Context

• The Samir Kassir Foundation (SKF) is a non-profit organization dedicated to defending media freedom, supporting independent journalism, and promoting human rights and democratic values across the MENA region.
• Funded by the European Union and led by BBC Media Action, the Brave Media Project is a global initiative that brings together leading media organizations to strengthen independent media, enhance gender-equitable practices, provide training and financial support, and promote solutions that safeguard democracy, human rights, and resilience against disinformation worldwide.
• Through the Brave Media Project, SKF is seeking a Research Consultant to conduct an Audience Engagement Study for five media outlets selected by SKF. The purpose of audience research is to understand whether and how the levels of audience engagement with five participating media outlets have changed over time, to understand the progress and impact of the interventions on the outlets on their audiences, and to assess: the extent to which media outlets are able to produce content that is appealing to the audience; the extent to which media outlets have been able to use audience feedback in the production of content; the effectiveness with which media outlets are able to engage their audience; and the effectiveness of the interventions in impacting audiences against selected indicators such as relevance, trust, engagement in relation to the media outlet’s content.

Description of Assignment

The Audience Engagement Assessment should be carried out for five media outlets.

To implement the study, a mixed-methods approach will be used, combining quantitative and qualitative techniques.

The study will also consider key demographic factors (such as age, gender, and location) when selecting participants to ensure diverse audience representation.

Methodology

• Step 1 – Quantitative: Online questionnaire and analysis of audience data (gender, age, etc.).
• Step 2 – Qualitative: FGDs, or panel discussions, or interviews.

Note: Step 1 could be enough if the consultant includes in it open-ended questions (qualitative).

Deliverables

Target:

• Up to 6 FGDs per outlet (5-7 participants each), or
• Up to 10 participants per panel discussion, or
• Up to 10 interviewees per outlet.
  
  

Materials:

Guiding documents including interviews and survey questionnaires will be provided for the consultant to complete and use during the discussions.

Duration of the Assignment

The assignment will be conducted for five media outlets operating across Lebanon, Jordan and Tunisia, and designated by SKF, between June 2026 and September 2026.

Qualifications

The Research Consultant conducting the study should have:

• Proven experience in social or media/audience research.
• Strong expertise in mixed-methods research (quantitative and qualitative).
• Experience designing and conducting surveys across digital formats.
• Proven ability to lead qualitative methods such as focus groups and in-depth interviews.
• Skills in sampling design and analyzing diverse audience demographics.
• Strong data analysis, interpretation, and reporting skills.
• Experience with media organizations or audience engagement research is an advantage.
• Strong communication skills and fluency in English and in Arabic.

How to Apply

If you are interested, please submit your application here by May 31, 2026 and upload your:

• Technical proposal (maximum three pages) outlining approach and methodology.
• Financial proposal (including daily rate and number of days).
• Updated CV.