• In coordination with Europe Foundation, form a National Advisory Body of stakeholders representing variety of actors involved in media development, including private, public and community media; civil society; journalism education institutions; among others. The purpose of the National Advisory Body will be to provide input to the research process and to create a bridge between the assessment process and national stakeholders;
• Conduct a qualitative and quantitative analysis of the state of media development in Georgia. The analysis should focus on the role of media as a platform for democratic discourse. The following aspects should be examined among others: **
  1. Media reflects diversity of society;
  2. Media self-regulation;
  3. Requirements for fairness and impartiality;
  4. Public trust and confidence in the media;
  5. Safety of journalists.

Some of these aspects might touch upon cross cutting issues. In order to avoid repetition, researcher should come up with a clear direction as to how and where each cross cutting issue will be addressed.

• Prepare an analytical research report in English. The report should include:**

  1. A detailed analytical assessment of the state of media development in Georgia;**
  2. Main findings of the assessment;**
  3. A set of evidence-based recommendations targeting the key stakeholders.**

• Present the research report and participate in the discussion with the key stakeholders at a conference organized by Europe Foundation. Europe Foundation will undertake the costs associated with the participation of the lead researcher in the conference. **

Methodology

The survey should be conducted through both qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis. The process should include qualitative interviews, quantitative surveys and focus groups.

The researcher should ensure equal participation of men and women in the process of the assessment. The researcher should use the guidelines of the UNESCO’s Media Development Indicators when designing the methodology for the assessment.

Payment

The payment should be made according to the following schedule:

• 20% of the total fee upon submission of the inception report;
• 30% of the total fee upon submission of the first draft of the research report;
• 40% of the total fee upon submission of the final research report;
• 10% of the total fee after the presentation of the research report.

How to apply:

Application and deadline

Interested applicants should submit:

• Research proposal outlining the approach and methodology for conducting the assignment along with a detailed work plan and a timeline for each activity;
• Financial proposal in US Dollars including the researcher’s honoraria and other expenses related to the assignment;
• Applicant’s resume;
• Sample reports from similar assignments and the list of similar assignments undertaken;
• References.

Please submit the documents to info@epfound.ge no later than cob January 29, 2021 (please indicate Media Survey in the subject line of your email).

For more information, please contact Nino Stavridi, Program Manager nstavridi@epfound.ge.