Background
BBC Media Action Zambia is implementing a number of programmes aimed at strengthening public interest media, citizen engagement, accountability, governance and access to relevant and quality information.
As part of its Research and Learning function, BBC Media Action conducts content analysis to assess the quality, relevance, diversity and effectiveness of media and other project-supported content. Content analysis findings are used to establish baselines, monitor progress, assess changes over time and contribute to project learning and reporting.
BBC Media Action Zambia therefore seeks to engage Content Analysts to support content analysis activities across its programmes, including Funsani, Deepening Democracy Facility (DDF) and Citizen Voice project.
The Content Analysts will work under the guidance of the Research and Learning Unit. While the overall analytical approach will be consistent across programmes, specific content analysis tools, coding frameworks, samples and indicators will be adapted to the requirements of each project and its results framework.
2. Purpose of the assignment
The purpose of this assignment is to provide high-quality and consistent content analysis services to support programme monitoring, baseline and endline assessments, learning and reporting.
The Content Analysts will be responsible for systematically reviewing, coding, analysing and reporting on selected media and project-supported content in accordance with approved research methodologies, coding frameworks and quality assurance procedures.
3. Scope of Work
The Content Analysts will undertake content analysis assignments across BBC Media Action Zambia programmes as required. The scope of work will include, but will not necessarily be limited to:
- Review project logframes, indicators and research questions to ensure that content analysis tools adequately capture the required measures.
- Participate in piloting and refinement of content analysis tools before full implementation.
- Systematically review and code selected radio, digital, social media and other relevant content.
- Apply approved coding frameworks consistently and objectively.
- Assess content against relevant dimensions such as accuracy, balance, impartiality, diversity, inclusion, gender responsiveness, public interest, audience relevance, solutions orientation, accountability, governance and other project-specific measures.
- Capture and maintain accurate quantitative and qualitative data from analysed content.
Data quality assurance
- Maintain high standards of accuracy and consistency in coding and data entry.
- Participate in coder training, piloting and inter-coder reliability/quality assurance exercises where required.
- Review completed coding for completeness, consistency and errors.
- Correct identified errors and maintain clear documentation of coding decisions.
- Flag ambiguous or difficult-to-code content for discussion with the Research and Learning team.
Data analysis and reporting
- Clean and organise content analysis datasets.
- Conduct descriptive and comparative analysis of coded data as required.
- Prepare concise analytical reports, summaries and presentations as required.
Other research and learning support
- Support rapid or ad hoc content analysis assignments arising from programme needs.
- Contribute to research and learning discussions on findings and implications for programme implementation.
- Undertake other related analytical assignments reasonably required by the Research and Learning Unit.
Key Deliverables
Depending on the assignment, the Content Analyst will be expected to produce:
- Completed and quality-assured content analysis datasets.
- Coded content in accordance with approved coding frameworks.
- Cleaned and organised analytical datasets.
- Analytical summaries and reports.
- Evidence and examples supporting key findings.
- Any other agreed outputs required under specific content analysis assignment
Specific deliverables, timelines and sample sizes will be agreed for each assignment based on the requirements of the relevant project.
Working Approach
The Content Analysts will work closely with the BBC Media Action Zambia Research and Learning Unit. For each assignment, BBC Media Action will provide the relevant project documentation, indicators, research questions, content analysis tools and coding guidance.
The detailed methodology and analytical requirements may vary between Funsani, DDF, Citizen Voice and other assignments. The Content Analyst will therefore be expected to demonstrate flexibility and the ability to work across different research frameworks.
Required Qualifications and Experience
Applicants should have:
- A minimum of a Bachelor's degree in Research, Social Sciences, Mass Communication, Journalism, Media Studies, Statistics, Development Studies or a related field.
- Demonstrable experience in media/content analysis, research, monitoring and evaluation or a related field.
- Experience analysing media content, preferably radio, television, online/digital and social media content.
- Experience developing or working with structured coding frameworks and data collection tools.
- Good understanding of quantitative and qualitative research methods.
- Some experience working with research datasets and data analysis software such as Excel, SPSS, Stata, R, Power BI or equivalent.
- Strong analytical and report-writing skills.
- Excellent attention to detail and ability to identify patterns and trends in large volumes of information.
- Ability to work independently and meet tight deadlines.
- Good communication and teamwork skills.
- Experience in governance, accountability, democracy, media development, citizen engagement or related areas will be an advantage.
Reporting and Supervision
The Content Analysts will report to the Research Manager at BBC Media Action Zambia. They will work closely with relevant project teams and other members of the Research and Learning Unit as required.
Duration
The Content Analysts will be engaged under an agreed consultancy/contractual arrangement, with assignments undertaken according to programme requirements and the approved research and monitoring workplans.
The engagement may cover multiple assignments across Funsani, DDF, Citizen Voice and other relevant BBC Media Action Zambia programmes during the contract period.
Specific assignment timelines and deliverables will be agreed in advance for each piece of work.
Location
Application Requirements
Interested candidates should submit:
- A brief CV demonstrating relevant qualifications and experience.
- A short cover letter outlining their suitability for the assignment.
- Examples of previous relevant content analysis, research or analytical work, where available.
- Details of two professional referees.
Applications should be submitted to [email protected] by 5th November 2026 before 17:00 hrs.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
BBC Media Action reserves the right to use a practical assessment and/or interview as part of the selection process.
