ToR: Trainer for in-house consultations on digital security for regional and national newsrooms in Moldova

DW Akademie announces the Terms of Reference for the requirement of a digital security trainer/expert, to provide in-house trainings on digital security for 8 regional and national newsrooms in the Republic of Moldova. 

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

Location: Republic of Moldova, nationwide 

Assignment period: October 2024 – April 2025 

Application Deadline: 25.08.2024 

1. Background 

The rampant flow of disinformation poses a key challenge to Moldova. It manipulates public opinion, erodes trust, and undermines the country's 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 aims at increasing the capacities of media actors to produce, and of media consumers to access trustworthy quality reporting. 

The project adopts a multilayered approach, which includes a 3D Media Safety Program for journalists and media institutions in the areas of physical, digital, and psychological security. 

Digital Security Component 

In-House-Trainings 

The digital security component will be implemented across 8 local and national newsrooms. A team of two digital security experts will evaluate the security needs of the newsrooms and provide recommendations to mitigate the identified vulnerabilities. The representatives from these newsrooms will be trained in-house on the following topics: 

• Strategies to prevent information loss 

• Website and database protection 

• Handling cyber-attacks and online threats 

• Managing the spread of misinformation and slander on social media 

• Enhancing the privacy of accounts on computers and mobile devices 

• Best practices for data backup 

• Utilizing authentication and encryption technologies 

• Preventing identity theft through phishing attacks and other fraudulent activities 

Post-training and Support Phase 

Following the needs assessment and the in-house trainings, the newsrooms will receive security packages containing licensed computer software, and other necessary tools and will get help with their installation. 

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 

In view of above, DW Akademie is looking for one trainer/ consultant to fulfill following duties and responsibilities: 

• Plan in-house trainings for 8 newsrooms incl. identifying digital vulnerabilities of the newsrooms. 

• Deliver in-house-trainings for 8 newsrooms in cooperation with the co-trainer; each consultation will last up to 2 days.

• Develop and present recommendations on the necessary resources to enhance the digital safety of the newsrooms and their journalists. 

• Assist with the installation and configuration of software and tools in the newsrooms. 

• Remote consultations during pre- and post-phase are possible. 

Deliverables: 

• Training programme tailored to the newsrooms 

• Needs assessment of newsrooms 

• Narrative report assessing status of digital security of newsrooms (incl. recommendations for software to be purchased) 

•  All deliverables can be submitted in English  

Tentative timetable / budget structure 

• Costs for travel/accommodation will be reimbursed. 

3. Requirements 

• Profound knowledge of digital security 

• Proven experience in delivering training and workshops on digital security 

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, capable of explaining complex technical concepts to non-technical audiences. 

• Ability to analyze security threats and vulnerabilities and communicate risk mitigation strategies. 

• Capable of tailoring training content to the specific needs and security context of different audiences. 

• Commitment to maintaining confidentiality and integrity in handling sensitive information. 

• Adherence to ethical standards in training and security practices. 

• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a team setting. This includes planning, coordinating, and delivering training sessions in tandem with another trainer. 

4. How to apply  

Applications shall be made in writing and provide the following: 

• Letter of application -- please indicate daily fee, incl. VAT if applicable

• Curriculum Vitae (CV) 

Please submit your application in electronic form to juliane.nitz@dw.com and  olena.ponomarenko@dw.com.The deadline is 25.08.2024. 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.