Consultancy Service (FIRM): Production of an Investment Focused Documentary Package -AU-IBAR

Background

The African Union Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR), with funding from the Gates Foundation, has established the African Pastoral Market Development (APMD) Platform to implement market- focused interventions to enhance pastoral integration into livestock markets through multi-stakeholder fora. The Platform is translating priorities to action in two Lighthouse Countries (LHC)—Kenya and Nigeria, for the Horn of Africa and Sahel clusters, respectively, and will scale out to six Strategic Outreach Countries (SOCs). The platform is being implemented in collaboration with the public, private and social sector partners.

The platform is cognizant of the significant contribution of pastoral livestock systems to food security, trade and rural livelihoods across Africa, yet despite this, the sector has remained undercapitalised relative to their economic potential. However, emerging models of pastoral livestock marketing within Africa demonstrate that, when supported by structured supply chains, quality assurance and market-driven incentives, the sector offers viable and scalable investment opportunities.

As part of efforts to enhance continental visibility, evidence and knowledge on the pastoral market system, the project seeks to develop an investment-focused documentary package, including a flagship film, short social-media versions, and a professional photo set, showcasing exemplary bankable and investible pastoral livestock marketing systems in Africa. The high-quality documentary shall showcase proven pastoral livestock marketing models. It is anticipated that the documentary goes beyond storytelling to present investment realities, highlight returns along the value chain and demonstrate how private capital through appropriate financing mechanisms and special-purpose vehicles (SPVs) can be mobilised to scale impact and profitability.

The documentary shall target private investors, pastoral producers, policy makers and donor and development partners.

Strategically, the documentary will serve as a communication and investment promotion tool targeting private investors, financial service providers (FSPs), development partners, policymakers and regional economic communities (RECs) to transform pastoralism from a humanitarian aid to a development agenda.

Objectives

The overall objective of the documentary package is to produce a high-quality audio-visual and photographic investment promotion product that visually documents the commercial viability, investment pathways, and financing structures of  high-performing pastoral livestock marketing systems.

The package will deliver a flagship documentary, shortened social-media versions, and a professional photo set designed to attract private capital into the sector, inform decision-making and support replication and scaling of successful models across Africa.

Specific objectives

The documentary package will:

•    Showcase investment-ready pastoral livestock marketing models that demonstrate clear value creation, profitability and scalability.
•    Visually illustrate returns on investment (ROIs) across key livestock value chain segments, including production, aggregation, processing, logistics and export. Highlight private-sector participation and the roles of anchor firms, aggregators, processors, exporters, and financial service providers.
•    Demonstrate how financing mechanisms, including blended finance, commercial lending, equity investment, and guarantees, support growth and reduce investment risk in the sector.
•    Explain, through visual storytelling and infographics, the function of Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) in structuring investments, managing risks and crowding in private capital.
•    Position pastoral livestock systems as bankable, resilient, and high-potential investment opportunities capable of attracting and sustaining private capital at scale.

Scope of work

The consulting production firm shall will be responsible for the end-to-end development and production of a high-quality documentary package showcasing exemplary bankable and investible pastoral livestock marketing systems in Africa. The assignment shall follow a structured production process consisting of pre-production, production, and post-production phases, described below.

Pre-Production Phase

The firm shall be engaged in the following pre-production activities:

i.    Inception Meeting with AU-IBAR

Conduct a virtual or in-person inception meeting with AU-IBAR to:

•    Clarify objectives, target audiences, key messages and expected outputs
•    Agree on filming locations and key stakeholders to be featured
•    Confirm branding, tone, and communication standards

ii.    Concept Development
•    Develop a detailed documentary concept and narrative arc
•    Define key storylines linking investment logic, market systems and development impact
•    Position pastoral livestock marketing as a scalable commercial opportunity

iii.    Script and Storyboard Development
•    Produce a full script, interview guide, and narration text
•    Develop a visual storyboard illustrating scene sequence, filming locations, interviews, graphics and transitions
•    Submit script and storyboard to AU-IBAR for review and approval before filming

iv.    Production Planning
•    Prepare a detailed filming plan and shooting schedule
•    Identify required equipment, crew roles and logistics
•    Together with AU-IBAR, secure filming permissions and stakeholder consent
•    Ensure ethical media engagement and community protocols

Pre-production Deliverables

The consulting firm will be expected to produce an inception report encompassing the full script and interview guide; story board and filming plan; and production schedule.

