RESEARCHER / WRITER
Background
Over the past 25 years in Southern Africa, Practical Action has been promoting and demonstrating the importance of technology and innovation as vital contributors to improving people’s livelihoods. The capacity of vulnerable communities to access, use and adapt appropriate technologies, knowledge as well as skills underpins their ability to escape poverty and become resilient.
Employing our collaborative and shared learning approaches we are working alongside communities and partnering with other development organisations to make change happen. Our focus areas remain promoting renewable energy, and sustainable forms of agriculture. Policy and Advocacy as well as Practical Action Consulting (PAC), are also ways in which we share best practices and influence the policies and practices at both national and regional level.
Vision
Our vision is for a world where all people have access to the technologies that enable them to meet their basic needs and reach their potential, in a way that safeguards the planet today, and for future generations.
Mission
1. Develop and demonstrate practical, technology-based solutions that enable women and men living in, or vulnerable to poverty lead dignified lives
2. Partner with local communities and other organisations to ensure that the solutions work in the long term 3. Inspire widespread adoption of sustainable technologies that work, so that our pioneering approach can benefit far more people than our work alone.
How we make change happen
Our strength is our approach. We find out what people are doing, and assist them to do it better. Through innovative thinking and technical knowledge, we enable communities to build on their skills and experience to produce practical solutions to their most pressing needs. We believe the right idea can transform lives forever, allow people to live in dignity and protect the planet. Last year we worked with over 300,000 people, enabling them to break out of the cycle of poverty for good.
OBJECTIVES OF THE CONSULTANT:
The Researcher / Writer’s work is aimed at producing a report that presents and showcase the impact, progress and lessons learnt under The Project (Sustainable Electricity for Rural Communities (SE4RC) project implemented by Practical Action and Partners in Zimbabwe and Malawi focusing on solar energy. Specifically, the consultant is expected to:
1. In a compelling and captivating manner for specific Practical Action and partner audiences, produce a Report Detailing Impact, Progress and learning achieved under the SE4RC project in Zimbabwe and Malawi.
2. Following Practical Action and partner branding guidelines and values, engage in creative interviews, ensuring impact, learning, progress and success achieved under SE4RC is captured and highlighted.
DELIVERABLES:
Working closely with Practical Action Knowledge Management and Communications Coordinator the following deliverables are expected;
1. A schedule for the entire production process, indicating timelines for interviews and writing process.
2. A well written Report based on extensive research highlighting Lessons Learnt and achievements the multi country project has achieved.
Language of the video documentary:
Practical Action and its partners expect the written report to be produced in English.
Profile of the Researcher, Writer (company/individual)
Practical Action expect the researcher/writer to meet the following minimum requirements:
1. At least five years’ experience in documentation, research and writing, some of the must have enjoyed broadcast time and published on credible local and international media platforms.
2. At least three years’ experience in documentation of development content and projects.
3. Experience in conducting a similar assignment for an international NGO will be a distinct advantage
Working arrangements:
The identified team/individual will work closely with and under the overall supervision of Practical Action Knowledge Management and Communications Coordinator.
Practical Action will, in close liaison with the Programme Teams review and suggest changes (in-house pre-testing) where necessary to the Report at different stages of development. The final sign-off and ownership of the content for the work will remain with Practical Action.
Suggested timeline:
The entire content gathering and writing process is expected to take a maximum of 30 working days:
For interested candidate please email:
Email: [email protected]
Closing date for receiving expressions of interest is Friday 09 November 2018