About the role
Subject Matter Experts and Video Commentators turn specialist knowledge into short, evidence-led videos that help public officials and project teams understand a topic quickly. Typical subjects include procurement reform, environmental and social safeguards, public financial management, climate finance and digital government.
Risalat publishes practical insights for governments and donor-financed projects. Clear expert commentary makes those insights easier to use and builds trust with the institutions we serve. This is a remote, project-based contribution, agreed piece by piece.
Responsibilities
- Propose short video topics in your area of expertise that answer real questions from practitioners.
- Prepare a brief outline with key points and the sources behind them.
- Record clear commentary from home or office using simple, good-quality equipment.
- Explain regulations, frameworks or reforms in plain language with practical examples.
- Check facts, figures and references before recording.
- Review edited drafts for accuracy and agree final versions.
- Avoid confidential cases and obtain permission before mentioning employers or institutions.
- Suggest follow-up articles, tools or programmes that build on each video.
Outputs and success measures
- Short explainer videos, typically a few minutes long.
- An outline and source list for each video.
- Accuracy review of the edited version.
- Suggested captions or a short written summary.
- Ideas for related content and learning resources.
What we are looking for
Essential
- Recognised expertise in a field relevant to public institutions or development projects.
- Ability to explain complex topics clearly and accurately.
- Confident spoken English on camera.
- Commitment to evidence and careful use of sources.
- A quiet recording space and a reliable internet connection.
- Awareness of confidentiality and employer communication rules.
Desirable
- Previous media, teaching or conference speaking experience.
- Published articles or reports in your field.
- Ability to record in a second language used by Risalat's audiences.
Tools and skills
What you gain
- A visible portfolio of published expert commentary, credited where you agree.
- Reach to practitioners in many countries through Risalat's channels.
- Practice in communicating complex topics simply.
- Possible links to related training or advisory assignments where relevant.
How we work
Contributions are remote and project-based. Topics, length, deadlines and any fee are agreed in writing for each piece before recording. You can contribute alongside your current role within your employer's rules.
Assignments, working hours, fees, deliverables and location are agreed in writing before work begins. This listing does not guarantee selection, paid work or a minimum number of assignments. Applicants employed elsewhere must comply with employer policies and disclose conflicts of interest.
Selection process
- Apply online with your expertise and links to any talks, videos or publications.
- We review relevance and the quality of your examples.
- A short call to agree first topics and the recording approach.
- A written agreement for each video before work begins.
We assess every application on relevance, demonstrated work and current project needs.
Questions
Do I need professional video equipment?
No. A modern laptop or phone, good light and clear sound are usually enough. We can advise on simple setups.
Will my name appear on the videos?
Only if you agree. You can also ask us to describe you by expertise rather than employer.
Can I talk about my own organisation's projects?
Only public information, and only with permission where your role requires it. We never publish confidential cases.