Terms of Reference (ToR)

Consultant: Documentary Film Producer

Project Title: Feminist Coalition Documentary on Urgent Policy Issues in Liberia

Location: Liberia (nationwide coverage)

Duration: [Beginning August-October 2025 (3) months]

Reporting to: feminist coalition project manager (medica Liberia)

1. Background

The Feminist Coalition in Liberia is a consortium for five women’s right organizations (medica Liberia, radical young women movement of Liberia, sisters4sisters, women NGO secretariat of Liberia and Liberia feminist forum) network of women’s rights committed to advancing gender equality, social justice, and human rights for all women and marginalized groups. Our advocacy focuses on key policy issues including women’s political participation, the elimination of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), increased funding for Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) services, and advocating for policies reform the enhance, protect the rights of women and girls and minority groups.

As part of our ongoing campaign work on gender-sensitive legal reforms and emerging women’s rights issues, a documentary film will be developed to capture urgent issues for policy change and feature the voices of women and marginalized people across Liberia. The documentary will be a strategic advocacy tool, presented to the national legislature during a meeting to communicate key policy recommendations. It will contribute to raising awareness, strengthening political will, and holding decision-makers accountable.

2. Objective of the Assignment

To produce a compelling, rights-based, and high-quality documentary film (8-10 minutes) that:

• Highlights urgent policy issues related to women’s political participation, FGM, SGBV services, and public health.
• Features authentic voices and lived experiences of women and marginalized communities from diverse counties in Liberia.
• Provides clear calls to action for policymakers and the public.
• Can be used for advocacy campaigns, stakeholder engagement, and public screenings.

3. Scope of Work

The Consultant will be responsible for:

1. Planning & Pre-production
   1. Meet with the Feminist Coalition to understand advocacy priorities, target audiences, and key messages.
   2. Develop a concept note and storyboard for the documentary.
   3. Identify and coordinate interviews with key informants, community members, experts, and policymakers.
   4. Develop a standard consent form for participants to review and sign, ensuring it meets ethical and legal requirements in Liberia and protects the rights of all participants.
   5. Secure all necessary filming permits.
2. Filming & Production
   1. Travel to at least [insert number] counties across Liberia to capture diverse perspectives and contexts.
   2. Conduct interviews and gather footage that illustrates challenges, resilience, and proposed solutions.
   3. Use high-quality audio-visual equipment to ensure professional production standards.
3. Post-production
   1. Edit the film to produce a final 8–10-minute version and a 3–5 minute advocacy cut.
   2. Add subtitles in English (and optionally in local languages).
   3. Include background music and graphics as appropriate.
4. Delivery
   1. Submit a draft documentary for review and feedback.
   2. Deliver the final versions in high-resolution digital format and a social media-friendly format.
   3. Provide a photo bank of at least 30 high-quality still images taken during filming.

4. Expected Deliverables

1. Concept note and storyboard (approved by Feminist Coalition).
2. Final documentary film (8–10 minutes).
3. Short version (3–5 minutes) for social media and advocacy campaigns.
4. Photo bank of at least 100 images.
5. Standard participant consent form developed for the project, along with signed copies for all participants featured.
6. Raw footage for future use by the Feminist Coalition.

5. Duration and Timeline

The consultancy will be implemented over 8 weeks/ 2 month, tentatively from October 15 – December 15 2025

6. Qualifications and Experience

• Proven experience in documentary filmmaking, preferably on human rights, gender, or development issues.
• Strong storytelling skills with the ability to capture complex issues in an engaging manner.
• Familiarity with feminist principles and ethical storytelling practices.
• Demonstrated capacity to work in diverse cultural contexts across Liberia.
• Ability to meet deadlines and work collaboratively with stakeholders.

7. Ethical Considerations

The Consultant must ensure:

• Informed consent is obtained using the project-specific consent form developed for this assignment.
• Protection of identities where requested or where it is in the participant’s best interest.
• Avoidance of re-traumatization for survivors of violence.
• Representation that respects the dignity and agency of all subjects.

8. Reporting and Supervision

The Consultant will work under the direct supervision of the Feminist Coalition Secretariat, with regular check-ins and approvals at each stage of the process.

9. Payment Schedule

Payment will be made in instalment upon completion of key deliverables:

• 30% upon approval of concept note and storyboard.
• 70% upon submission of draft documentary and final photos.

10. Application Process

Interested consultants should submit:

• A brief proposal outlining their understanding of the assignment, methodology, and timeline.
• Portfolio of previous similar work (links to samples).
• CV of the lead consultant and any team members.
• Detailed budget.

Start Date: IMMEDIATE

Deadline for application: October 10, 2025

How to apply: Applications should be sent to with the subject line: “Consultancy – Feminist Coalition Documentary” to recruit@medicaliberia.org and cc fenny.diggs@medicaliberia.org, serveh.flomo@medicaliberia.org and aaron.ireland@medicaliberia.org