Media Expert Consultant

Project Title Strengthened Media-Driven Advocacy for Stronger Cancer Control Policy Commitment in Bhutan.
Implementing Organization Bhutan Cancer Society
Project Duration Six months
Duty Station Thimphu, Bhutan (with travel as required)

1. Background

The Bhutan Cancer Society (BCS) is implementing the project titled “Strengthened Media-Driven Advocacy for Stronger Cancer Control Policy Commitment in Bhutan.” The project seeks to generate evidence on cancer-related media coverage and policy gaps in Bhutan and strengthen the capacity of media professionals, and civil society organizations to promote evidence-based public discourse and policy engagement on cancer control.

The project recognizes the growing burden of cancer in Bhutan and the need to shift public discourse from event-based awareness campaigns toward sustained, evidence-driven policy advocacy. A key component of the project is conducting a media content analysis and strengthening the ability of journalists and content creators to interpret and communicate cancer-related evidence responsibly and effectively.

To support this effort, BCS seeks to engage a qualified Media Expert Consultant.

2. Purpose of the Assignment

To provide technical leadership for the media content analysis, support the development of evidence-based communication products, and build the capacity of media professionals and content creators to report on cancer and public health policy issues accurately, ethically, and effectively.

3. Scope of Work

Under the overall supervision of the Executive Director and in close coordination with the Program Officer, the consultant shall:

Task 1: Research

Design an appropriate research methodology and analytical framework, including the media content coding framework and the key informant interview guide.

Lead the media content analysis:

  • Review and code media coverage of cancer, identifying key trends, coverage gaps, framing patterns, and stakeholder representation.
  • Conduct key informant interviews with journalists, editors, policymakers, and health officials, and synthesize findings across both strands to identify advocacy and communication gaps.
  • Prepare and submit the research method integrating the media content analysis and key informant interview findings.
3.1. Policy and Communication Support
  • Provide technical guidance in translating research findings into advocacy and communication products.
  • Support the development of policy-oriented messaging.
  • Review draft policy briefs to ensure they are media-friendly and accessible.
  • Advise on communication approaches for public dissemination
3.2. Capacity Building
  • Design and facilitate a one-day capacity-building workshop for journalists and media professionals.
  • Deliver sessions on:

         ▪ Ethical reporting and survivor storytelling;

          ▪ Policy-oriented health journalism;

          ▪ Develop training materials and resource packs.

  • Provide coaching to participating journalists and content creators.
  • Guide the production of evidence-based stories, editorials, feature articles, and digital content.
  • Support the development of a media engagement strategy for the project.

4. Deliverables

The consultant shall deliver:

4.1. Inception Report (research methodology, workplan, and analytical framework, covering both the media content analysis and key informant interviews). including methodology, work plan, and analytical framework.

4.2. Research Report, integrating the media content analysis and key informant interview findings, with the coding framework and interview guide annexed.

4.3. Translate Research findings into media-friendly policy briefs, advocacy messages, and actionable recommendations for media engagement.

4.4. Technical input to stakeholder interview findings and synthesis report.

4.5. Training curriculum and workshop materials for journalists.

4.6. Facilitation of two-days capacity-building workshop.

4.7. Training curriculum and workshop materials, facilitation of the 2 days capacity building workshop for media on ethical reporting and survival storytelling, policy-oriented health journalism and evidence-based reporting.

4.8. Coaching the media personnel and content creators in producing evidence-based stories, feature articles and digital content.

4.9. Final consultancy report summarizing activities, findings, recommendations, and lessons learned.

5. Duration of Assignment

All deliverables should be submitted by 31st August 2026, with inputs provided according to the project implementation schedule.

6. Criteria and Experience:

  • Minimum ___ years of professional experience in journalism, media research, media development, or strategic communications.
  • Demonstrated experience conducting media content analysis and communication research.
  • Experience facilitating training and capacity-building programs for journalists and media professionals.
  • Strong understanding of media ethics, public interest journalism, and policy advocacy.
  • Experience in health communication, civil society, governance, or development communication is highly desirable.
  • Familiarity with the Bhutanese media landscape will be an advantage.

Skills and Competencies:

  • Excellent analytical and report-writing skills.
  • Strong facilitation and presentation skills.
  • Excellent interpersonal and stakeholder engagement skills.

7. Payment Schedule

Payment Milestone Deliverables
First Payment (30%) Submission and approval of the Inception Report, workplan, methodology, and media content analysis framework
Second Payment (40%) Submission and approval of the Media Content Analysis Report, and completion of Key Informant Interviews
Final Payment (30%) Submission and approval of the final consultancy report, policy briefs, and media engagement recommendations