The Media Development Foundation, the MDF, is a Georgian non-profit organization which was established in April 2008 by a group of professional journalists. The main goals of MDF are: to protect freedom of speech and expression; promote ethical journalism and media accountability, media literacy, diverse and inclusive society, gender equality; encourage youth initiatives and civil activism.

The Media Development Foundation conducts research, fact-checking and educational activities; is involved in advocacy; organizes trainings, public discussions, competitions; publishes educational and professional literature; holds awareness-raising campaigns.

Studies conducted by MDF1 and other organizations2 in the last few years revealed two major problems in Georgian media sector concerning specifically the reporting on violent extremism and terrorism: 1. On the one hand mainstream media lacks skills and practices to report on violent extremism and radicalization narratives professionally, on the other hand fringe media outlets affiliated with outside political actors contribute to radicalization of Georgian Muslims by inciting hate speech and anti-migrant attitudes in anti-Western context. 2. Communication responses of the Government to critical incidents are not sufficient. Lack of professional standards leads to unethical coverage of the issue accompanied by the use of hate speech and fake news that further escalates tensions. Poor coverage in certain cases is a result of the government’s unwillingness to inform the public through media in a situation of crisis. 

The objective of this assignment is to provide consultancy in development of curricula on reporting on violent extremism and terrorism and conduct a training for selected 25 media on this subject. This work is in the frame of the project Prevention of and Responding to Radicalizing Narratives, funded by Hedayah STRIVE Global program and EU.

• A selected international expert specialized in reporting on violent extremism and terrorism will provide consultation to the Media Development Foundation in the process of development of curricula and simulation models. This work will be conducted remotely, using mail or other online resources. 
• The content of curricula should be based on UNESCO guide "Terrorism and the Media” and the consultant should provide practical exercises using a facilitated learning approach. 
• After successful completion, the selected expert will conduct a 2,5 day training program for journalists in Georgia. At least 25 journalists (including a small percentage of new graduates and students of journalism) will be trained on reporting on violent extremism and terrorism. The teaching methodology of training should be participatory-facilitated learning approach through discussions, practical exercises. 

• Training location will be Georgia, in June, 2020;
• The total duration of assignment is 4,5 calendar days;
• The draft curricula, simulation modules, training program and materials to be used during the training (presentations, articles, videos, etc.) shall be provided for comments and approval 7 days after signing the contract;
• The teaching methodology should be participatory-facilitated learning approach through discussions, practical exercises;
• The payment shall be made upon completion of the whole assignment and once the summary report is approved;
• All the costs related to the event (i.e. transportation, accommodation, meals) shall be covered by Media Development Foundation directly. 
• The summary report shall be provided within 7 calendar days after completion of the assignment. 

The international expert should meet the following criteria:

• Media oriented background and mission;
• Extensive experience in journalism, especially in reporting terrorism and violent extremism and media relations;
• Experience in training journalists on reporting on VE and terrorism;
• Excellent knowledge of the Media environment, in particular existing problems and challenges;
• Proficiency in English language as the working language will be English;

Interested individuals have to submit the following documents to info@mdfgeorgia.ge:

• Curriculum Vitae (CV);
• A description of past similar works undertaken;
• Proposal of training.

Further information can be obtained in the same email address. 

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1  Activities of Media Development Foundation (MDF) Project: "Coverage of Muslim-related topics in Georgian, Russian, Azerbaijani and Turkish traditional and new media”, 2017. http://mdfgeorgia.ge/uploads/library/79/file/eng/MEDIA_COVERAGE_Publication-Eng.pdf

2  Luka Pertaia/OC-Media, 28 November, 2017. "The authorities’ silence has fueled a media frenzy in the wake of the Tbilisi Siege”: https://oc-media.org/editorial-the-authorities-silence-has-fuelled-a-media-frenzy-in-the-wake-of-the-tbilisi-siege/