Production of Two Videos for the Conference on Pathways Towards Formalization in Iraq

Background
Informality, informal economic entities, and workers in the informal economy have not received adequate attention
at the policy and decision-making level in Iraq. But the COVID-19 pandemic and its staggering impact on the
economy and society, along with falling oil prices, have brought the informal economy and its lack of inbuilt
protections and resilience under the spotlight.
The Iraqi labour force is characterized by a large public sector and limited opportunities in the private sector, driven
in large part by the overarching role of oil sectors in the GDP and an unconducive business environment emanating
from years of conflict and political unrest. Within this context, a large share of workers and economic units operate
in the informal economy. According to the Labour Force Survey (LFS), in 2021 there were about 4,723,000 persons
employed in the informal sector, corresponding to about 54.8 percent of total employment. The results also show
that the number of persons with informal jobs was 5,734,000, representing 66.6 percent of total employment. Key
sectors like construction, agriculture, and manufacturing are predominantly informal, with many workers lacking
basic protections.
To gain a better understanding of the informal economy and build a sustainable pathway progress towards
formalization in Iraq, the International Labour Organization (ILO) has commissioned a number of studies, including,
among others, the first Iraq Labour Force Survey, A Diagnostic of the Informal Economy in Iraq, Informality and
Structural Transformation in Egypt, Iraq and Jordan and Challenges and Opportunities for the Extension of Social
Security to Informal Workers in Agricultural, Construction and Manufacturing Sectors. These research efforts,
coupled with ongoing policy dialogue, have highlighted the necessity of developing a National Strategy on the
Transition from the Informal to the Formal Economy.
The National Conference on “Pathways towards Employment Formalisation in Iraq” planned on 15 October 2024 is
envisaged to kick off nation-wide efforts on developing a comprehensive policy framework on supporting the
formalization of workers and enterprises, in light of the 10th anniversary of the ILO Recommendation no 204 on
Transition from the Informal to the Formal Economy in 2025.
Assignment
The ILO seeks an external service provider to produce two short videos featuring animated elements. These videos
will aim to (1) provide an overview of informality in Iraq and raise awareness on the complexities of policy responses
and (2) highlight the challenges and opportunities associated with extending social security coverage to workers in
the informal economy in Iraq. These videos set the scene and frame the discussions at the upcoming National
Conference on Pathways Towards Employment Formalisation in Iraq” to be held on 15 October 2024.
Dissemination
The videos will be first shown at the National Conference on Pathways Towards Employment Formalisation in Iraq
and then disseminated through various channels including ILO Iraq, ILO ROAS and ILO Global social media channels
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and webpages, as well as in the course of relevant offline and online events related to the development of a National
Strategy on the Transition from the Informal to the Formal Economy in Iraq.
Areas of Focus
1. Video providing an overview of informality in Iraq and raise awareness on
the complexities of policy responses.
This video aims to provide a snapshot of the informal economy in Iraq, raise policymakers’ awareness of the
complexities of informality and the associated policy responses, and advocate for a comprehensive approach to
supporting the transition from the informal to the formal economy. It will also emphasize that while progress is
essential, achieving sustainable progress in formalization requires time and consorted efforts of multiple
stakeholders.
 Duration: Max 5-6 minutes
 Possible outline:
 Snapshot of Informality in Iraq (LFS, Informality diagnostics)
 Technical Specialists on complexities of informality and policy responses
 ILO Recommendation 204
 ILO Country Coordinator Call for a holistic and consorted efforts while recognizing that sustainable
change takes time.
2. Video highlighting the challenges and opportunities associated with
extending social security coverage to workers in the informal economy in
Iraq.
This video aims to set the stage for the discussion on extending social security coverage to workers in the informal
economy in Iraq. It will provide a broad overview of the challenges associated with expanding social security
benefits and highlight potential opportunities for enhancing coverage in key economic sectors.
