Scope of Work

Consultancy Title: Documentary Filmmaker/Consultant – PROSPECT Success Documentary

Project Location(s): Monrovia, Liberia

Timeframe: The anticipated level of effort is 30 days (approx. 5 days in the field).

Background Mercy Corps:

Mercy Corps Liberia began operations in 2002 in response to the humanitarian crisis brought about by the two Liberian civil wars which took place from 1989-1997 and 1999–2003. Since then, Mercy Corps’ interventions have evolved based on the context and needs of the Liberian people. Mercy Corps Liberia has implemented a range of programs focused on renewable energy, food security, agricultural livelihoods, financial inclusion, nutrition, water and sanitation, infrastructure, and youth economic empowerment. Mercy Corps Liberia works closely with the Government of Liberia (especially the Ministries of Youth and Sports, Health, Labor, and Education), the private sector, civil society, and international and local NGOs to implement its programs from three offices/sub-offices (Monrovia, Buchanan, Rivercess). Mercy Corps is one of the foremost development actors in Liberia implementing strategic and systems-driven programming in youth employment and entrepreneurship, market systems development, and good governance.

Project Description (PROSPECTS-IV):

PROSPECTS IV is a 45-month, 48 million SEK program that aims to directly benefit 6,182 young people through improved employment opportunities with an overlapping impact on 14,856 young people. The programme applies a Market System Development (MSD) approach to facilitate systemic change. It builds on previous Government of Sweden’s investments through PROSPECTS I – III but aims to move away from a direct delivery model to place systems change at the heart of the programme. Understanding the structural and systemic challenges that young people face in securing employment is crucial to the programme’s success. PROSPECTS IV is implemented in four defined urban and peri-urban areas – Monrovia (Montserrado County), Ganta (Nimba County), Buchanan (Grand Bassa) and a pilot in Gbarnga (Bong County). PROSPECTS IV is highly innovative, one of the first MSD programs focused on urban youth employment.

BACKGROUND PROSPECTS: I-IV 2012 -2025

The first iteration of PROSPECT focused on empowering 200 employment-ready youth and engaging vulnerable youth in community waste management. This section will showcase how the program helped youths gain vocational skills and entrepreneurial confidence, which laid the foundation for future growth. The second and third iterations of PROSPECT saw the expansion to Grand Bassa, Bong, and Nimba counties, impacting thousands more youth. This section will highlight the exponential growth of the program and how it successfully adapted to meet the changing needs of the Liberian youth. The fourth iteration of PROSPECT further refined the program’s approach, focusing on job readiness, market access, and creating responsible businesses. This section will spotlight success stories from youth who have successfully transitioned into employment or self-employment, showing the long-term impact of the program.

Purpose of the Assignment

The PROSPECT program, funded by the Embassy of Sweden, has completed several iterations from 2012 to till date, focusing on youth employment and sustainable livelihoods in Liberia. To demonstrate the program’s impact and value for money, a 10-minute documentary will be produced to highlight success stories and program achievements. This film will also make a case for continued donor support and funding for a fifth iteration.

Consultancy Activities and Objectives

The specific activities of this consultancy will include:

To produce a high-quality 10-minute documentary that captures the successes of PROSPECT, showcasing beneficiaries’ stories, program impact, and the evolution of the project over four iterations. The documentary will emphasize the sustainability of the program and its forward-looking potential.

The consultant will lead the production process, with the following key tasks:

1. Pre-production (Week 1):

• Review program documents and objectives to understand the project’s goals.
• Meet with the PROSPECT team and key stakeholders to develop key messages.
• Draft a storyboard, script, and production plan.
• Identify and coordinate interviews with beneficiaries, staff, and stakeholders.

1. Production (Week 2):

• Film on location in Montserrado, Grand Bassa, Bong, Nimba, and Margibi counties.
• Capture interviews with key beneficiaries, staff, and partners.
• Film project sites, beneficiaries’ activities, and program outcomes.
• Ensure high-quality video and audio recording.

1. Post-production (Week 3):

• Edit the documentary, including voice-over, graphics, and captions.
• Share the first draft with the project team for feedback.
• Incorporate feedback into the final cut.

Consultant Deliverables

The consultant will deliver the following:

1. Final Deliverables (Week 4):

• Submit a finalized 10-minute documentary.
• Provide high-quality B-roll footage for additional use.
• Deliver all raw footage and final edited files.

1. Deliverables and Timeline

• Week 1: Storyboard, script, and production plan finalized.
• Week 2: Filming and interviews completed.
• Week 3: First cut of the documentary shared with the team.
• Week 4: Final cut delivered, including all raw footage

1. Consultant’s Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of experience in documentary filmmaking.
• Proven experience producing high-quality content for NGOs or development programs.
• Strong video production skills, including filming, editing, and scriptwriting.
• Experience working in Liberia or similar contexts is preferred.
• Ability to meet tight deadlines and deliver quality outputs.

The Independent Contractor will report to:

The PROSPECTS IV Team Leader with oversight support from the Country Director

The Independent Contractor will work closely with:

The Director of Programs, PROSPECTS IV program team and MEL team.

7. Application Process

Interested consultants should submit the following:

1. Technical proposal (2 pages max) outlining approach and methodology.
2. Video portfolio of relevant work.
3. Updated CV.
4. Financial proposal with a budget breakdown.

NOTE: Applications received after the deadline will not be considered. Mercy Corps reserves the right to contract as many Consultants as necessary to implement this project or none at all.

Document Submission:

All interested firms/individuals should kindly submit the following documents and attached annexes via email in one Portable Document Format, PDF, with the subject line “Documentary Filmmaker/Consultant – PROSPECT Success Documentary” to

lr-tenders@merycorps.org and hardcopy addressed and delivered to Mercy Corps Liberia’s office, Sophie Junction Opposite SOS Clinic, Oldest Congo Town, Monrovia, Liberia before 4:30 pm Local time between September 12- 25, 2024:

• Cover letter outlining capacities and experience with availability and fees
• A documentary proposal that includes a clear and detailed strategy for implementation of the work
• Detailed (proposed) work plan that includes timeline and budget
• CV/s
• One sample of previous work
• Business registration and tax clearance (if available).

Evaluation and Awarding of Contract:

The proposal will be evaluated using the approach below to determine the best proposal offer to carry out the mobile loan marketing activity.

Criteria