INVITATION FOR BIDS (IFB)-Radio Production at Three MaYEA Program Intervention Woredas and Their Broadcasting

1. Background

The International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe) is an international scientific research institute, based in Nairobi, Kenya, dedicated to improving the lives and livelihoods of people in Africa. The International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology has a country office in Addis Ababa, located in Gurd Shola. icipe’s mission is to improve the health and food security status of the people of the tropics through research and development of environmentally friendly tools and strategies. As part of its research and development efforts, icipe is partnering with the Mastercard Foundation, IIRR, ORDA Ethiopia and other consortium partners to implement the Mass Youth Employment in Apiculture (MaYEA) program, which aimed to transform Ethiopian apiculture by tripling the national honey and beeswax production by 2028, while creating wage and self-employment to over one million youths (80% young women and 10% people with disability) through skilling and access to finance.

As a result, it is important to promote the success stories and best practices to demonstrate the lucrative opportunities within the apiculture industry, from small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to commercial or large-scale operations, highlighting their potential for growth and economic impact. Thus, icipe is looking for an experienced national Radio broadcasting channel/stations to develop empathy-driven and motivational radio content that inspires and mobilizes young people, particularly MaYEA program participants in rural areas, to listen to apiculture as an attractive business and to explore the potential of apiculture sectors for job creation, societal and economic transformation, and maintaining environmental health.

The radio program will be conducted in 3 MaYEA intervention districts (Ambasal district of Amhara, Tsimbla district of Tigray and Bitta district of the Southwest Ethiopian regions

The radio content will be produced in Amharic at the highest quality standards and transmission. The total duration of each radio episode will be 30 minutes, with broadcasting scheduled once per week for one month (four broadcasts). The radio program producer is expected to review all relevant MaYEA Program documents, reports, audio materials, and previously produced content to comprehensively understand the program’s objectives and icipe’s activities. The primary sources of content for the radio program include youth partners engaged in beekeeping, beekeeping input supplier SMEs, honey aggregators and processors, bee flora and colony multipliers, marketing cooperatives, and key stakeholders such as federal, regional, zonal, and district authorities, icipe and Mastercard Foundation management, along with other knowledgeable stakeholders from the target areas

 

2. Objective

• To promote success stories and best practices from the MaYEA program, youth partners engaged in primary products (honey and beeswax production), honeybee flora propagation and colony multiplication to enhance the natural resource base for apiculture business
• To explore the diverse aspects of apiculture, including honey production, pollination services, and related value-added products
• To highlight the economic significance of apiculture as a viable business venture, particularly for SMEs seeking growth opportunities
• To inspire entrepreneurs, investors, policy makers, financial service providers and stakeholders to recognize and invest in the potential of apiculture for economic development and environmental sustainability
• Mobilize target listeners, particularly MaYEA program participants in rural areas, on best practices and innovations in the apiculture sector

3. Expected outputs

At the end of the partnership, the selected service provider is expected to deliver the following 2 outputs:

• Submit the final radio content produced (30 minutes long) with all related audio materials in an appropriate format for multiple broadcasting platforms (radio, web, and other digital audio channels)
• Broadcast the radio program on its radio station once per week for a month (four times within one month).

Deliverables:

The service provider is expected to provide the following deliverables:

• Technical and financial proposal describing the procedures and methods of radio content production, and the financial plan
• A detailed pre-production, production, and post-production schedule for the radio content/program development process
• A 30-minute radio program highlighting the success and impact stories of beekeepers, SMEs, honey aggregators and processors, bee flora and honeybee colony multipliers, marketing cooperatives and partners, concerned authorities, icipe, implementing partners, Mastercard Foundation management, and other key stakeholders in these areas.
• The main language to be used throughout the radio program will be Amharic, with the possibility of English summaries or transcripts for wider accessibility.
• Broadcast the radio program once a week for one month (broadcast four times within one month) on the selected radio channel.
• A final master audio file ready for broadcast in high-quality audio format, suitable for radio transmission and online sharing.

 

4. Methodology

The service provider should manage all aspects of radio program production, including content development, scripting, recording, editing, voicing/narration, and broadcasting through a designated radio station. The following methodologies are expected to be employed:

4.1 Pre-production stage

• Write a storyline tailored to the radio program format and submit it to icipe for review and approval.
• Prepare a detailed radio content script and episode outline, including narration, background sounds, segment timing, and overall structure of the radio content.
• In collaboration with icipe, IIRR, ORDA Ethiopia, and implementing partners, identify the key voices to be featured in the radio program (such as beekeepers, SMEs, honey aggregators, processors, cooperatives, and relevant authorities).
• Prepare interview questions for all selected participants, with input and final approval from icipe.
• Develop a comprehensive production plan that includes interview schedules, locations for audio recordings, logistical arrangements, and travel days necessary for field visits and recordings.

4.2 Filming and Production Stage

• Produce standardized, high-quality audio content using professional sound recorders, microphones, and audio editing tools to ensure clear and engaging broadcasts.
• Record compelling stories, key learnings, interviews, and exposures with youth partners and other stakeholders, arranged by icipe.
• The radio program producer must strictly adhere to icipe’s safeguarding principles and policies. Consent must be obtained from all interviewees, and their privacy must be respected at all times
• Apply storytelling techniques to develop a powerful and engaging audio narrative that traces the journey of apiculture entrepreneurs and commercial farms from initial challenges to success. The story should highlight innovation, resilience, youth empowerment, and positive community impact.

4.3 Postproduction and broadcasting.

• Edit and mix audio recordings, incorporating sound effects, sound, music, and audio enhancements to improve storytelling and overall production value for radio broadcast.
• Present a draft radio program to icipe-Ethiopia for review and feedback on content, incorporate all appropriate suggestions, including icipe’s and Mastercard Foundation’s audio branding, acknowledge participants through verbal credits, and include a message of gratitude and ownership for the produced radio content.
• Develop and narrate the radio content/ program in Amharic, ensuring clear and engaging delivery
• Submit the final 30-minute produced radio content in a high-quality audio format suitable for multiple platforms, including radio, web streaming, and other digital channels. With a summary of the English narration
• Distribution and outreach-coordinate and ensure broadcasting of the radio program/content to reach wider audiences

5. Timeframe

The total project duration is 2 months.

Required experience of the service provider

The service provider will be required to have the following experience:

• Extensive experience in producing development-focused radio programs for international organizations, with content tailored for both local and international audiences
• Demonstrated capacity in high-quality audio production using professional-grade sound recording and editing equipment to ensure clear, engaging, and broadcast-ready radio content
• Previous experience working with icipe and other international organizations, development partners, including donors, research and development institutions, civil society organizations, and relevant government ministries, bureaus, and departments