 Duration: max 4-5 minutes
 Possible outline:
 Snapshot on informality and coverage of social security for informal workers
Possible technical points to emphasize: “The construction sector employs 1.36 million workers of
which 99 percent are in informal jobs and 99 percent of private enterprises in the sector are also
informal. The agriculture sector employs 719 thousand workers of which 98 percent are in informal
jobs while 75 percent of employers in the sector are informal. The manufacturing sector employs
442 thousand workers of which 100 percent are in informal jobs although only 72 percent of
employers in the sector are informal. In other words, informality is intrinsic to the organization of
labour relations in these three sectors. Formalizing these sectors would need to reverse the drivers
of informalization that underpin labour relations in these sectors. Enrolling workers in Social
Security tacitly means that employers are required to pay not only their contribution, but more
importantly they will be held accountable for ensuring that the minimum wage is paid (at the very
least) and that employers respect other fundamental principles and rights at work. In other words,
social security brings forth a series of other employer responsibilities that require him/her to
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reorganise labour relations. Doing so in sectors which are semi-compliant with labour laws is not
difficult, however doing so in sectors that are overwhelmingly informal requires an entire overhaul
of the political economy of work. This requires a consistent policy of incremental incentives that will
encourage employers to register. Ultimately, it needs time.”
 Broad strokes overview of the main challenges for the extension of social security coverage to
informal workers in Iraq
 Some hints on opportunities, including Law No. 18
 Call for tailored policy responses.
Tasks
The supplier will perform the following tasks towards fulfillment of the assignment:
1. Develop a timeline and production plan in close collaboration with the ILO;
2. Story Concept and Scenario Development:
 Develop the overall concept and scenarios for the videos based on inputs from ILO Iraq.
 In close coordination with the ILO, create detailed scripts in English and Arabic and storyboards
for both videos. Tailor the language of the scripts and storyboards to policymakers.
3. Flat animation, Filming and Production:
 Produce two high-quality videos, including, among others, by developing flat animation, recording
A-roll and B-roll, etc:
 Video 1: “Overview of informality in Iraq and raise awareness on the complexities of
policy responses”.
 3 minutes in duration.
 Video 2: “Challenges and opportunities associated with extending social security
coverage to workers in the informal economy in Iraq”.
 4 minutes in duration.
The production of videos will include but not be limited to:
 Filming, producing and directing the interviews, sequences for use in editing the video production;
 Design and animate graphics, sequences for use in editing the amination.
 Creating rough edit of the video and animation for review and approval of the ILO;
 Creating language versions of video in English and Arabic (with artist-produced voiceovers).
Ensure videos are in high-definition format compatible with YouTube and other social media platforms, has artistproduced
voiceovers in English and Arabic and include subtitles in English and Arabic.
4. Review and Finalization:
 Present draft videos to ILO for comments and feedback.
 Incorporate feedback to finalize the videos.
 Ensure all content is suitable for screening.
5. Logistics and Permissions:
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 Visit relevant locations for indoor and outdoor filming inside Baghdad (ILO office, MoLSA, places
of work and gathering of informal workers, etc.)
 Obtain clearances for music, stock images and other materials for the use in video
 Obtain necessary permissions from individuals to record the videos.
 Coordinate with ILO Iraq and the project team to identify key subjects and areas for filming.
Detailed description of activities
Two videos combining the elements of footage (A-rolls and B-rolls) with flat animation/ infographics/motion
graphs will be produced – one with a duration of 5-6 minutes and the other with a duration of 4-5 minutes.
The videos will target policymakers in Iraq – the ILO constituents and other stakeholders engaged in formulation
and implementation of policies on the transition from the informal to the formal economy. Hence, appropriate
footage, animation, videos, video sequencing, music, voiceover and on-screen graphics and text must be used.
All ideas and content will be discussed and agreed upon with the ILO prior to implementation.
The process of production will be as follows:
1. ILO and service provider to have the discussion to conceptualize both videos, and service provider to
send the ILO detailed concepts for both videos.
2. ILO to send service provider draft key messages in English, service provider to rework those into full
script and develop ideas for footage and animation/graphics.
