Background

The Community Forestry Management (CFM) approach has been identified as one of the best models for the sustainable management of forest resources and livelihood improvement of the local communities. The CFM recognizes that economic alternatives are necessary if communities are to stop unsustainable exploitation of forest resources. Furthermore, the approach recognizes that the communities are themselves in the best position to protect the forest from illegal or unsustainable practices.

Community Forest Management in Sri Lanka is being implemented by the Forest Department. The Government of Australia has extended support since 2003. The first Australian assisted CFM effort was the “Sri Lanka Australia Natural Resources Management Programme – SLANRMP (2003-2009) and the second phase is the current Sri Lanka Community Forestry Programme – SLCFP (2012-2016). The present SLCFP programme is being implemented in 18 districts covering 167 sites in Sri Lanka with the technical support of UNDP.

With the increased evidence on positive impacts of gender inclusiveness in community forestry, the Forest Department and UNDP in consultation with government of Australia decided to celebrate the achievements of women in SLCFP. Six video clips highlighting the achievements of different women/ women groups are to be highlighted as examples and a short video clip to be produced covering the essence of Community Forestry approach and its validity in Sri Lanka.

Scope and Objective :

The main objective of this ToR is to develop a video to highlight the achievements of Sri Lanka Community Forestry Program. Specific objectives are;

• To better raise public awareness of SLCFP work, strengthen its partnerships and improve advocacy efforts using high quality and artistically appealing video media;
• Video documentary should capture SLCFP’s key results, activities, successes and challenges as well as future direction;
• To showcase the impact of SLCFP’s work by highlighting significant success stories of beneficiaries of the intervention across the entire spectrum of our programming.

The Consultant will work with the Forest Department, UNDP, Australian Aid and other relevant stakeholders to achieve the tasks detailed under the Responsibilities section of the Terms of Reference.

Role of UNDP:

UNDP will provide the consultant with all the necessary support (not under the consultant’s control) to ensure that the consultant(s) undertake the work with reasonable efficiency.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop the documentary film’s overall concept and scenario in consultation with the Forest Department;
• Interview selected interviewees for the film who will include actual beneficiaries, local government officials, Implementing Partners and key programme staff of Forest Department;
• Visit the project sites and interact with the local communities who’ve been impacted by the SLCFP to get context;
• Develop the documentary script and storyboard to be used in the film;
• Perform appropriate video filming and shoot interviews with the Projects’ major beneficiaries and stakeholders;
• Present a draft documentary to Forest Department for comments about contents;
• Produce two FINAL documentaries one (45 minutes) long documentary films in DVD as well as a summary promotional DVD version of 10 minutes long;
• Coordinate with Forest Field Officers (DFOs, RFOs and EOs).

Expected Outputs:

• Meeting with project stakeholders in the field to collect and record data;
• Submit a storyboard, script, work plan and activity schedule for the documentary (inception report) to Forest Department for approval before filming;
• Present draft documentary to Forest Department, UNDP and  Government of Australia  at the end of the field mission and incorporation of comments;
• Produce an edited Video Recording of the scenarios captured, and the footage of the recorded stories;
• Present a complete 45 and 10 minute documentary film version, and hand over 2 master copies of each version to Forest Department and two extra copies with the extra footage for future usage;
• The final documentary narration shall be in English and allowing interviewees to express ideas in their preferred local languages (Sinhala/Tamil) either subtitles in English or voice over in English need to be inserted for relevant sections. The option of subtitling or voice over will be selected by the client. The “value” created by these partnerships include economic benefits (profit and wealth) as well as the social and environmental benefits (clean water, protected forests) that have been shared by the community.

Competencies

Technical:

• Ability to work effectively in a cross cultural environment and in a team;
• Strong facilitation and coordination skills;
• Strong analytical, writing and communication skills, including the ability to articulate ideas in a clear and concise manner (e.g. a record of publication);
• Good understanding of forestry, biodiversity conservation, natural resource management at national and local levels;
• Proficiency in both spoken and written English required, fluency in Sinhala/Tamil is an advantage; 
• Familiarity with community forestry approach is an advantage.

Partnerships:

• Ability to seek and apply knowledge, information and best practices from multiple sectors;
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
• Excellent written communication skills, with analytic capacity and ability to synthesize relevant collected data and findings for the preparation of case studies and progress reports;
• Excellent leadership, coordination and team working skills.

Results:

• Builds strong relationships with clients, focuses on impact and result for the client and responds positively to feedback;
• Good team player who has ability to maintain good relationships.

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Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Advanced level education qualifications.

Experience:

• A minimum of 10 years of working experience in video production and communication field;
• Experience in design scripts and/or managing video production processes;
• Experience working with communities in developing video documentaries.

Language:

• Proficiency in both spoken and written English, and Sinhala.

Financial Proposal

All Inclusive lump sum fee ( Professional Fees ) : LKR

All Inclusive lump sum fee ( Other costs as indicative below ) LKR

Total Lump Sum Fee:

Note:

Payments will be based on invoices on achievement of agreed milestones i.e. upon delivery of the services specified in the TOR and certification by the UNDP. The applicant must factor in all possible costs in his/her “All Inclusive Lump Sum Fee” financial proposal including his/her consultancy and professional fee, honorarium, any additional HR cost (as required) such as translators and field assistants, communication cost such as telephone/internet usage, printing cost,  ad-hoc costs, stationery costs, and any other foreseeable costs in this exercise. No costs other than what has been indicated in the financial proposal will be paid or reimbursed to the consultant.

For an Individual Contractor who is of 62 years of age or older, and on an assignment requiring travel, be it for the purpose of arriving at the duty station or as an integral duty required under the TOR, a full medical examination and statement of fitness to work must be provided.  Such medical examination costs must be factored in to the financial proposal above. Medical examination is not a requirement for individuals on RLA contracts.

The UNDP will provide and cover the following costs:

The UNDP will only pay for any unplanned travel outside of this TOR on actual basis and on submission of original bills/invoices and on prior agreement. No costs other than what has been indicated in the financial proposal will be paid or reimbursed to the consultant or institution.

Timeframe:

Envisaged time frame of the task is 45 days within 3 months period. The work will be carried out during mid May 2016 to mid-August 2016. The National Consultant will be based in Colombo, with expected travel to field sites throughout the country.

Payment Services :

• 20% down payment upon submission of an inception report acceptable to the client (Forest Department);
• 40% upon submission of an acceptable draft documentary; 
• 40% final payment upon submission of the final outputs, incorporating suggestions and recommendations from the Forest Department. 

How to Apply:

The application should contain:

• Cover letter explaining why you are the most suitable candidate for the advertised position and a brief methodology on how you will approach and conduct the work, including a tentative table of contents for the final report;
• Updated CV to include qualifications/competencies and relevant past experience in similar projects and name/contact details of 2 professional referees who can validate and recommend your professionalism, competencies and suitability to undertake this assignment;
• Individual consultants will be evaluated based on a combination of a desk review of the CV, the draft work plan and the offer that provides the best value for money. (Please refer and adopt the financial model format provided below in your financial offer). The Evaluation Panel may decide to call for an interview (face to face or telephone) if required;
• Please duly fill the financial proposal and attach to the last page of the CV along with all other required documentation above.

Note :

Please group all your documents into one (1) single PDF document as the system only allows uploading maximum one document.

Qualified women and members of minorities are encouraged to apply.

Incomplete applications will not be considered. Please make sure you have provided all requested materials.

Opened for Sri Lankan Nationals Only