Production (On-Site Filming) Phase

The firm shall be involved in:

i.    On-Site Filming
•    Conduct filming at agreed locations (e.g., Botswana Meat Commission, Luna Enterprises Ethiopia, Kenya Pastoral Markets Development Platform and other AU-IBAR-approved sites)
•    Capture interviews with private sector actors, investors, financiers, producers, policymakers and AU-IBAR representatives
•    Record high-quality video footage of value-chain operations, markets, processing facilities and logistics
ii.    Photography
o    Produce a professional set of high-resolution still photographs documenting:
    Key value-chain activities
    Stakeholder interviews
    Landscapes and operational contexts
o    Provide edited and raw photographic files for AU-IBAR’s communication use
iii.    Audio-Visual Quality Assurance
•    Use professional lighting, sound recording and stabilisation
•    Ensure footage meets broadcast-quality standards
•    Apply AU-IBAR branding and visual identity guidelines

Production Deliverables

•    Raw video footage
•    Raw audio files
•    High-resolution photo set (minimum agreed number per site)
•    Metadata and captions for captured photographs

Post-Production Phase

The firm shall undertake the following post-production activities:

i. Editing and Assembly

•    Produce an initial rough cut for AU-IBAR review
•    Integrate feedback and produce a fine cut
•    Deliver a final master version

ii. Narration, Graphics and Subtitles

o    Record professional narration
o    Integrate animated infographics illustrating:
    Value-chain structure
    Investment entry points
    Financing flows
    Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) arrangements
o    Provide subtitles in English (and other languages if agreed)

iii. Versioning

Produce the following finalized versions:
o    Main Documentary: approximately 10 – 15 minutes, investment-focused, for high-level events, investor engagement and policy dialogue
o    Short Social Media Version: 2–3 minutes, optimized for online and social media dissemination
o    Micro-clips: optional 30–60 second extracts for promotional use

iv. Review and Approval

o    Present draft versions to AU-IBAR through a review meeting
o    Integrate consolidated feedback
o    Submit final approved versions

Post-Production Deliverables

•    Final 10-15minute documentary (full HD and web-optimized formats)
•    Short social-media version
•    Optional micro-clips
•    Final high-resolution photo package
•    Subtitled versions
•    Music and narration rights cleared

Engagement and Coordination with AU-IBAR

Throughout the assignment, the firm shall maintain close coordination with AU-IBAR through:
•    Inception meeting
•    Script and storyboard validation meeting
•    Rough-cut review meeting
•    Final approval meeting

AU-IBAR shall provide technical guidance, access to stakeholders, factual verification and oversight of messaging and branding.

Deliverables Summary

Phase	Key Deliverables
Pre-Production	Inception report; concept note; script; storyboard; filming plan
Production	Raw footage; interview recordings; professional photo set
Post Production	10-15minute main documentary; 2–3minute social-media version; optional short clips; infographics; English/ French subtitles
Final Package	All raw and edited files; photo archive; usage rights documentation

Service duration and location

The assignment is expected to be completed within twelve (12) weeks, covering pre-production, filming, and final delivery. The exact schedule will be agreed during the inception phase. During this period, the service provider is expected to visit Botswana Meat Commission (Lobatse, Francistown, Maun and Gaborone), Luna Enterprises Ethiopia (Addis Ababa, Modjo, and Jinka), Kenya Pastoral Markets Development Platform (Kajiado, Laikipia and Nairobi) and Nigeria (Abuja, Jigawa, Kano and Bauchi)

Responsibilities of AU-IBAR and the Production Firm

1. AU-IBAR shall provide:
   Project concept information and guidance on technical messaging to the service provider to enable the undertaking of the deliverables. Draft introductory letters and supporting documentation for the stakeholders, and offer fact-checking on Africa’s pastoral data (investment, herd size, etc.) and narrative interviews to ensure the quality of the outputs.
2. The production firm shall:
   Abide by the guidelines of production, taking into consideration community engagement approaches and comply with legal and ethical media standards.

Supervision

During the assignment, the production firm shall be supervised by the APMD secretariat, with technical supervision by the Senior Knowledge Management Officer, and overall supervision by the AU-IBAR Director.

Qualification and Experience

 The consulting production firm shall demonstrate the following qualifications and experience:

Team Qualifications:

The proposed team shall include professionals with academic or professional qualifications in film production, multimedia communication, journalism, visual storytelling, or related fields. Postgraduate qualifications or specialised certification in documentary or multimedia production will be an added advantage.

Applicants shall present a proposed team structure with clearly defined roles and responsibilities, demonstrating that the team possesses competencies in the following functions: Lead Producer/Production Director; Scriptwriting and Storyboard Development; Cinematography and Camera Operation; Sound and Lighting; Video Editing and Post-production; Graphic Design and Animation (including infographics and SPV visualisation); and Professional Photography.

General Production Experience:

 The firm shall have at least seven (7) years of demonstrated experience in conceptualising, producing, and delivering high-quality documentary or audio-visual communication products, supported by a portfolio of comparable work.

