Purpose of the AssignmentUNICEF Nigeria is undertaking significant research on the situation of children and adolescents in Nigeria. Thus, we are seeking the technical support of a media research consultant that can provide knowledge, research and analysis on adolescent and children’s representation in Nigerian media.The relationship between children and the media is enshrined in Article 17 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) which states that every child has the right to access to information and material from a diversity of national and international sources, especially those aimed at the promotion of his or her social, spiritual, and moral well-being and physical and mental health. While news media and traditional print media are only a part of the full media spectrum, they are key in providing information and entertainment to citizens and shaping people’s opinions. In November 1999 and in commemoration of the 10 year anniversary launch of the CRC by the UN General Assembly, young people involved in media projects, media professionals and child-rights experts gathered in Oslo, Norway to discuss the role the media can play in developing children’s rights throughout the world. From their discussions emerged the Oslo Challenge which among other things is a call to action to meet national obligations set out under the Convention on the Rights of the Child and to report regularly to the Committee on the Rights of the Child on policies and actions aimed at fulfilling Articles 12, 13 and 17.It is against this background and as part of UNICEF’s effort to provide information that can shape programme, policies and plans on children’s wellbeing in Nigeria that the Social Policy and Gender Equality unit seeks a Consultant to assess how children and adolescents are portrayed in Nigerian media.The Consultant would therefore work in collaboration with the UNICEF Social Policy and Gender Equality team to establish the existence or the lack of a rights-based approach to representation of children or reporting on children and adolescent issues in the media.AssignmentUnder the guidance of the Chief, Social Policy and Gender Equality unit, the consultant will provide research, analytical support and knowledge generation to UNICEF’s work by monitoring how children and adolescents are represented in Nigerian media. The consultant will answer the following questions based on a review of a variety of sources, including television, radio and traditional print media in official and indigenous languages:
How are they (children and adolescents) portrayed in the media?
Are they adequately represented?
Is there diversity in representation? (e.g are the poor, those living with disabilities, in institutions, ethnic minorities, those who work and live on the streets, are in conflict with the law, affected by HIV, affected by violence represented?)
If the voices of children and adolescents appear, is the media representation positive?
How often is the section targeted at children & adolescents in traditional print media published?
Is information presented in an age appropriate and sensitive manner?
Are there differences across sub-regions in the context of child & adolescent representation in media?
Are journalists aware of child’s rights and the media?
The consultant will interact with the UNICEF team in Abuja on a regular basis to provide updates and receive feedback, as well as deliver on the assignment within atotal period of one month. Tasks
Expected DeliverablesA well-written and high quality research document presenting a true and factual representation of children and adolescents’ portrayal in Nigerian media.Qualifications of Successful Candidate
Advanced university degree in the social/behavioural sciences
At least 7 years of experience either working in the media, research documentation and report writing specialized in working with and for children.
Knowledge of current developments and practices in communication including traditional media, digital media, indigenous media, community organization and participation.
Knowledge of the work of UNICEF and children’s rights and rights based approach would be an asset
Ability to express clearly and concisely ideas and concepts in written and oral form.
Good computer skills including and various office applications.
Knowledge of at least two major local languages in Nigeria
Knowledge of CRC and familiarity with the principles for ethical reporting on children
Local knowledge and understanding of cultural, social and economic conditions in Nigeria
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