The Ethiopian Media Council is seeking a qualified consultant or team of experts to develop a comprehensive, practical, and localized training manual for journalists, editors, and media workers.

TERMS OF REFERENCE (TOR) Development of a Training Manual on Journalist Safety, Digital Security, and Legal Rights 1. Background & Rationale Journalists frequently face multi-dimensional threats in the line of duty, ranging from physical violence and arbitrary detention to digital surveillance, hacking, and legal harassment (such as strategic lawsuits against public participation, or SLAPPs). To ensure their protection and the continuation of independent reporting, media professionals must be equipped with practical, up-to-date knowledge on how to mitigate these risks. [Ethiopian Media Council] is seeking a qualified consultant or team of experts to develop a comprehensive, practical, and localized Training Manual on Journalist Safety, Digital Security, and Legal Rights. This manual will serve as the core curriculum for upcoming capacity-building workshops. 2. Objectives of the Assignment The primary objective is to design and produce a high-quality, accessible, and modular training manual that equips journalists, editors, and media workers with the tools to: Assess and mitigate physical risks in diverse reporting environments. Secure their digital communications, data, and sources against cyber threats. Understand their local and international legal rights, and navigate legal pressures safely. 3. Scope of Work & Core Modules The consultant will be responsible for researching, drafting, and finalizing the manual. The content must be structured into modular formats suitable for both self-study and trainer-led workshops. The manual should cover three core pillars: Module 1: Physical Safety & Risk Mitigation Risk Assessment: How to conduct pre-assignment risk assessments and draft security plans. Situational Awareness: Navigating protests, conflict zones, and hostile environments. Gender-Specific Safety: Addressing specific threats faced by women and non-binary journalists, including online and offline harassment. Psychological Safety: Managing trauma, stress, and burn