Guidebook content writer

TERMS OF REFERENCE
People in Need (PIN) is announcing a call for the position of Guidebook content writer to help to create a professional and engaging Map-Guide designed for the use of visitors or tourists of the new Legends Trail connecting Goris and Kapan Community clusters within the framework of “EU4Tourism: Outdoor adventures on the historic trails in Syunik” project.

Project title: EU4Tourism: Outdoor adventures on the historic trails in Syunik  
Trail name & location: LEGENDS Trail - Syunik region, RA 
Brief task description: content writing for the Legends Trail Map-Guide
Timeline:  2.5 months maximum  
Language: English


BRIEF PROJECT OVERVIEW 
“EU4Tourism: Outdoor adventures on the historic trails in Syunik” is a community development project implemented in Goris and Kapan areas with the goal of developing touristic infrastructure to bolster the development of the local economy in the impoverished region. The project is funded by the European Union and implemented by the international NGO People in Need (PIN) in partnership with ARK Ecological NGO.  

The project aims to: 
  • Develop and promote alternative eco-friendly tourism in Syunik region 
  • Enable rural communities to benefit sustainably from tourism 
  • Revive local traditions and legends 
  • Empower civil society and promote cooperation between civil society organizations and local authorities  

In framework of the project a hiking trail “The Legends Trail” is being built as a hiking route spanning about 250 km from Khndzoresk to Khustup in Syunik Region of Armenia, facilitating exploration of many of the impressive natural and cultural heritage sites in the area․ Currently trail building is implemented by the Trails for Changes professional organization. The trail is to be completed with marking and blazing by early November 2020.

PIN has been supporting surrounding local communities and the local tourism sector to attract and harness the benefits of increased tourism footfall around the trail. Small grants have been issued to communities to develop new tourism services and experiences, and to local business to strengthen their service offer to tourists.  PIN is also working with local partners to develop tourism promotion materials such as a ‘Legends’ booklet that can be read by hikers or visitors to the trail and its surrounding area.

To bring these strands of work together a narrated-map will be produced that will guide hikers through the trail and sign-post them to cultural heritage information, local services, and interesting facts and legends about the area. Cartisan, a professional map-making organization, will lead the cartographical work in coordination with PIN and Trails for change.  Content will include a high-quality map, together with useful information about the region and its peculiarities, available services and cultural heritage. An initial mapping exercise has been undertaken, providing initial sets of coordinates, but the map-route will be finalised once the trail itself is completed.  The publication is planned for late 2020, after completion and final mapping of the Legends Trail.


PURPOSE OF THE ASSIGNMENT  

With Cartisan leading on the development of the trail map, PIN is looking to secure the services of an experienced Content Writer to walk the trail and develop the narrational aspects of the map-guide. The writer will work with Cartisan and PIN to bring the map and content together into a final, user-friendly, English map-guide for hikers and tourists. The Content Writer, who will have extensive hiking and trekking experience, will be responsible for researching and collating information to create original and engaging content that will help readers to:
  • Spatially understand and navigate the 250km Legends Trail safely, for both inexperienced and more experienced hikers;
  • Identify and access local tourism services such as accommodation, food and refreshments, shelter and special services or experiences available in the area;
  • Identify local heritage sites, flora and fauna; and experience the essence of the Legends trail.
The user of the map should be able to successfully and safely plan and undertake a hiking experience on the Legends trail using this Map-Guide.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE CONTENT WRITER
  • In coordination with PIN, TFC, T4C, and Cartisan, plan the assignment including which sections of the trail will be hiked when and final timeframes for key deliverables outlined below.
  • Make all logistical arrangements for the assignment, advisory from PIN can be provided on request.
  • Collate and organise available information and undertake primary and secondary research to fill the identified information gaps.
  • Hike at least 90% of The Legends Trail whilst taking detailed notes and photographs deemed as necessary to develop the content specified below.
  • Identify any quality issues of the trail to Cartisan, PIN as and when they are identified.
  • Obtain and record GPS coordinates as you hike trail using an appropriate app, in agreement with Cartisan- whenever appropriate.
  • Develop content in a style, tone and format to be agreed with PIN and Cartisan, that meets the final agreed specification.
  • Keep files of all research undertaken, photos and other useful information collated.
  • Ensure all content developed complies with EUs visibility requirements.  
  • Submit first draft, fact-checked, content as per the date agreed at the start of the assignment
  • Undertake, as necessary, revisions to the content drafts in line with feedback provided by the review team.
  • Submit a full final package of content, stock-photos and other necessary information to PIN by the agreed date.    
Note: The Content Writer is responsible for providing all necessary equipment to undertake the assignment, including laptop, quality camera, hiking equipment and communication tools.