3. Based on the script/key messages reviewed and approved by the ILO and expected duration of each
video, the service provider will adjust the narrative to the needs of the target audience and approve
the final script and narrative with the ILO.
4. Service provider will then provide ILO with a revised scripted narrations and story boards for each
video, illustrating concept and style, and taking into account any specifics which need to be in line
with ILO guidelines (i.e., gender-, age-balanced representations, ILO brand colour schemes). The
storyboard concept and style should also reflect the realities of informal workers in Iraq.
5. ILO to share with service provider branding multimedia kit, including logos of the ILO and the EU
(donor), animated bumpers, brand book, among others. The ILO will also make sure that service
provider receives due feedback from ILO Communications on compliance with the ILO Branding rules.
6. Once the story board is agreed, the service provider to perform video shooting (A-roll and B-roll) in
the settings and with stakeholders agreed with the ILO. The service provider to ensure that video
shooting is conducted with professional equipment which includes, but is not limited to, video
cameras, professional lights and sound recording equipment. The service provider will be responsible
for making sure that informed consent for being recorded is requested from all non-ILO stakeholders.
The service provider will also make sure that the quality of the footage is not impacted by weather
conditions.
7. At the same time, upon the approval of the storyboard, the service provider will develop flat
amination/graphics. The service provider will make sure that the proposed solutions for flat
animation/graphics are appropriate for the target audience.
8. Upon completion of video shooting and animation development, service provider will send 30 second
video samples of the footage/animation/graphics/music/voiceover/on the screen text for both videos
to the ILO for review.
9. Based on comments received, the external service provider will produce the full versions of two
video with English and Arabic artist-produced voiceovers (native speakers or similar) and sub-title
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files with on the screen text in the above languages for to be uploaded to the sub-titling tool on
YouTube for accessibility purposes. Burned-in subtitles should only be added to interview footage
where the speaker uses a language other than the main language of the video.
10. Once the videos are finalized, video files will be provided to the ILO for uploading to YouTube and
other social media platforms. Video formats should be compatible with the website, social media and
YouTube (e.g. MP4, with a standard aspect ratio of 16:9, H. 264 video codec, and AAC-LC audio codec).
The service provider will supply the background music (ensuring it is either original, or purchased by the provider,
or loyalty free/creative common licensed). No creative common licenced or purchased footages will be accepted,
all footages used for the production of the videos must be original produced by the service provider exclusively
for the purpose of this contract.
In producing the videos in English and Arabic, the service provider will ensure that alterations to the initial script
in English are valid from technical and linguistic perspectives. It will also ensure that the speed of the voiceover
in both versions of each video is adequate and make adjustments to the speed of the video to match the speed
of the voiceover where/if necessary.
The provider will include logos, bumpers, end-text as required and agreed upon with the ILO. ILO Branding
rules should also be duly observed.
All material/content produced within the current contract will be the property of the ILO and must be handed
over to the ILO together with the final video products.

Deliverables, Timeline and Payment Schedule
# Deliverable Timeline Payment share
1 Detailed production plan outlining the scenarios
for the videos, as well as locations and timeline
25 August 2024 – 1
September 2024
10%
2 Draft scripts and storyboards for 2 videos as Word
files for approval of the ILO
25 August 2024 – 4
September 2024
3 Final scripts and storyboards for 2 videos as Word
files after incorporating ILO feedback for final
clearance of the ILO
4 September 2024 – 10
September 2024
10%
4 30-second video samples of
footage/animation/graphics/music/voiceover/onscreen
text for review of the ILO
10 September 2024 – 20
September 2024
5 At least 2 rounds of rough edits of the video
“Overview of informality in Iraq and raise
awareness on the complexities of policy
responses” for the review to the ILO
20 September 2024 – 30
September 2024
At least 2 rounds of rough edits of the video 30%
“Challenges and opportunities associated with
extending social security coverage to workers
in the informal economy in Iraq ” for the review
to the ILO
20 September 2024 – 30
September 2024
A 5-6-minute, final, fully cleared video “Overview
of informality in Iraq and raise awareness on
the complexities of policy responses” with
animation/graphics in 2 languages (English and
Arabic), with artist-produced narration, SFX/VFX,
music, graphics provided as an mp4 file
10 October 2024
50%
A 4-5-minute, final, fully cleared video “Challenges
and opportunities associated with extending
social security coverage to workers in the
informal economy in Iraq” with
animation/graphics in 2 languages (English and
Arabic), with artist-produced narration, SFX/VFX,
music, graphics provided as an mp4 file
10 October 2024
.srt or .vtt sub-title files for both videos 10 October 2024
Digital files of all production-related materials
including high-resolutions stills (along with
captions and labels. For animation and graphics,
this includes project files and all multimedia
assets)
10 October 2024

The work will be performed between 25 August 2024 and 10 October 2024 (up to 7 weeks) with the strict deadline
for the delivery of the final videos on 10 October 2024. The precise contract duration will be defined in the course
of selection.
