Logo of ActionAid

Terms of Reference (ToR)
for
Media Awareness, Fact-Checking Campaign, and Online Platform Development

1. Background

Under the EU-funded action on youth-led peacebuilding and social cohesion in Bangladesh and Myanmar, digital platforms have been identified as key drivers of misinformation, hate speech, and conflict escalation. As highlighted in the action design, social media environments often amplify unverified information, contributing to mistrust and tension among host and refugee communities.

To address this, the project includes targeted media awareness and fact-checking initiatives aimed at promoting responsible digital behavior, strengthening critical thinking, and reducing the spread of misinformation. This aligns with Output 3 of the action, which focuses on strengthening youth-led influence and digital peacebuilding efforts.

The initiative draws inspiration from global fact-checking platforms such as FactCheck.org, Snopes, and PolitiFact, adapting their approaches to the local context through youth-led campaigns and accessible digital content.

Activity Reference: 6.3.6.1 [3.6.1_AAUK-BD] Launch a Fact-Checking Initiatives: Example
FactCheck.org, Snopes, and PolitiFact run media awareness campaigns focused on educating the public about the importance of fact-checking information before sharing it. These campaigns will include online resources, social media posts (#ThinkBeforeYouShare), to promote critical thinking and debunk false information. Year 2 q2.

2. Objectives of the Consultancy

  • Overall Objective

    To design and implement a media awareness and fact-checking initiative that promotes responsible use of social media, reduces misinformation, and strengthens digital peacebuilding among youth and communities.

    Specific Objectives
  • To develop and implement a targeted media awareness campaign promoting critical thinking and responsible information sharing
  • To strengthen youth capacity to identify, verify, and counter misinformation
  • To develop accessible digital resources and tools for fact-checking
  • To design and launch a simple online platform for fact-checking and awareness
  • To contribute to reducing hate speech and conflict-triggering narratives online

3. Scope of Work
The consultant/firm will undertake the following tasks:

A. Campaign Design and Strategy Development

  • Conduct a rapid context analysis on misinformation trends in target communities
  • Develop a campaign strategy aligned with project communication and EU visibility guidelines
  • Design key campaign messages (e.g., #ThinkBeforeYouShare) promoting fact-checking and responsible digital engagement
  • Identify appropriate digital platforms and outreach approaches for target groups

B. Content Development

  • Develop a set of digital media products including:
    • Social media posts (graphics, captions, short videos)
    • Fact-checking guides and simple verification tools
    • Infographics and storytelling content promoting digital responsibility
  • Ensure content is inclusive, gender-sensitive, conflict-sensitive, and accessible

C. Campaign Implementation

  • Roll out the campaign through selected social media platforms and youth networks
  • Coordinate with youth-led organizations and peacebuilders for content dissemination
  • Engage influencers, community journalists, and youth leaders to amplify reach

D. Development of Online Fact-Checking Platform/Youth peace forum

  • Design and develop a simple, user-friendly online platform or web-based page
  • Include key features such as:
    • Fact-checking tips and verification tools
    • “Myth vs Fact” or rumour verification section
    • Repository of campaign materials
    • Links to trusted information sources
  • Ensure the platform is:
    • Mobile-friendly and low-bandwidth accessible
    • Language-appropriate for local communities
    • Safe and moderated to prevent misuse
    • Self learning modules  
  • Provide basic orientation to youth groups on platform use and content contribution

E. Capacity Strengthening

  • Conduct orientation or short training sessions for youth groups on:
    • Responsible use of social media
    • Fact-checking techniques
    • Countering misinformation safely
  • Support youth-led engagement in campaign activities

F.  Monitoring, Documentation, and Reporting

  • Develop simple monitoring tools (reach, engagement, behavior change indicators)
  • Document campaign outputs, reach, and lessons learned
  • Submit a final report including analysis of impact and recommendations for scaling

4. Deliverables
The consultant is expected to deliver:

  1. Campaign strategy and implementation plan
  2. Set of campaign materials (agreed number of digital contents)
  3. Operational online fact-checking platform/webpage
  4. Orientation/training sessions conducted for youth participants
  5. Campaign performance data and analytics summary
  6. Final report including outcomes, lessons learned, and recommendations

5. Duration and Budget
The consultancy is expected to be conducted over 4 months (May to August 2026).
Maximum contract value is BDT 750, 000(including VAT and TAX as per GoB rules.

6. Target Groups

  • Youth peacebuilders and youth-led organizations
  • Rohingya and host community youth groups
  • Local communities engaged through digital platforms
  • Wider online audience (estimated reach aligned with TG4: 500,000 individuals)

7. Required Qualifications
The consultant/firm should demonstrate:

  • Proven experience in media campaigns, digital communication, or fact-checking initiatives
  • Strong understanding of misinformation, digital literacy, and online behavior change
  • Experience working with youth, CSOs, or community-based organizations
  • Knowledge of conflict-sensitive communication and gender-responsive approaches
  • Strong content development and storytelling skills

8. Reporting and Coordination

  • The consultant will report to the Project Manager (ActionAid Bangladesh)
  • Regular coordination meetings will be held with project and communication teams
  • All deliverables must be reviewed and approved by the contracting authority

9. Ethical Considerations and Safeguards

  • Ensure a Do No Harm approach in all messaging and engagement
  • Maintain conflict sensitivity and avoid reinforcing harmful narratives
  • Ensure protection of women, girls, and vulnerable groups in digital content
  • Adhere to data protection and consent protocols

10. Payment Schedule
Payments will be made based on agreed milestones, for example:

  • 40% upon submission of campaign strategy and initial content
  • 30% upon mid-term implementation progress
  • 30% upon final deliverables and reporting

11. Sustainability Consideration
The campaign and online platform will be designed to enable continued use and adaptation by youth-led organizations beyond the project period, ensuring long-term impact on digital literacy and social cohesion.

Deadline for Proposal Submission: 16 May 2026

Disclaimer: ActionAid Bangladesh reserves the right to accept or reject any or all applications without assigning any reason thereof