UNION OF TANZANIA PRESS CLUBS

TERM OF REFERENCE - SAFETY MECHANISM FOR JOURNALISTS 

1. Background:

The Union of Tanzania Press Clubs (UTPC) is a non-governmental organization that seeks to promote and protect freedom of expression, press freedom, and the right to information in Tanzania. UTPC is an umbrella body for 28 Press Clubs that are located all over Tanzania.

UTPC is concerned with the safety of journalists in Tanzania and quick support that journalists must receive when they face challenges while performing their journalistic work. To address this issue, UTPC intends to develop a safety and security mechanism that will provide quick support to journalists in distress.

However, the process of implementing this mechanism took its prior baby steps back in 2022 with UTPC overseeing its coordination to ensure its official establishment. A dedicated committee, which includes media institutions such as MCT, MISA Tanzania, TAMWA, TEF, TADIO, JOWUTA Shas been formed. They have conducted three meetings, outlining the stages involved in setting up this mechanism.

As the development of this mechanism progresses, the committee believes it is crucial to continue providing assistance to journalists. Despite not yet being perfected, the mechanism has offered support to two journalists in 2022.

2. Objectives:

The objective of this consultancy is to design the framework, in terms of forms, guidelines and processes for a safety and security mechanism that will offer protection and support to journalists in Tanzania, especially when they are facing legal, medical or any other safety and security challenge during their line of work. Consultant is expected to build up from what UTPC’s safety mechanism team has done so far and incorporate insights from existing documentation.

3. Scope of Work:

The consultant will be expected to undertake the following tasks:

• Review existing safety and security mechanisms for journalists in Tanzania and other countries to identify best practices and lessons learned. One in Tanzania and three from other countries.
• Develop a comprehensive document that outlines the steps and protocols to be followed by safety mechanism committee members in providing quick support to journalists in distress.
• Develop a set of guidelines and procedures that will be used by the team to assess the level of risk faced by journalists and determine the appropriate response.
• Design a flowchart for communication and coordination between team that is working to coordinate the mechanism and other stakeholders, such as legal aid providers, medical facilities and security agencies, to ensure a timely and effective response to journalists in distress.
• Develop a comprehensive tool for media violations reporting since two or more like minded media organizations are doing the same job of collecting and reporting on media violation cases
• Evaluate and assess the existing reporting portal in Tanzania and provide recommendations for improvements, ensuring it becomes a more useful tool for victim journalists, facilitating reporting during distressful situations or when they require assistance.

4. Deliverables:

The consultant is expected to deliver the following:

• Comprehensive strategy for safety and security mechanism to operate.
• Guidelines, tools and procedures for safety and security mechanism to operate.
• A strategy to harmonize media violations reporting conducted by UTPC and partner organisations.
• Communication and coordination system for safety and security mechanism including a design of an online reporting portal and how it should be operating.
• Assessment of the existing reporting portal in Tanzania and recommended ideas for its improvements

5. Timeline:

The consultancy is expected to take four weeks, starting from the date of signing the contract.

6. Qualifications:

The consultant should have the following qualifications:

• Good experience in designing and implementing media programs, and safety and security for journalists as an added advantage.
• At least a first degree in journalism, media, development studies, law or related field; a Masters is preferred.
• Demonstrable experience with similar assignments.
• Understanding of the legal framework within which NGOs in Tanzania operate.
• In-depth knowledge of the legal and regulatory framework governing the media in Tanzania.
• Fluency in spoken English and Swahili and good writing skills.
• Relevant networks and contacts within the context to ensure the assignment is conducted effectively.
• Familiarity with international standards and best practices related to the safety and security of journalists.
• Experience in monitoring of media violation cases in Tanzania.
• Strong analytical and writing skills.

7. Budget:

The budget for this consultancy will be based on the available budget with the consultant based on their experience, qualifications, and proposed work plan.

8. Reporting:

The consultant will report to the Executive Director of UTPC and work closely with the Safety and Security Committee team. Progress reports will be submitted on the agreeable terms and timeframe.  

Deadline for submission is August 10^th, 2023

All application should be directed to:

Executive Director

Union of Tanzania Press Clubs

P.O Box 770

Dodoma

Aboud Jumbe Road,

Kazembo Street, Uzunguni House No. 27

Email: info@utpc.or.tz or utpctztz@gmail.com