ToR: IT support specialist to create a bot for Viber/Telegram

DW Akademie announces its Terms of Reference to require an IT support specialist to create a bot for Viber/Telegram. The bot will function as a support tool for a psychological helpline, providing assistance to individual journalists in Moldova. 

Project title: TRIMEDIA - Trustworthy Reporting, Impactful Media, Engaged Communities 

Location: Republic of Moldova, nationwide 

Assignment period: September 2024  

Application Deadline: 22.08.2024 

1. Background 

The rampant flow of disinformation poses a key challenge to Moldova. It manipulates public opinion, erodes trust, and undermines fragile democratic progress. In the face of multiple crises stemming from the Russian invasion in Ukraine, the need for trustworthy information has become even more pronounced, especially in communities directly affected by these events. To contribute to a resilient democratic society in the Republic of Moldova with a safe information ecosystem, the project is aimed at increasing the capacities of media actors to produce, and of media consumers to access trustworthy quality reporting. 

Acknowledging the growing hostility towards journalists which leads to burnout and stress, the project increases capacities of media to prevent attacks and ward them off. The 3-dimensional (3D) Media Safety Program addresses the above-mentioned challenges and is based on a holistic understanding of personal safety – physical, digital, and psychological. The project aims to establish a psychological helpline specifically for media professionals. This service will allow individual journalists to request and receive one-on-one psychological consultations. 

The project is implemented by DW Akademie in cooperation with the Association of Independent Press (API) and is funded by the European Union and co-funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). 

2. Scope of work and deliverables 

Collecting of requests for psychological assistance will be possible through a bot helping users complete an initial questionnaire.  

In view of above, DW Akademie is looking for an IT support specialist to fulfill following duties and responsibilities: 

• Develop a Messenger Bot: Create a bot for Viber and Telegram to assist in the psychological helpline's operations. 

• Design User-Friendly Interface: Develop an intuitive and accessible interface for the bot. 

• Access Management: Implement a system to ensure only authorized personnel can access sensitive data. 

• Troubleshooting Guide: Provide a comprehensive troubleshooting guide for the bot. 

• Operational Handover: Conduct a thorough handover process to transition the bot's management to the project staff. 

Deliverables: 

•  A fully functional bot for Viber/Telegram, equipped to handle communication and data collection for the psychological support helpline. 

3. Requirements 

• Profound experience in creating bots within a messenger ecosystem 

• Knowledge of creating user-focused functions and features.  

• Ability to incorporate specific requirements and preferences of project management 

• Ability to work collaboratively within a team environment.  

• Demonstrated ability to meet project deadlines. 

4. How to apply  

Applications shall be made in writing and provide the following: 

• Letter of application with daily fee incl VAT 

• Curriculum Vitae (CV) 

Please submit your application in electronic form to juliane.nitz@dw.com. The deadline is 22.08.2024. If possible, please put all required documents in one PDF for submission. 

For any questions regarding the scope of your offer and/or the requested service please contact Ms. Juliane Nitz at juliane.nitz@dw.com and/or Ms. Olena Ponomarenko at olena.ponomarenko@dw.com.