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The health and well-being of adolescents and young people in Ethiopia represent a critical priority that demands immediate attention. Young people face numerous challenges in accessing accurate health information, particularly regarding sexual and reproductive health, mental well-being, and gender-based violence (GBV). The rising incidence of teenage pregnancy not only threatens the health of young women but also disrupts their education and perpetuates cycles of poverty. Additionally, the persistent presence of HIV among youth populations underscores the urgent need for comprehensive health education initiatives.

The digital landscape in Ethiopia presents a promising opportunity to address these challenges. With increasing access to mobile phones, radio, and television across communities, digital platforms offer an effective channel to deliver Education for Health and Well-being (EHW) information. These technologies can bridge traditional barriers to health education while ensuring content remains accessible and culturally appropriate.

UNESCO's Addis Ababa Liaison Office has taken a proactive approach by collaborating with youth-based organizations across the country. Through two strategic consultative meetings, they identified three cost-effective digital solutions:

1. An adaptation of the successful "Let Us Talk" radio drama series
2. A Telegram chatbot for interactive health information
3. A local content server to ensure reliable access to resources

The "Let Us Talk" radio drama series has demonstrated remarkable success across Eastern and Southern Africa, effectively engaging young people through compelling storytelling. The series addresses crucial topics, including sexual and reproductive health, mental health, gender-based violence, and essential life skills. This initiative aims to create a comprehensive, youth-centered approach to health and well-being education by adapting this proven program for Ethiopia while developing complementary digital platforms.

Ethiopia's youth population is experiencing significant growth, accompanied by increased digital connectivity. However, access to reliable, youth-friendly, and culturally relevant health information remains a challenge. This project addresses these needs through multiple approaches:

• Development of localized health content that resonates with Ethiopian youth experiences and cultural contexts.
• Enhancement of access to verified information on critical health topics including sexual and reproductive health, mental health, and gender-based violence.
• Integration of digital innovations to promote active engagement and sustained learning.
• Empowerment of young people to make informed decisions about their health and well-being.
• Improvement of health literacy through content delivered in local languages and familiar cultural frameworks.
• Utilization of modern technology to expand reach while maintaining accessibility.

• Adapt the "Let Us Talk" radio drama series to align with the distinct cultural and linguistic characteristics of Ethiopia. 

• Revise the radio drama series to engage Ethiopian youth effectively while preserving its fundamental educational purpose. 

• Deliver the final script in seven Ethiopian languages, including Amharic, Afan Oromo, Tigrigna, Somali, Sidamigna, Welaitato, and Hadiyya. 

• Create captivating health-related content aimed at youth for digital platforms, ensuring broad access to vital health information. 

• Guarantee authentic representation of Ethiopia's rich cultural, linguistic, and social diversity. 

• Produce engaging, youth-centric content for the Telegram chatbot and local content server. 

• Establish a comprehensive database of content that includes pertinent health education resources. 

• Conduct extensive pilot testing with target demographics to collect valuable feedback for improvement. 

The effective execution of this initiative will lead to the following outcomes: 

• A culturally tailored "Let Us Talk" radio drama series that successfully engages the youth of Ethiopia. 

• The "Let Us Talk" radio drama series is available in seven Ethiopian languages: Amharic, Afan Oromo, Tigrigna, Somali, Sidamigna, Welaitato, and Hadiyya. 
• High-quality digital content for the Telegram Chatbot and local content server, validated by the youth. 
• Greater involvement of youth in digital health education initiatives. 
• Improved awareness and comprehension among young individuals concerning significant health issues. 

Outcomes 1: An Inception report

Activities

• A detailed action plan to execute the assignment. 

  • Detailed methodology and budget aligned with the activities outlined in the Terms of Reference.

Outcomes 2:  Adapted and translated the “Let Us Talk” Radio Drama Series into seven local 

                         languages 

Activities

• Perform an in-depth contextual analysis to guarantee cultural relevance and suitability. 

  • Foster significant engagement with essential stakeholders, such as youth, healthcare professionals, and media specialists. 

    • Modify scripts, terminology, and scenarios to genuinely represent the experiences of Ethiopian youth. 

    • Deliver the final script in seven Ethiopian languages: Amharic, Afan Oromo, Tigrigna, Somali, Sidamigna, Welaitato, and Hadiyya. 

    • Present the final adapted the Let Us Talk Radio Drama Series along with the completed script translated into seven local Ethiopian languages. 

 Outcomes 3: Developed Digital Content for the Telegram Chatbot and Local Server

Activities

• Develop engaging, evidence-driven health information tailored for youth audiences. 

  • Create an intuitive chatbot that enhances meaningful learning experiences related to the provided content. 

    • Develop and test the Telegram chatbot's functionality and user experience.

• Create comprehensive educational resources for the local content server.

  • Structure the content in a systematic manner for deployment on a local server. 

    • Perform thorough testing of digital tools and make enhancements informed by user feedback. 

Outcomes 4: Developed training materials, offered training and evaluation report with 

                       recommendations

Activities

• Create educational resources that align with the three digital tools and health education messages that have been developed. 
• Provide training sessions for youth regarding the three tools and their associated content.

Prepare a report evaluating the activity, including recommendations for future improvements.  

The assignment will require 150 days over 5 months starting from the date of the issuance of the contract.  Payments shall be made according to the delivery and acceptance of deliverables specified in the following table Linked here:

The consultancy firm must demonstrate:

• Extensive experience in adapting media content for Ethiopian contexts.

• Proven expertise in educational radio drama production and scriptwriting.

• Strong capabilities in digital content development and platform creation.

• Comprehensive knowledge of youth health issues and educational approaches.

• Successful track record of youth engagement and participatory content development.

• Robust project management skills with demonstrated ability to meet deadlines.

• Expertise in health communication and content adaptation.

• Proficiency in digital tool development, particularly chatbot technology.

• Deep understanding of Ethiopian cultural contexts and youth dynamics.

• Experience working with international organizations (preferred).

Interested firms must submit:

• Detailed technical proposal outlining the methodology and implementation plan.

• Comprehensive financial proposal with an itemized budget.

• Professional CVs of key team members highlighting relevant experience.

• Portfolio of previous work in media adaptation and digital content development.

• References from at least two recent clients describing similar project experience.

The consultant will be accountable to the Head of Education at UNESCO LO, Dr. Abdoulaye Salifou, or the National Program Officer for Education in Health and Wellbeing, Daniel Abebe, and will deliver consistent progress updates.

Note: Please submit your application by midnight Ethiopia time on 22 March 2025 Through UNESCO:  aa.recruitment@unesco.org. Please indicate “Adapting the “Let’s Talk” Radio Drama Series to the Ethiopian context and developing a Telegram chatbot and  Local Content Server” in the subject.