Civicus is hiring a Consultant: Podcast Production for CIVICUS Voices

In an era where storytelling is increasingly taking on audio formats, the demand for impactful podcasts is at an all-time high. CIVICUS, the global civil society alliance, is excited to announce a call for a consultant to produce the next season of its acclaimed podcast, CIVICUS Voices. With over 11,000 members spanning 175 countries, CIVICUS aims to amplify the voices of civil society, particularly those defending human rights amid mounting restrictions. As part of this initiative, the sixth season will feature six compelling episodes focusing on the power of protests—showcasing the stories of individuals who are making a difference in their communities.

This article delves into the specifics of this consultancy role, outlining the responsibilities, expectations, and the broader mission of CIVICUS. Additionally, we’ll explore the benefits of working with this dynamic organization and offer insights on how to apply effectively for this exciting opportunity.

Who is CIVICUS?

CIVICUS is a global alliance of civil society organizations and activists dedicated to strengthening citizen action and civil society worldwide. Established in 1993 and headquartered in Johannesburg, South Africa, CIVICUS provides a platform for civil society groups to collaborate, share resources, and advocate for citizens’ rights. With a rich history of championing human rights, CIVICUS plays a crucial role in mobilizing collective action and ensuring that the voices of marginalized communities are heard.

Mission and Vision

CIVICUS’s mission is to promote and protect civic space—an essential component for democracy, development, and human rights. Their vision is to create a world where all citizens can exercise their rights to freedom of expression, association, and peaceful assembly. Through their work, CIVICUS strives to ensure that civil society organizations have the necessary support and resources to advocate for social change effectively.

Programs and Initiatives

CIVICUS engages in various activities, including research, capacity building, and advocacy. Their flagship programs include the CIVICUS Monitor, which tracks civic space conditions worldwide, and CIVICUS Voices, a podcast that highlights the stories of changemakers who are making a difference despite facing significant challenges.

By collaborating with CIVICUS, consultants and contributors can be part of a larger movement that seeks to influence policies, empower communities, and uphold human rights on a global scale.

Benefits of Working with CIVICUS

1. Global Reach: By collaborating with CIVICUS, consultants have the opportunity to work on projects that have a global impact, engaging with civil society leaders and activists from around the world.

2. Creative Freedom: The role allows for a high degree of creativity in podcast production, giving consultants the chance to shape narratives that resonate with diverse audiences.

3. Skill Development: Working on CIVICUS Voices will enhance skills in audio production, storytelling, and interview techniques, which are invaluable in the rapidly evolving media landscape.

4. Networking Opportunities: Collaborating with CIVICUS opens doors to connect with influential figures in civil society, gaining insights and building relationships that can further career development.

5. Impactful Storytelling: Consultants will contribute to highlighting crucial social issues, giving a voice to changemakers who are making a difference in their communities.

6. Supportive Environment: CIVICUS fosters a collaborative and inclusive environment where consultants can thrive and contribute to meaningful projects that align with their values.

The Role of the Podcast Producer and Host

CIVICUS is looking for a consultant to take on a dual role of producer and host for the upcoming season of CIVICUS Voices. This entails a range of responsibilities aimed at ensuring the successful production of six engaging episodes. Here’s a breakdown of what the role entails:

Responsibilities

• Story Development and Scriptwriting: The consultant will work closely with the CIVICUS communications team to develop episode outlines and scripts based on an existing show template. This will involve initial planning sessions, drafting story ideas, and ongoing collaboration to refine the content.

• Conducting Interviews: The consultant will be responsible for conducting interviews with civil society leaders, members, and partners. This requires excellent communication skills and the ability to elicit compelling stories that align with the episode themes.

• Podcast Hosting: Acting as the voice of the show, the consultant will host the episodes, including providing opening and closing remarks. While the producer and host roles can be filled by different individuals, proposals that include both capacities are encouraged.

• Audio Production: The consultant will oversee the recording, editing, and production of podcast episodes. This involves making decisions on recording locations, ensuring high sound quality, editing audio files, and adding sound effects and music to enhance the listening experience.

• Publishing and Promotion: After producing the episodes, the consultant will upload them to selected podcast platforms, ensuring all requisite details are included. Additionally, they will work with the CIVICUS team to create a promotion plan for the podcast and individual episodes, utilizing established multimedia templates.

Specific Tasks

To fulfill these responsibilities, the consultant will engage in the following tasks:

1. Develop Story Outlines and Scripts: Collaborate with the CIVICUS team to outline and script episodes that reflect the overarching theme of protests, ensuring each episode has a coherent narrative.

2. Conduct Interviews: Identify and reach out to potential interviewees, including staff, members, and partners. Conduct interviews that capture their insights and experiences related to civil society and protests.

3. Record and Edit Episodes: Utilize appropriate recording equipment to capture high-quality audio. Edit the recordings to create engaging and polished episodes, incorporating sound effects and music where necessary.

4. Publish Episodes: Manage the technical aspects of uploading episodes to podcast platforms, ensuring all metadata is accurate and optimizing for discoverability.

5. Promotion Strategy: Develop a promotional strategy for the podcast season, including social media campaigns and multimedia content to increase audience engagement.

Scope of Work

The overall goal of this consultancy is to produce a minimum of six podcast episodes that focus on the theme of protests. The consultant will collaborate with CIVICUS to ensure that each episode not only presents interviews but also weaves a cohesive narrative that resonates with listeners. The timeline for this project runs from early May to the end of June 2025, with a final delivery date of June 30, 2025.

Timeline and Deliverables

• May 2025: Initial planning sessions and story development, including drafting outlines for each episode.

• Mid-May 2025: Begin conducting interviews and gathering content.

• End of May 2025: Start recording and editing episodes.

• June 2025: Finalize episodes, upload them to podcast platforms, and execute the promotion plan.

How to Apply

Interested applicants are invited to express their interest in this consultancy role by submitting the following documents:

1. Short Motivation/CV: Highlight relevant experience in audio production, storytelling, and any previous work with civil society or related fields.

2. Estimated Timeline/Plan of Action: Provide a clear outline of how you intend to approach the production of the six episodes.

3. Detailed Quote: Include a quote for your services, reflecting your proposed compensation for this project.

Please send your application to editor@civicus.org with the subject line “Podcast production application” by April 21, 2025. Note that due to the high volume of applications, feedback may not be provided unless you are selected for further discussion.

APPLY

Tips for a Successful Application

1. Tailor Your Motivation: Clearly articulate your passion for storytelling and the mission of CIVICUS. Highlight any personal or professional experiences that connect you to the themes of social justice and civil society.

2. Showcase Relevant Experience: Provide examples of past projects where you have successfully produced podcasts or audio content, emphasizing your technical skills and creativity.

3. Demonstrate Collaboration Skills: Given the collaborative nature of this role, highlight experiences that showcase your ability to work effectively with diverse teams and stakeholders.

4. Include a Clear Timeline: Present a realistic timeline that aligns with the project’s goals, demonstrating your understanding of the production process.

5. Provide a Competitive Quote: Research industry standards for podcast production services to ensure your quote is competitive while also reflecting the quality of work you can deliver.

Conclusion

The call for a consultant to produce the sixth season of CIVICUS Voices presents a unique opportunity to engage in meaningful storytelling that elevates the voices of civil society around the globe. By applying for this role, you can contribute to a project that not only informs but also inspires action in the face of challenges to human rights.

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By joining CIVICUS in this consultancy, you can play a pivotal role in highlighting the power of protests and the stories of changemakers who are fighting for a better world. Don’t miss this chance to contribute to an impactful initiative that resonates with listeners and advocates for social change.