
TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR VIDEO DOCUMENTARY
About GiveDirectly
GiveDirectly (GD) aims to reshape international giving – and millions of lives – by providing cash grants directly to the world’s poorest. The Brookings Institution estimates that $70B of cash transfers would be required to eliminate the poverty gap; the aid sector currently spends $135B each year, much of it on evidence-free interventions. GiveDirectly wants to change that, establishing cash transfers as a benchmark for foreign aid – as the index fund is a benchmark for the financial industry – and in the process accelerating the end of extreme poverty.
GD has raised over $1B since launching in 2011, delivered cash to more than 1.5 million people in 15 different countries. We’ve also supported large-scale, experimental research that indicates strong recipient impact of our programs. As a result, GD has been celebrated as one of the most innovative non-profit companies by Fast Company, while the growing cash transfer movement (and GD’s leading role within it) have been featured in the New York Times Magazine, This American Life, Foreign Affairs, and The Economist.
Our culture is candid, analytical, agile, and non-hierarchical. Our global team of ~150, and country operations teams of ~650, together come from 21 different countries speaking 69 different languages. From software engineers to seasoned humanitarian workers, former management consultants to public servants, researchers to field operations -- it’s an incredible group of people.
Our values are central and deliberately opinionated. We genuinely center the people we serve in our decision making, and strive to build an ambitious, dynamic and high performing environment. We strongly encourage you to read through our values carefully, if they reflect how you like to work and energize you, this could be a great fit.
We work hard to create an environment in which all our team members can thrive, succeed and grow. We support flexibility, take care of each other, have fun, and create professional growth opportunities.
Terms of Reference (ToR)
Institution or Freelance Videographer – Endline Video Documentary
GiveDirectly – IrishAid Climate Resilience Project, Sinoe County, Liberia
1. Background and Context
GiveDirectly, in partnership with IDL, has been implementing a Climate Resilience Project in Sinoe County, Liberia funded by the Government of Ireland International Development programme the Embassy of Ireland in Liberia. This initiative seeks to enhance climate resilience among vulnerable households through direct cash transfers, capacity building, and community-based adaptation strategies in sustainable livelihood and forest management.
As the project draws to a close, GiveDirectly aims to produce a high-quality endline video documentary to highlight the project's impact, showcase beneficiary stories, and communicate key lessons learned. This documentary will serve as a powerful visual narrative for donors, stakeholders, and the broader development community.
2. Purpose of the Assignment
The purpose of this assignment is to produce a 10–15-minute high-quality video documentary that captures the impact and human stories from the GiveDirectly-IrishAid Climate Resilience Project in Sinoe County. The freelancer will oversee the entire production process, including scripting, filming, and editing, in collaboration with the GiveDirectly program and content teams.
3. Scope of Work
The freelancer will undertake the following tasks:
- Pre-Production
- Participate in planning meetings with GiveDirectly teams
- Develop a concept note and documentary script
- Plan shooting schedule, locations, and interviews
- Secure consent and plan logistics with support from GiveDirectly
- Production
- Travel to Sinoe County to film interviews and activities
- Capture high-quality visuals including drone shots and B-roll on the following:
- highlighting recipient text message alert of when the money is sent
- Recipient receiving the cash,
- Recipient investing the cash,
- Logistically challenges related to the project implementation
- Drone image of the forest
- Overall climate intervention strategy
- Interviews from the following stakeholders
- Project Team
- Donor
- Beneficiary communities
- Implementing partner
- Local and county level stakeholders - County & District level Authorities, EPA, FDA, MTN etc.;
- Ensure ethical storytelling and informed consent as per GiveDirectly policies - freelancer will receive a half day training on GiveDirectly safeguarding approaches and policies
- Post-Production
- Edit and produce a 10–15-minute documentary
- Create subtitles, graphics, and a voiceover as needed
- Produce 2–3 short versions (30–60 seconds) for social media
- Submit two drafts for feedback before final delivery
4. Expected Deliverables
Deliverable |
Description |
Deadline |
Work plan & script outline |
Detailed plan including timeline, locations, and participants |
Week 1 |
Field Work |
Travel to project location and conduct the shooting including visiting all targeted stakeholders for the video both at the national and local levels |
2 weeks |
First draft documentary |
First cut for feedback |
2 weeks after filming |
Final video |
10–15 min documentary + 2–3 short clips |
1 week after feedback |
Raw footage |
All raw footage submitted in a structured format |
Within 5 days of final video submission |
5. Duration and Location
The assignment will span approximately 6–8 weeks from contract signing. Filming will occur on-site in Sinoe County and in Monrovia. GiveDirectly will support logistical coordination and access to communities.
6. Required Qualifications and Experience
- Proven experience in documentary production in development contexts; direct experience with cash transfer program is an advantage
- Strong storytelling, cinematography, and editing skills
- Proficiency in editing tools (e.g., Adobe Premiere, Final Cut)
- Knowledge of ethical standards in interviewing and filming
- Owns necessary filming and editing equipment
- Fluency in English (Grebo or any other local dialects spoken in Sinoe is a plus)
7. Reporting and Coordination
The freelancer will report to the Senior Program Manager and work closely with the Program Manager and Follow up team. Regular updates and review calls are expected throughout the process.
8. Intellectual Property and Usage Rights
All content produced under this contract is the sole property of GiveDirectly. The freelancer may not use, reproduce, or distribute any part of the footage or final product without prior written consent.
9. Payment Terms
All payments will be made upon approval of deliverables and submission of valid invoices
Milestone |
Percentage |
Upon signing & work plan approval |
20% |
Submission of first draft |
20% |
Final video approval |
60% |
10. Application Process
Interested candidates should submit the following to procurement.liberia@givedirectly.org and copied bangalie.trawally@givedirectly.org swaliho.kamara@givedirectly.org by August 18th, 2025 with a subject line: Application – Endline Video Documentary Freelancer
- Brief technical and financial proposals
- Portfolio of similar video work
- Updated CVs for all team members
- Valid Business Registration for institution
Working at GiveDirectly
GiveDirectly is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to the person’s race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
Flagging for US applicants: We invite you to "Know Your Rights" as an applicant.
Commitment to Safeguarding
As a global organization serving some of the world’s most vulnerable communities, GiveDirectly takes the safeguarding of its recipients, staff, and partners seriously. To that end, GiveDirectly is a member of the Misconduct Disclosure Scheme, and will systematically check with previous employers about any sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment issues relating to potential new hires. We may also employ other robust pre-hire screens, including in-depth reference checks, criminal background checks, and sanctions screens.
GD is committed to observing all local, national and international laws that protect children, vulnerable adults, and basic human rights of all. GD is committed to a policy of “zero tolerance for sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment (SEAH)” and expects anyone who works for GD to uphold the protection and safeguarding of our recipients as a priority.
These efforts help us continue to build and maintain trust with the communities we serve, and prevent harm to our recipients.
Want to put your best foot forward on your GiveDirectly application? Take a look at our Candidate Application Prep Guide!
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