Call for consultancy: Strengthening 3 community radios for a sustainable future

Background

Are you passionate about transforming the media landscape in Rwanda?

The Rwanda Media Programme (RMP) 2021-2026 is a media initiative aimed at fostering a professional, vibrant, and financially sustainable media sector. RMP aims to strengthen journalism standards, truthfulness, accuracy, objectivity, impartiality, fairness, and public accountability while promoting gender inclusivity and diversity.

With the support of Fojo Media Institute, and The Swedish and Swiss embassies in Kigali, we are now running the Phase 2 of the Rwanda Media Viability Program. This phase focuses on equipping selected media houses with tailored support to enhance financial sustainability and drive long-term growth through innovative projects.

Community radio development (For 3 community radio stations)

Consultant profiles & areas of expertise

We require consultants with deep experience in the following specialized areas:

• Solid strategic and operational experience working with community radio on organisational change, radio programming and digital content and distribution.
• Ability to advice how to strenghten local position through community engagement, audience interaction, use data to enhance marketing and monetization.
• Ability to nurture experiments and innovation with technology, journalism, new formats and activities focused on attracting target audience.
• Ability to train staff in radio, digital audio, video and integrate it in attractive formats in an effective way.
• Ability and knowledge to inspire to solutions/formats/ideas implemented by community radio outside Rwanda.
• Ability to keep focus and assist management to carry out one project at a time and thereby achieve impact by the end of 2025
• Excellence in systematic documentation of activities and progress of individual projects in the media-houses – to be ongoing communicated evaluated by the Fojo team

Who should apply?

Consultants interested in this opportunity should meet the following criteria:

1. Digital transformation & Innovation in community radio

• Expertise in digital transformation strategies for local radio stations.
• Experience integrating digital audio and video production into engaging storytelling formats.
• Knowledge of digital radio streaming options (YouTube, podcasts, or other platforms).
• Ability to foster innovation and experimentation in community radio operations.

2. Enhanced radio programming & Interactive content

• Ability to design and implement relevant digital formats to complement traditional radio.
• Experience in interactive radio programming to boost audience participation.
• Strong understanding of youth- and women-focused content strategies.

3. Audience engagement & Community cohesion

• Expertise in local audience engagement through radio, digital platforms, and physical events.
• Skills in community engagement strategies to strengthen local impact.
• Experience designing inclusive audience interaction mechanisms, including feedback systems.
• Proven knowledge of strengthening community cohesion through media.

4. Financial viability & Marketing for community radio

• Experience in monetization strategies for community radio.
• Ability to leverage local and provincial strengths for financial sustainability.
• Skills in developing local commercial revenue streams and piloting new financial models.
• Understanding of marketing strategies tailored for community radio.

5. Strategic & operational support

• Ability to turn strategy into operations, guiding project execution from planning to implementation.
• Experience in designing and managing a structured project pipeline for community radio growth.
• Strong skills in systematic documentation, impact assessment, and evaluation of media projects.

6. Media research & Capacity building

• Expertise in qualitative media research to assess audience behavior and preferences.
• Experience in training and capacity building for community radio teams.
• Knowledge of best practices from community radio outside Rwanda to inspire local initiatives.

How and when to apply

Interested consultants should submit a proposal including:

• Cover letter: Brief introduction and motivation for applying
• Profile: Overview of relevant experience and qualifications
• Expertise statement: Clear indication of specialization and relevance to specific media house needs
• Proposals must be submitted by 03^rd March 2025 not later than 23h 59 Rwandan time.

Send your applications to: niyonfulg@gmail.com and copy to: annelie.frank@lnu.se and soren.ostergaardsorensen@lnu.se.

For further information don’t hesitate to contact Niyonagize Fulgence, The RMP Media Coordinator (+250) 788 813 274

Selection process & next steps

Applicants will be evaluated based on expertise and experience.

Selected consultants will receive formal notification and further engagement details