Who We Are

Girl Effect is an international non-profit organization dedicated to addressing challenges faced by adolescent girls and youth in Ethiopia. Operating in the country since 2013, the organization leverages Social and Behavior Change (SBC) strategies, combining media and on-the-ground interventions to tackle various societal issues and empower young people. Girl Effect Ethiopia created the youth brand Yegna in 2014 and, since then, has reached over 10 million people through multiple products, outreach programs, girl networks, and research pieces done all for the betterment of adolescent lives.

We create safe spaces for girls, sharing facts and answering questions about health, nutrition, education, relationships, etc. And we use innovative technology so we can reach girls at scale. We arm girls with the skills to negotiate and redefine what they are told is possible, so every girl can choose to be in control of her body, her health, her learning and livelihood.

When a girl unlocks her power to make different choices that change her life, it inspires others to do so too. She starts a ripple effect that impacts her family, community, and country. 

That’s the Girl Effect.

Background

We are launching a flagship weekly visual and audio podcast, titled “Our Time” (የኛ ጊዜ / Yegna Gizé). At the heart of Yegna Gizé is the belief that every young person’s journey, with all its doubts, resilience, and quiet wins, deserves to be heard. Built on the powerful idea that “Your journey is the story,” this podcast creates an authentic space where Ethiopia’s disruptors, dreamers, and hidden giants share what it feels like to keep going.

Rather than simply celebrating “success,” Our Time shines a light on the emotional reality of the hustle, the fears, motivations, and small joys that make the journey worthwhile. Through raw, narrative-driven conversations, the show invites listeners to see themselves reflected in stories that normalise vulnerability and inspire perseverance.

Our signature format moves beyond surface-level Q&A, guiding guests through a meaningful arc of self-discovery anchored in three themes:

• The work: what they do and why it matters
• The fear and drive: what keeps them up and what keeps them moving
• The joy in the struggle: the moments of peace, pride, and connection along the way

Our Time is more than a podcast;  it’s a platform that affirms young people’s lived experiences and redefines what it means to succeed on your terms.

What we are looking for 

We are seeking a young, dynamic, and empathetic host to be the face and heart of "Our Time". This person will be responsible for creating a safe and intimate space where guests feel comfortable sharing their uncurated truths. The ideal candidate, whether male or female, will be a natural connector with a deep understanding of Ethiopian youth culture.

The ideal candidate will:

• Be an exceptional and active listener, able to guide conversations into deep, meaningful territory.
• Possess deep cultural fluency and an authentic connection to the mindset of young Ethiopians aged 15-35.
• Have a natural on-camera charisma that is warm and inviting, not overpowering.
• Show a genuine curiosity for people’s stories and the ability to ask questions that get to the "why" behind the "what".
• Be confident, emotionally intelligent, and able to navigate sensitive topics with grace and respect.

Scope of Work

The Podcast Host will be responsible for:

• Hosting recording sessions for the podcast (approx. 2 hours per session) based on the shooting calendar.
• Participating in pre-production meetings with the Producer to research guests and prepare a narrative direction for each episode.
• Skillfully guiding conversations through the show's framework to ensure thematic consistency.
• Acting as the face of the brand in promotional materials and social media clips derived from the podcast.
• Collaborating with the production team to maintain the show's authentic and intimate tone.

Responsibilities

The podcast host is expected to:

• Deliver high-quality, engaging, and authentic performances for each episode.
• Thoroughly prepare for each interview by reviewing guest briefs and research.
• Collaborate closely with the Production Manager, Producer and Director to bring the show's vision to life.
• Uphold the values of the show by fostering a respectful and validating environment for all guests.
• Submit all required materials and attend all scheduled meetings within the agreed-upon timelines.

Expected Deliverables

Specific deliverables for Season 1 (12 episodes) will include:

• A fully hosted performance for 12 long-form podcast episodes.
• Participation in a technical rehearsal or pilot shoot before the main production begins.
• Contribution to short-form promotional content as required.
• Full participation in promotional shoots (both photo and video) to promote the podcast.
• Active promotion of the podcast across all relevant social media platforms, including the hosts’ personal accounts.

Expected Commitment 

Duration: Aug 18, 2025 - Dec 31, 2025

This is a contract-based engagement for Season 1 of the podcast (16 episodes), with a strong possibility of renewal for future seasons based on performance. The host will need to commit to a schedule that includes pre-production meetings and multiple recording days, as outlined by the production calendar.

NB: The Supplier will commit to full delivery of all outputs within the specified timeframe.

Management

The vendor will have a primary point of contact within our Ethiopia Create team. 

Procurement Timeline

• Terms of Reference Published: Jul 11, 2025
• Deadline for Proposal Submission:  Jul 22, 2025
• Project Commencement: Aug 18, 2025

Proposal Submission

Interested agencies should submit a maximum 10-page proposal that includes the following:

Technical Proposal:

• Please include a link to a video (max 5 minutes) that showcases your hosting or interviewing style. We want to see how you interact with guests and guide a conversation.
• Please record and submit a short video (2-3 minutes) introducing yourself. Tell us why you connect with the mission of "Our Time" and what you believe makes a conversation truly authentic. Please note that we are unable to consider applications without this video.
• A CV or profile outlining any previous work you consider relevant to what we are trying to achieve.

Financial Proposal:

• Please provide your proposed per-episode hosting fee. All applicable taxes must be itemized separately.

Evaluation Criteria

Technical Evaluation (80%)

• Hosting Reel & Personal Video Submission (Quality, On-Camera Presence, Interviewing Style) - 40%
• Demonstrated Understanding of the "Our Time" Vision and Audience - 20%
• Relevant Experience and Cultural Fluency - 20%

Financial Evaluation (20%)

• Value for money of the proposed per-episode fee - 20%

GE is not liable for any costs incurred during the award/contract preparation, submission, or negotiation of the award/contract. All submitted documentation and/or materials shall become and remain the property of GE.

VALIDITY of the proposal shall be for 90 days from the date of bid closure.

How To Apply

To apply for this opportunity, please submit a proposal by email with the subject line “Podcast Host - Ethiopia” to suppliers@girleffect.org by Jul 22, 2025

Copyright

All materials/documents arising from this consultancy work shall remain the property of Girl Effect.

Equal Opportunities

Girl Effect is committed to equal opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, disability, gender or expression. We are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace.

We are committed to building an organization that is truly representative of the communities that we serve. To this end, due regard will be paid to procuring consultancy services of organizations and individuals with a deep understanding and experience of our programming markets and diverse professional, academic and cultural backgrounds.

Safeguarding

You may be required to undertake safeguarding checks. Shortlisted consultants will be assessed on our organizational values at the interview stage. The successful consultant will be expected to adhere to our safeguarding policy. We encourage you to read and understand our safeguarding policy, the executive summary of which can be found here. We have zero tolerance for all forms of violence against children, beneficiaries and staff. 

Tax

Girl Effect Ethiopia is obliged by the Ethiopian tax authorities to ensure all taxes are charged where applicable. Applicants are advised to ensure that they have a clear understanding of their tax position regarding provisions of Ethiopian tax legislation when developing their proposals.

Disclaimer

GE reserves the right to determine the structure of the process, the number of shortlisted participants, the right to withdraw from the proposal process, the right to change this timetable at any time without notice and reserves the right to withdraw this tender at any time, without prior notice and without liability to compensate and/or reimburse any party. GE shall inform the ONLY successful applicant(s). The process of negotiation and signing of the contract with the successful applicant(s) will follow.

Please note: We will evaluate only proposals submitted following the application process outlined in the TOR and using our specified email address (suppliers@girleffect.org).