RNW Media 

Duration of the research task:	7 weeks (May/June– July 2025)
Type of contract/partnership:	Short-term consultancy (external)
RNW Media Focal Point:	Giovana Fleck, Media innovation manager for information integrity and Sana Naqvi, Senior Impact Manager, RNW Media
About this Consultancy	RNW Media is seeking a consultant to lead a research project investigating media literacy methodologies for an EU-funded project with a focus on the media ecosystem in Libya. The Libyan information space will be one among other case-studies, from countries to be defined with the consultant.
Language	Arabic and English (bilingual deliverables required).

  

1. INTRODUCTION  

RNW Media is an international media development organization based in Haarlem, the Netherlands, dedicated to harness the power of independent digital media to uphold human rights and advance the public good. Working in more than 40 countries across Europe, North Africa, the Middle East, West and East Africa, East Asia, Central and South America, we defend media and internet freedom, the right of every human being to access to information and freedom of expression.  

With over 75 years of experience, RNW Media has evolved from an international radio broadcaster into a champion of independent digital media. Our work with our partners has demonstrated how a diverse, resilient, and trustworthy digital media ecosystem can inform people, shift narratives, influence social norms, and drive policy change, reinforcing the essential role of independent media in open and democratic societies. 

RNTC, the internationally renowned training center of RNW Media, provides journalism and media training to journalists, media makers and communication professionals. Through The Vine, RNW Media’s global community, with more than 25 independent and public interest digital media, 80 media trainers, and 10,000 RNTC alumni, we facilitate media coalition, partnership, and movement building. 

2. PURPOSE & SCOPE OF THE RESEARCH PROJECT 

The primary purpose of this research project is to identify and evaluate effective media literacy methodologies that can strengthen the resilience of digital media ecosystems against disinformation, propaganda, manipulation and information gaps. The project aims to map the current information landscape in the region, with a specific focus on Libya, to understand how civil society, particularly young people (for this project, we work with an age group between 18 and 35 years) and change-makers, consume, share, and verify information, and how regional dynamics shape information  

The findings will serve as a foundational blueprint for RNW Media to design targeted interventions that promote information integrity, uphold human rights, and foster a more transparent, democratic digital space. The scope of the consultancy encompasses a comprehensive exploration of both traditional and online media makers, key stakeholders, and the specific educational gaps within the target regions in media literacy. While Libya serves as a primary case study, the consultant will work with RNW Media to define additional comparative contexts. The research will produce insights into the digital habits of audiences, resulting in bilingual (Arabic and English) deliverables that include reports, verified collection tools, and strategic recommendations.  

3. CONSULTANT/CONSULTANCY TEAM and DIGITAL CONTEXT ANALYSIS and LEARNING NEEDS ASSESSMENT PROCESS 

The consultancy is open to all qualified consultants. The consultancy project team may consist of one person or a team of experts. In the latter case, the applicants should propose a team specifying team member’s expertise (with the lead being The Consultant). 

The consultant is managing the entire process (including but not limited to preparing research protocol, consent/assent forms when and if needed, data collection tools, work schedule, risk assessment, etc.) remotely from a home/work base. RNW Media is not able to support travel in any of the countries covered by this project. While the consultant might have several online consultations with key stakeholders and young people, actual in-country field work can be implemented by local field facilitators (In-Country Facilitators, ICFs) contracted directly by the consultant.  

The consultant will agree tasks and timeframe with the ICFs, coordinate their work, be responsible for the quality of the deliverables of ICFs and accept the deliverables of ICFs. Their fees as well as local fieldwork costs will be covered by the consultant and under the consultant’s supervision. Once data is collected, the consultant will organize and cover for their translation into English before submitting them to the RNW Media. 

4. METHODOLOGY   

The Consultant will submit a technical and financial proposition including detailed descriptions of the methodology to be used. In the methodology, the researcher should include how critical gaps in media literacy frameworks will be explored. Data collection tools will be developed in close collaboration with the RNW Media team. An agreed comprehensive working calendar (Timeframe) and Operational plan will guide the process. 

The Consultant is expected to employ a mixed-methods research design that captures both broad digital trends and deep, localized insights. The methodology should emphasize a “user-centric” approach, centralizing young media consumers and media makers.  

4.A.) General guidance 

The research will be conducted in three primary phases: 

Phase I: Inception & Desk Research 

• Pre-analysis and definitions: Discussion and alignment on focus of the project, particularly on geographical approach (in addition to Libya) 

• Literature Review: An audit of existing reports on existing media literacy frameworks 

• Stakeholder Mapping: Identifying key players, including traditional news outlets, digital-first platforms, educational NGOs, etc.  

Phase II: Primary Data Collection (Fieldwork) 

• Data ethics and integrity: Implementation of strict consent/assent protocols and data anonymization practices to ensure the safety of participants in sensitive environments. 

• Interviews: Qualitative, in-depth interviews with a diverse range of stakeholders, including: 

• Digital media makers and journalists. 

• Civil society leaders and human rights defenders. 

• Tech platform moderators or digital safety experts. 

• Focus Group Discussions: Facilitated sessions with civil society, including youth (ages 18–35), to explore attitudes toward information integrity, trust in media, and barriers to media literacy. 

• Other methods of data collection, such as digital surveys, can also be considered.  

Phase III: Analysis & Validation 

• Triangulation: Cross-referencing field data with desk research to ensure high reliability. 

• Presentation and validation workshop: Presenting preliminary findings to RNW Media to ensure local nuance and project alignment are captured before final reporting. 

