Lead Education Consultant: Podcast Series

The British Council in India is creating a podcast series to promote a better understanding of relevant research, key challenges and innovations related to developing education systems and improving teaching and learning in India/wider South Asia, with examples of best practices established by successful initiatives. The target audience are people working across the education sector with an interest in developing systems of education: policy makers, administrators, donors, NGO officers and academics.

Each episode will focus on a specific theme that is relevant to developing education systems and achieving the aims of the fourth UN Sustainable Development Goal. Themes could include multilingual education, enhancing learning outcomes, educational technology, models for in-service teacher development, etc. Each episode will include interview(s) with influential researchers, representatives from leading UK, South Asian and international organisations and other educationalists with insights into successful initiatives. Whilst teachers may listen to this podcast, the focus will be on more systemic-level issues and solutions as opposed to focusing on classroom tips for teachers. 

The consultancy

The British Council is seeking a consultant to produce this series of twelve 30 minute podcast episodes. The consultant will be expected to:

• give inputs to the concept note for this podcast, including finalising the format and themes for each episode
• create an outline of the main focus points for each episode, and identify relevant education research to refer to, in conjunction with the British Council team
•  identify suitable interviewees for each theme, and arrange interviews, in conjunction with the British Council team
• record interviews with selected interviewees and the presenter in an agreed audio format, using his/her own audio equipment and software
• create and record any additional content (e.g. introductions to the theme / interviewees, etc.) – this may involve working with a separate presenter – TBC
• edit the audio recordings to create each episode, using his/her own editing software
• create a short summary text for each episode with links to relevant research
• adhere to British Council brand guidelines and consent agreements for interviewees
• contribute to procuring any required music intro/outros
• revise content based on feedback from the British Council team
• deliver the twelve 30-minute podcast episodes in agreed audio format(s) to the British Council
  
•  advise on how to host, launch and publicise the podcast series on appropriate platforms.

Timeline

We would expect to receive the completed series by 1 March 2019. Timelines for submitting episode outlines and draft episodes for review will be agreed. 

The suggested breakdown of work (to be discussed and agreed with the successful applicant) would be:

• Briefing with British Council team, contributing to the concept note, finalising episode themes and agreement on TORs via a video conferencing platform - number of days: 2
• Identifying interviewees and making an outline of main discussion focus of each episode, including any relevant research papers to be discussed. Incorporating any feedback from the British Council - number of days:5
• Scheduling and recording interviews - number of days: 5
• Writing script for presenter, recording him/her, editing episodes and incorporating British Council feedback in order to finalise 12 episodes - number of days: 10
• Creating a short summary text for each episode, with links to relevant research - number of days: 1
• Researching and advising on hosting, launching and publicising the series - number of days: 2

Total days: 30

Qualifications and experience

Essential 

• Experience of producing audio series for broadcast through radio or podcast. 
• Proven knowledge and understanding of education systems in developing countries, current innovations to solve challenges, and related research.
• Access to required recording and editing equipment and software.

Desirable 

• A network of contacts who could be suitable interviewees. 
• Experience as a presenter of audio programmes / content.
• Experience of education systems in India and/or wider South Asia.

How to apply

Interested parties should submit the following by email by 10 September 2018 to Rustom Mody (rustom.mody@britishcouncil.org): 

• An up-to-date CV
• A covering letter clearly explaining how you meet the criteria above and how you would approach the project (max 750 words)
• Links to a sample of similar work
• Details of expected fees

Questions may be addressed to Rustom Mody on the above address.

Please note that we can only respond to successful applicants and only within five working days of the application deadline.