Specific Thematic Experience: Proven experience in producing documentaries or investment-promotion content related to agribusiness, livestock or agricultural value chains, market systems development, private-sector engagement, or development finance. Prior work with international organisations, public-sector institutions, or continental programmes will be a strong advantage. Prior experience working in pastoral, livestock, or agricultural market systems in Africa, and familiarity with regional economic communities or continental programmes, is a strong advantage.

Technical Skills and Competencies:

• Demonstrated technical capacity in scripting, storyboarding, filming, editing, sound design, animation or infographic production, photography, and post-production, as well as project management capability to deliver within agreed timelines.

Language Proficiency: 

• Excellent command of English for scripting, narration, interviews, and subtitles. Capacity to work in French or an additional African Union language will be considered an added advantage.

Portfolio and References:

• Applicants shall submit a portfolio of at least three (3) comparable documentary or audio-visual productions, including web links or sample files, and provide contact details of at least two (2) previous clients or commissioning organisations for reference. Contact information for the proposed Lead Producer or Production Director shall also be provided.

Consent and intellectual property

All footage, photographs and final products shall remain the property of AU-IBAR, with unrestricted rights for editing, reproduction and dissemination.

Logistical Support

AU-IBAR will provide logistical support including arranging flights, accommodation and introduction to a focal point in countries that will facilitate travelling to the field site. AU-IBAR will also provide some local assistance arranging meetings with Governmental representatives, and non-state actors.

Payment

A maximum amount of 15,000 USD shall be paid to the firm for the provision of services.

Payments will be made in two instalments:

1. 20% after delivery of work plan, shooting schedule and agreed script;
2. 80% after delivery and approval of high-resolution photographs and 2 short video/documentary, written impact testimonials, and project report.

Tax, Insurance and Medical Obligations

The consulting production firm shall be responsible for fulfilling all applicable tax obligations related to this assignment. The firm shall also ensure that all personnel engaged under the assignment are covered by adequate medical and life insurance for the full duration of the consultancy. In addition, the firm shall provide and maintain comprehensive insurance coverage for all production equipment, filming gear, and related assets used during the assignment, including coverage against loss, theft, damage, and third-party liability. AU-IBAR shall bear no responsibility for insurance claims arising from personnel or equipment during the execution of the assignment.

Evaluation criteria

The applications will be evaluated based on the relevant technical qualifications, experience and competence of the candidates.

Criteria	Description	Scores(%)
Qualifications	Academic and professional qualifications of the proposed team, including film production, journalism, communication, multimedia production, or related fields.	20
General Experience	Demonstrated experience of the firm in producing high-quality documentaries or audio-visual communication products, including evidence from a portfolio of previous work.	25
Specific Experience	Proven experience in producing investment-promotion, private-sector engagement, agribusiness, market systems, or development-finance related documentaries, including experience working with international or public-sector institutions at regional level in Africa.	40
Skills and Competencies	Technical capacity in scripting, storyboarding, filming, editing, animation/infographics, photography, sound design, and post-production, as well as project management capacity to deliver within timelines.	10
Language	Proficiency in English for scripting, narration, interviews, and subtitles. Additional African language capacity is an added advantage.	5

Minimum Technical Pass Mark:

Only firms achieving a minimum score of 70% in the technical evaluation will proceed to financial evaluation.

Equipment

The videographer will use their own equipment deemed necessary during the execution of the assignment.

Insurance cover

The videographer will be responsible for own medical and life insurance cover; and equipment cover for the duration of the assignment.

Submission Procedure

Videographers (firms) that wish to show their interest in undertaking the prescribed work are to email and/or submit the following:

1. Cover letter with the applicant’s current contact information including how the candidate’s previous experience matches the assignments objectives as well as their interest for the position (no longer than two pages).
2. Technical proposal on how the assignment will be carried out intend to carried out.
3. CV of key crew and roles in assignment and professional references or letter of recommendation.
4. Samples of recent similar assignments: online portfolios and links to video work/documentaries.
5. A duly filled in and signed AU Declaration on Exclusion Criteria Form.

How to Apply

Submission of Applications

Proposals should be sent in PDF files on or before 05th March, 2025 at 23.45hrs Local Time (Kenya) to: procurement@au-ibar.org with a copy to: albert.obiero@au-ibar.org the subject “Production of an Investment Focused Documentary Package (APMD)”

*NB*

The technical proposal shall demonstrate their understanding of the assignment, proposed production approach and methodology, work plan and timeline, team composition, and relevant experience in producing high-quality documentaries or investment-promotion audio-visual content. Applications shall include a portfolio of comparable previous work, links to sample productions, and profiles of key personnel. Proposals must clearly indicate the applicant’s capacity to deliver the required documentary package within the specified timeframe and in compliance with AU-IBAR’s communication and branding standards.

Interested and eligible consulting production firms are invited to submit technical and financial proposals to: