TERMS OF REFERENCE

Consultant to Develop Electoral Sign Language Videos for the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Community

1. Background

The Zambia Federation of Disability Organisations (ZAFOD), with support from the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES), is implementing a project entitled "Fostering ECZ Engagement with Persons with Disabilities to Improve Electoral Access."

The project seeks to promote disability inclusion in Zambia's electoral processes by enhancing access to electoral information, strengthening engagement between persons with disabilities and the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ), and promoting inclusive electoral practices.

As part of this initiative, ZAFOD intends to develop a series of accessible voter education materials, including sign language videos, to improve access to electoral information for Deaf and hard-of-hearing persons.

ZAFOD therefore invites qualified consultants to develop a professional series of electoral sign language videos.

2. Objective of the Consultancy

To develop high-quality and accessible electoral sign language videos that communicate key voter education messages and electoral information to Deaf and hard-of-hearing persons in Zambia.

3. Scope of Work

The consultant will:

• Review relevant electoral information and voter education materials.
• Consult with ZAFOD and relevant disability stakeholders.
• Develop scripts and storyboards for electoral sign language videos.
• Translate electoral content into appropriate Zambian Sign Language.
• Coordinate video recording, editing and post-production.
• Ensure videos meet accessibility and quality standards.
• Incorporate comments and feedback from ZAFOD and IFES.
• Produce final videos in formats suitable for television, social media, websites and community dissemination.

4. Deliverables

The consultant shall deliver:

1. Inception report detailing methodology and workplan.
2. Draft scripts and storyboards.
3. Draft electoral sign language video series.
4. Final approved electoral sign language video series.
5. Final consultancy report.

5. Duration

The consultancy is expected to be completed within ten (10) working days within June 2026.

6. Qualifications and Experience

The consultant should possess:

• Demonstrated experience in sign language interpretation and accessible communications.
• Experience producing educational or awareness videos.
• Knowledge of disability inclusion and accessibility principles.
• Understanding of Zambia's electoral environment is an added advantage.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.

7. Reporting

The consultant will report directly to the Project Coordinator at ZAFOD.

8. Application Requirements

Interested consultants should submit:

• Technical proposal.
• Financial proposal.
• Curriculum Vitae.
• Examples of similar assignments undertaken.
• Contact details of at least two referees.

9. Submission

Applications should be submitted electronically to ZAFOD on or before the specified deadline. Email applications to: info@zafod.org.zm Due Date: 19th June, 2026.