The Ethiopian Media Council (EMC), supported by GIZ, seeks a qualified trainer firm to provide training for its arbitration panel on media law, public grievances management, code of ethics, defamation, discrimination, and hate speech.

Call for External Trainer (EMC)

Project Title: Enhance the functioning and visibility of Ethiopian Media Council’s Press Complaint Commission through customized communication measures

Background

EMC is supporting the promotion of press freedom in Ethiopia within its action to foster freedom of expression, media freedom access to information online and offline and the promotion of the safety of journalist in the country. Ethiopian media landscape is opening since 2019. Generally, the capacity of the media sector in promoting professionalism and self-regulation is limited as there are no strong professional associations and the media council is only recently established. Professional capacity building for journalists is one of the priority areas identified by the Ethiopian media council. EMC plans to work with media houses, media associations and CSOs, media professionals, international organizations, Embassies, media educators and  media regulators. 

Donor: GIZ- Ethiopia

The Empowered Media Council (EMC), supported by GIZ, seeks a qualified trainer firm to provide training for EMC arbitration panel to strengthen the functioning and capacity of Ethiopian Media Council’s Press Complaint Commission on media law and public grievances management on one session and on the other session Code of Ethics and defamation, discrimination, and hate speech. Besides, the consultant is expected to produce two training module up to EMC standard.

The training modules should contain: Core Topics for Media Self-Regulation Trainings

Principles of Ethical Journalism:

• Accuracy and Fair Reporting: Ensuring factual reporting, distinguishing fact from opinion, and implementing corrections.
• Respect for Privacy and Human Dignity: Handling sensitive information and protecting vulnerable subjects.
• Independence and Conflicts of Interest: Ensuring editorial independence from commercial or political interests, including handling gifts and advertising pressures.
• Hate Speech and Harassment: Identifying, reporting, and restricting inflammatory or harmful content.
• Protection of Sources: Respecting confidentiality in journalism.

The Regulatory Landscape & Procedures:

• Self-Regulation vs. Statutory Regulation: Understanding the voluntary nature of self-regulation (e.g., Press Councils) compared to legal penalties.
• Complaint Handling Mechanisms: Procedures for receiving, investigating, and adjudicating reader/viewer complaints, including remedies.
• Case Studies and Practical Dilemmas: Reviewing real-world cases to apply ethical standards consistently.
• Transparency and Accountability: Mechanisms for publishing rulings and maintaining public trust.

Emerging Digital Challenges:

• Digital Ethics: Applying traditional ethics to online platforms, bloggers, and influencers.
• Misinformation and "Fake News": Techniques for verifying information in the digital age.
• Social Media Regulations: Navigating ethical issues related to AI, native advertising, and social media comments.

Legal and Ethical Frameworks:

• Freedom of Expression and Media Freedom: Balancing self-regulation with the right to free speech.
• Comparative Ethical Codes: Reviewing national and international standards, such as those from the OSCE or other press councils.
• Arbitration and Adjudication Skills:
• Mediation and Conflict Resolution: Skills for facilitating fair outcomes between complainant and media outlets.
• Drafting Adjudications: Writing clear, consistent, and justified decisions

Deliverables

• Produce two training modules and provide two training sessions based on the modules for arbitration panels. 
• Brief work plan showing audit steps and timeline.

Duration

• The total time required for module preparation is one month maximum up to May 10, 2026 (April 10/2026 – May, 10/2026). But the consultant will not be working throughout all this time and this should be clearly given in the detailed technical proposal.

Eligibility and Requirements

• Team members with post-graduate and above qualifications and at least five years of experience in area.
• Submit evidence of at least ten similar projects
• Provide company profile, current stakeholder references, and copies of national/international certifications.
• Commitment to meet deadlines.

Timeline

The total time required for submission of technical as well as financial proposal is five working days starting from advertisement up to April 06, 2026.

Selection Criteria

Proposals will be evaluated using cumulative analysis: Consultant's qualifications and relevant experience

• Proposed methodology and approach
• Budget feasibility and Copies of renewable licenses in the field and TAX/VAT identification documents

• Technical Proposal: 60%
• Financial Proposal: 40%

Application

Send to email: etmediacouncil@gmail.com 

Submit Physically: Mesqel Square Finifine Building 8th Floor