Organization: BBC Media ActionLocation: Middle East and North Africa (MENA) – Remote and On-site CollaborationPosted: 6 November 2025Closing Date: 15 November 2025 BBC Media Action: Harnessing Media and Communication for Change BBC Media Action is the BBC’s international development organization, committed to using the power of media and communication to improve lives worldwide. Operating in more than 20 countries, the organization supports independent media and strengthens access to reliable information in contexts affected by poverty, inequality, and insecurity. Each year, BBC Media Action reaches over 100 million people, helping communities make informed choices, promote social inclusion, challenge prejudice, and build resilience. The organization follows the editorial standards and values of the BBC, while working with funding from donors and partners to deliver its global portfolio of development and communication projects. Background: Zaza & Zuzu Programme In the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, BBC Media Action leads Zaza & Zuzu, an award-winning children’s programme that provides psychosocial support (MHPSS) and educational entertainment for children aged 5–10 who are affected by war and displacement. Phase I of the programme produced 52 episodes, reaching children in Gaza with stories that foster resilience and emotional wellbeing. Phase II builds on this success with 40 new stories, designed to deepen psychosocial impact, strengthen engagement with caregivers and communities, and uphold BBC’s commitment to safeguarding and child protection in all production activities. Objective of the Assignment BBC Media Action is inviting qualified creative communication and production companies to submit proposals to support Phase II of Zaza & Zuzu. The selected company will collaborate with BBC Media Action to: Design and produce a set of 40 facilitator activity cards. Produce one 15-minute animated pilot episode. Develop social media and promotional visual assets for digital engagement. This phase aims to expand the visual and digital identity of Zaza & Zuzu and establish a foundation for future collaboration in branding, communication strategy, and long-term content development. Scope of Work A. Facilitator Activity Cards The selected company will design and produce 40 A5-sized facilitator cards, each aligned with a corresponding Zaza & Zuzu story. Cards must: Include engaging illustrations and visual elements reflecting the story themes. Present interactive and reflective activities for children aged 5–10. Provide clear facilitator guidance to support emotional expression, learning, and group participation. Be child-friendly, inclusive, and culturally appropriate, integrating key psychosocial and educational elements. Be delivered in print-ready and digital formats, in Arabic and English. B. Animated Pilot Episode The company will produce one 15-minute animated pilot episode based on pre-selected Zaza & Zuzu stories and existing BBC-provided audio. Tasks include: Concept design, storyboarding, visual development, animation, and post-production. Integration of sound design, music, and bilingual subtitles (Arabic and English). Close collaboration with BBC Media Action throughout all stages: concept → storyboard → animatic → final version. Compliance with BBC editorial values, child safeguarding, and MHPSS guidelines. C. Social Media and Promotional Assets The contractor will create a suite of visual assets to promote Zaza & Zuzu across major digital platforms. These assets must: Reflect the updated Zaza & Zuzu brand identity, tone, and target audience. Include static graphics and motion-based visuals suitable for digital storytelling. Be optimized for Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, TikTok, and other social channels. Deliverables One fully produced 15-minute animated pilot episode, in HD broadcast-ready format, with English subtitles or sign language interpretation. A complete set of facilitator activity cards (40 total, Arabic and English versions). A package of social media and promotional visual assets (illustrations, motion graphics, and digital templates). Source files for all designs, animations, and artwork. Timeline Start Date: 15 November 2025 Production and Design Period: 4 months Delivery: Rolling basis, according to mutually agreed milestones with BBC Media Action. Vendor Qualifications Applicants must demonstrate professional and technical expertise to deliver the assignment. The company should have: At least three years of experience producing children’s educational or entertainment content. Proven experience working in conflict-affected or humanitarian settings. A comprehensive safeguarding and child protection policy. Adequate production facilities, technical capacity, and creative staff to meet deadlines and quality standards. A track record of successful collaborations with NGOs, UN agencies, or educational organizations. Familiarity with BBC editorial guidelines or equivalent media ethics standards. Strong professional references demonstrating reliability and creative excellence. Reporting and Coordination The contracted company will report directly to the Senior Projects Manager, BBC Media Action MENA, and will work closely with the project coordinator, technical advisors, and BBC’s creative team throughout all phases of production. Safeguarding and Compliance All vendors must adhere to BBC Media Action’s safeguarding and child protection policy. The selected company will: Complete mandatory safeguarding training for all staff and contractors. Follow BBC editorial values in all outputs. Ensure informed consent and safe engagement of children in any production process. Maintain safe recruitment, supervision, and monitoring of all personnel. Undergo background checks where required. BBC Media Action operates a zero-tolerance policy toward any form of exploitation, abuse, or harm involving children or vulnerable adults. Payment Terms Payments will be linked to deliverables as follows: 30% upon contract signing and submission of a detailed production plan. 40% after successful pre-testing and delivery of 20 approved facilitator cards or equivalent outputs. 30% upon final delivery and approval of all materials, accompanied by project reporting. Application Process Interested production companies should submit the following documents: Technical proposal outlining approach, methodology, and timeline. Financial proposal in USD, inclusive of all taxes and fees. Company profile with portfolio of relevant previous work. Safeguarding and child protection policy. CVs of key creative and technical staff. Submission Details Applications must be sent by 15 November 2025 to: khadija.maalej@TN.bbcmediaaction.org razam.hejazi@TN.bbcmediaaction.org Email Subject Line: RFQ – Zaza & Zuzu – [Company Name] Commitment to Safe and Inclusive Storytelling BBC Media Action’s work with children, youth, and families in crisis settings is guided by the principle that storytelling can be a force for healing, learning, and hope. Through this call, BBC Media Action seeks a creative partner capable of producing engaging, safe, and inclusive content that helps children build resilience and imagine brighter futures—even in the most challenging circumstances.