National individual consultant for animated video production on HIV awareness

TERMS OF REFERENCE   (to be completed by Hiring Office)

Hiring Office:

UNFPA Turkmenistan Country Office

Title:

The background and purpose of consultancy:

UNFPA Turkmenistan maintains a long-standing partnership with the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry of Turkmenistan in advancing national priorities on sexual and reproductive health and rights. Under this strategic partnership, UNFPA has provided ongoing technical and programmatic support to the National AIDS Prevention Center, which operates under the Directorate of Infectious Diseases Centers within the Ministry. UNFPA has previously collaborated with the Center on various initiatives, including capacity-building workshops for healthcare providers on HIV counseling and testing, support for the integration of HIV prevention into SRH services, joint awareness-raising campaigns, and development of informational materials.

In continuation of this collaboration, the National AIDS Prevention Center has requested UNFPA's support in developing an animated video on HIV awareness.

The purpose of this consultancy is to respond to this request by creating an engaging, informative, and culturally relevant animated video based on the provided script. The video will serve as a vital public health communication tool to raise awareness about HIV, combat stigma and misinformation, and promote health-seeking behaviors. It will clearly explain the nature of the virus, its transmission routes, effective prevention methods, available treatment options, and where to access confidential testing and consultation services within Turkmenistan.

This initiative directly supports the national HIV response and aligns with the shared strategic goals of UNFPA and the Ministry of Health to improve public knowledge and health outcomes.

Scope of work:

(Description of services, activities, or outputs)

• Develop an animated video approximately 3 to 5 minutes in length in Turkmen, based on the provided script on HIV.
• Ensure the video is clear, concise, and accessible to a broad audience.
• Utilize effective storytelling techniques, compelling visuals, and culturally relevant imagery to accurately communicate complex medical and scientific information in an easy-to-understand manner.
• Incorporate Turkmen voice-over narration and subtitles in Russian to ensure maximum reach and comprehension.
• Work closely with UNFPA's communications and program teams, as well as the National AIDS Prevention Center, to ensure the video is scientifically accurate and aligns with national and UNFPA messaging.
• Participate in feedback sessions and incorporate revisions as needed to refine the video.
• Utilize appropriate animation software and techniques to produce a high-quality video.
• Ensure the video is optimized for various platforms, including social media, television broadcast, and community outreach settings.
• Deliver the final video in the required formats and specifications, including but not limited to MP4 (H.264 codec), MOV, and web-optimized versions.

Duration and working schedule:

24 September - 24 October, 2025, including operational closure of the contract; the contract duration is 16 working days. 

Pre-production (3 days)

• Review of the provided script and finalization of a detailed storyboard/animatic in close collaboration with the UNFPA team and the National AIDS Prevention Center.
• Development of initial character/scene designs and visual flow, ensuring cultural relevance and scientific accuracy. Submission for initial feedback.

Production & Initial Editing (8 days)

• Animation production based on the approved storyboard.
• Recording of Turkmen voice-over narration and sourcing/integration of appropriate background music/audio effects.
• Initial editing and mixing of animated scenes with voice-over and audio. Preparation of first draft video for review.

Review, Revisions & Finalization (5 days)

• Addition of Russian subtitles. Addressing comments/suggestions from UNFPA and the National AIDS Prevention Center. Submission of second draft.
• Final revisions based on feedback. Final optimization for various platforms. Delivery of final video in all required formats by 24October 2025.

Place where services are to be delivered:

Home-based, outside of the UNFPA office premises. 

Delivery dates and how work will be delivered (e.g. electronic, hard copy etc.):

Animated video on HIV awareness in Turkmen with Russian subtitles,

• by 24October, 2025 (16 working days).

Monitoring and progress control, including reporting requirements, periodicity format and deadline:

• Regular communication and updates with the UNFPA Communications Analyst and relevant program staff.
• Submission of draft materials for feedback and approval.
• Final delivery of high-quality video files in agreed-upon formats.

Supervisory arrangements: 

The consultant will be under the overall guidance of UNFPA Communications Analyst

Expected travel:

No travel is expected.

Required expertise, qualifications and competencies, including language requirements:

Qualifications and Education

• Completed secondary education. Specialized courses in animation, film production, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of professional experience in animation and video production, with a strong portfolio showcasing relevant work.
• Demonstrated experience creating educational or advocacy-focused animated videos.
• Excellent understanding of the Turkmen context and cultural sensitivities.
• Fluency in Turkmen and Russian. Working knowledge of English is an advantage.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.

Inputs / services to be provided by UNFPA or implementing partner (e.g support services, office space, equipment), if applicable:

UNFPA will provide the consultant with available materials, data, and information. The consultant is expected to conduct additional research through desk reviews, consultations with UNFPA staff, and other relevant sources to identify further information.

The consultancy fee will be calculated based on GS-7 level of UN Salary Scale effective 1 November 2020 and will be paid in a lump sum upon the successful completion of all deliverables.

 UNFPA provides a work environment that reflects the values of gender equality, diversity, integrity and healthy work-life balance. We are committed to ensuring gender parity in the organization and therefore encourage women to apply. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process. Persons with disabilities, and individuals of other underrepresented groups are highly encouraged to apply. UNFPA promotes equal opportunities in terms of appointment, training, compensation and selection for all regardless of personal characteristics and dimensions of diversity.