INDICATION OF CONTENT SPECIFICATION
The following list provides an initial indication of the content requirement and specification. The final specification requirements will be jointly agreed between the Content Writer, PIN and Cartisan prior to the work starting in earnest.
  • Step-by-step guide to hiking the trail to ensure that both inexperience and experienced hikers can navigate the route safely. These ‘trail notes’ should correspond to the visual maps also present in the Map Guide.  Potentially, this should be for both north-south and south-north directions. More detail should be provided for more difficult or precarious sections of the route, including photo aids where necessary.
  • Signposting and summary information on accommodation, refreshment options or picnic spots along the Trail – in particular those that have received support under the EU4T Project.
  • Emergency advice and emergency contact information that is available/accessible through different parts of the trail, including shelter points.
  • Signposting to and summary information of landmarks and attractions in each segment of the Legends trail, including view-points. references to selected local legends (local legends to be provided by the PIN. Each legend refers to particular area/village/segment of the Trail).
  • Interesting and useful information about fauna & flora for each segment of the Trail – including any advisory of berries or fruits that should not be eaten.
  • Additional photos as necessary to help users navigate difficult-to-navigate sections of the Trail.
  • As agreed with PIN and Cartisan, all finalised content should be consistent in format, style and tone and comply with the EU’s visibility requirements.

ASSIGNMENT DELIVERABLS
  1. Assignment plan and schedule agreed with PIN Project Manager
  2. First Draft of content with supporting documentation such as photo’s, resource list and other information deemed helpful and necessary
  3. Final content and all supporting information and documents as per final agreement with PIN


ASSIGNMENT MANAGEMENT AND COODINATION ARRANGEMENT
  • The Content Writer will report to the PIN Project Manager for all contractual and delivery matters.
  • The Content Writer will liaise with the PIN Media & Communications Manager and with Cartisan for content advisory.
  • The Content Writer can liaise directly with TFC and Cartisan for support in trekking and navigating the trail.
  • The Content Writer will submit all products to the PIN Project Manager who will coordinate reviews and provide feedback to inform revisions.  
  • Final approval for the assignment deliverables and completion of work will be coordinated  and provided by the PIN Project Manager.
  • PIN will provide contacts and coordination support with relevant regional stakeholders (tourism service providers, volunteers, community leaders, etc.).
  • PIN will provide the selection of legends to be referenced in the text.
  • PIN will provide route planning support and assignment support as needed.
 
PAYMENT ARRANGEMENT
  • Initial mobilisation advance to be paid on agreement of the assignment plan and schedule
  • Second payment to be paid on submission of first draft content
  • Final payment to be paid on approval of final deliverables 

PIN will reimburse the transportation and logictic expences to Content Writer according to the pre-agreed amount detailed in the contract. 

PERSON SPECIFICATION  
  • Proven work experience as a Content Writer, Copywriter or similar role
  • Hiking, outdoor experience and ability to hike long trails (for instance at least 250km)
  • Sound understanding of a hikers’ perspective, and being able to write for that audience and their interests and needs
  • Ability to look after and navigate independently on long hiking trails, including that they have all the necessary equipment to support
  • Portfolio of published articles
  • Experience doing research using multiple sources
  • Excellent writing and editing skills in English
  • Ability to meet deadlines

APPLICATION PROCEDURE 
Interested candidates should submit: 
  1. CV 
  2. Letter of intent  
  3. References
  4. Portfolio or sample of work corresponding to the required project output
  5. Price offer based on the above provided assignment description and Scope of work clearly indicating the working approach/ methodology, and proposed timeline for required project outputs together with the overall budget in AMD/EUR.
  6. Budget breakdown indicating necessary costs (honorarium, accommodation, equipment, food, transportation etc.).

Please note: The applicant is responsible for all the expenses and logistical arrangements. PIN may provide only advisory support regarding those needs.


The aforementioned should be sent in electronic version to hr.armenia@peopleinneed.czwith EU4Tourism: Guidebook content writer” in the subject line. 

DEADLINE EXTENDED TO SEPTEMBER 22, 2020. 

EVALUATION CRITERIA
The Bids will be evaluated on the basis of the following criteria:
  • Suggested price amount for the service with justification (reasonably low bid)
  • Compliance of implementation schedule with the time-period specified in the ToR (2,5 months maximum)
  • Experience in performing similar tasks backed up with relevant references

CONTACT DETAILS  
Client contact details: Shushanik Nersesyan (Media and Communications Manager)
E-mail: shushanik.nersesyan@peopleinneed.cz   
 
 
ABOUT PEOPLE IN NEED 
People in Need is a Czech non-governmental organization that provides relief aid and development assistance, while working to defend human rights and democratic freedom. It is one of the largest relief and development organizations in Central/Eastern Europe and has administered projects in more than 30 countries over the past 30 years. People in Need has been working in Armenia since 2003 and has office in Yerevan, Goris, Gyumri and Amasia.