4.B.) Meetings 

The Consultant (or/and the full consultancy team) together with RNW Media colleagues will kick-start the research process by having an inception meeting. In this meeting, a draft of research questions and a hypothesis template, as well as other relevant resources, will be shared by RNW Media after which the consultant will have to prepare the selection of the research questions and subsequent methodology per chosen questions, which will determine the scope of the research(s). 

The following meeting between the Consultant, RNW Media is the Research Design Meeting with the project team (including all support staff from RNW Media and research team), who will review and finalize the research questions selection and determine relevant data collection methods. After this, a detailed Inception Report, including a detailed work plan, will be shared by the consultant. This inception report sets out a timeline for all key deliverables and the exact data collection activities. 

The second meeting is the Validation Meeting, which only occurs after data collection and analysis is completed and before reporting is finalized. Please note that in between the two meetings (research design and validation meeting), there are frequent project team meetings (either weekly or bi-weekly), to be decided together.  

5. ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE CONSULTANT 

The consultant is, usually, an individual who is end-responsible, but also free to form a team of experts. In case of the formation of a research team, the implementing partner organization should dedicate a section of the  report to an overview (table) of the research team member (their expertise) and clear division of roles and responsibilities with one Lead (called, the Consultant). The consultant manages the process (preparing research protocol, consent/assent forms (when and if needed), data collection tools, work schedule and is end-responsible for the research). 

The consultant (or consultant team) is free to personally conduct consultations such as Focus Group Discussions and Interviews with key stakeholders. However, they are also free to sub-contract or delegate this task to a third party (consultant/researcher). In case the consultant decides to hire local support staff, the consultant is responsible for agreeing on tasks and a timeframe for the data collection and remains end responsible for the quality of the deliverables. If chosen, the field consultant(s) will thus work under the supervision of the consultant.  

    

6. COMMUNICATION 

The consultant is expected to frequently communicate with RNW Media and is willing to meet on a weekly or bi-weekly (to be determined) basis during the period of the research project.  

7. DELIVERABLES   

The Consultant is responsible for the timely submission of the following deliverables. All reports must be submitted in English, while data collection tools and raw data must be provided in both Arabic and English. 

• Inception Report: A comprehensive document detailing the final research questions, chosen case-study countries, a refined methodology, and a day-to-day operational work plan including a risk assessment. 

• Data Collection Progress Presentation: A brief presentation of the main data collection tools and a confirmed timeline for the gathering process to ensure alignment before fieldwork begins. 

• Raw Data & Transcripts: A digital archive of all primary data, including: 

• Cleaned English/Arabic transcripts of all interviews and focus-groups. 

• Anonymized raw quantitative data (Excel or SPSS format). 

• Draft Research Report: An initial comprehensive report (per country or regional, as agreed) including the analysis of the digital media landscape and learning needs. 

• Key Findings Presentation: A briefing session with RNW Media to present high-level findings and validate data before finalization. 

• Final Research Report: The final, polished document including an Executive Summary, methodology overview, detailed analysis, and a roadmap of recommendations for media literacy interventions. 

• Digital Project Archive: A final hand-over of all project-related assets, including databases, consent forms (anonymized), and any reference materials or photos collected during the consultancy. 

8. TIMELINE  

Activity	Timeline (approx.)
Call for Consultant – Application Open	May 11th
Recruit the Consultant	May 20th
Onboarding the Consultant	May 25th
Inception Meeting	June 1st
Development and Finalization of Tools	June 8th
Inception report (including detailed workplan and timeline)	June 12th
Data collection and Analysis	June 24th
Submission of first draft to RNW Media	July 1st
Validation Workshop	July 3rd
Submission of final draft	July 10th

  

*Please note that the exact dates under the timeline will be determined after the completion of the Inception Report by the Consultant.  

  

9. REQUIRED EXPERTISE AND EXPERIENCE    

• Minimum University degree in the field of communication, behavioural, and/or social sciences;  

• Minimum of five years’ experience in conducting similar research in diverse media ecosystems; 

• Exceptionally good analytical and reporting skills;  

• Strong communication skills, with the ability to communicate detailed concepts clearly and concisely both in writing and verbally;    

• Ability to facilitate and support coordination for country activities, including workshops and meetings; 

• Excellent time management and coordination skills; 

• Extensive knowledge and networks on civic space, youth movements, inclusion, and/or the topic of concern in targeted region and countries;  

• Fluency in English and Arabic.  

  

10. BUDGET AND PAYMENT CONDITIONS  

BUDGET: 6000 EUR (VAT included) 

The remuneration, payment schedule, and conditions will be discussed and agreed upon with the selected consultant. The total remuneration will cover the consultancy fee as well as reasonable costs related to the execution of the assignment, such as expenses for field research, administration, coordination, and digital tools or software required for data collection and analysis. 

11. APPLICATION PROCEDURE 

Interested consultant(s) should develop and submit the bidding proposal in English to respond to the above-mentioned specific tasks. 

The proposal should include: 

• Description and contact details of the consultant applying; 
• A clear description of the application of the proposed methodological approach, including the format of the analysis and data collection (max. 2 pages); 
• A Budget Proposal; 
• CVs of all team members, emphasizing relevant experience; 
• Past performance in similar areas of the Consultant applying with reference to previous contracting agencies, organizations, etc. 
• One writing sample in English.

  

Interested candidates should send their applications to Giovana Fleck at: giovana [dot] fleck [at] rnw [dot] org  

RNW Media is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.