Experience / Qualifications
The successful company for this project will need to demonstrate significant expertise and experience in video
production, particularly within the development and social sectors. The following qualifications and experience are
required:
 At least 7 years of demonstrated on the market experience and competency in video production and
photography, including shooting, lighting, and editing, with a portfolio showcasing high-quality
productions.
 Technical capacity and resources to ensure smooth, timely delivery of high-quality videos and photographs.
 Clear articulation of skills and innovative approaches to production.
 Strong ability to meet deadlines and incorporate edits and changes effectively.
 Attention to detail.
 Experience with UN organizations is an advantage.
 Availability of a committed team, including a scenario developer.
 Capability to produce videos with English and Arabic artist-produced voiceovers (native speakers or
equivalent) and subtitles.
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Proposal Submission Requirements
1. Technical Proposal: detailed production plan, description of service providers’ technical capacities vis-àvis
the ToRs and technical specifications (Annex I) and timeline. Technical proposal may be submitted in
Word or PDF format and must be duly dated.
2. Company Profile: Overview and experience in video production and photography.
3. Portfolio: 4-5 examples of previous work. Successful experience in working with the United Nations, and
the ILO in particular, will be considered as advantage.
4. Team Composition: CVs of team members specifying their qualifications and roles.
5. Financial Proposal: Detailed and comprehensive budget in USD or IQD1. Budget has to be submitted in
Excel and PDF formats. Each page of the budget in PDF format must be duly stamped and signed.
All documents must be submitted in English.
Evaluation Process and Criteria
Proposals will be reviewed and evaluated by an Evaluation Panel to ensure they meet the requirements outlined in
the ToRs and Technical Specifications (Annex 1). Each submission will be assessed following the two-tier approach.
First, technical side of the proposal (70% of the total grading) will be evaluated based on the criteria listed below,
with each criterion rated on a scale from 1 to 5, where 5 is the highest score. The total maximum score is 20 points,
the minimum passing is 60% of the maximum score
 At least 7 years of proven on the market experience in video production and photography, including
shooting, lighting, and editing, with a portfolio showcasing high-quality productions (5 points);
 A draft production plan and timeline are clear and feasible (5 points);
 Portfolio with work samples is available and comprises of the work of similar nature, including with the
UN/ILO. The provided samples are of high quality – high resolution videos, quality animation,
narration/voiceovers are in English and Arabic and produced by artists, not AI generated voiceovers (5
points);
 The composition of the team and qualifications of team members are adequate to the requirements of the
assignment (5 points);
During the second stage of the evaluation, the Financial Proposals (30% of total grading) of all qualified service
providers which have attained at least the minimum score during the technical evaluation will be compared. The
maximum number of points – 8 points – will be assigned to the lowest Financial Proposal submitted by applicants.
All other Financial Proposals will receive points in inverse proportion.
The process of evaluating the proposals will be based on the percentage combination of Technical and Financial
elements.

Link: https://www.ilo.org/resource/vacancy-notice/production-two-videos-conference-pathways-towards-formalization-iraq