Humanitarian Journalism Trainer

Job Description

GENERAL FUNCTION

Internews Network is an international media development organization based in Arcata, CA and Washington, DC whose mission is to empower local media worldwide to give people the news and information they need, the ability to connect, and the means to make their voices heard. Internews has been working in South Sudan since 2006 to establish community radio stations across the country, and to train South Sudanese journalists to operate them. We also implement other activities across the sector, including actively working to meet the critical information needs of the South Sudanese communities who have been impacted by the recent conflict.

Internews is working to meet the information needs of the more than 200,000 IDPs living in the UNMISS Protection of Civilian sites (POCs) and adjacent districts. The Humanitarian Journalism Trainer works to build the capacity of South Sudanese and Sudanese community correspondents in all aspects of radio-based and other media including but not exclusive to creating, writing and producing radio news, entertainment features, dramas, music shows, public service messaging and other content. The programming will have a strong public service element to increase effective engagement with the community, and will coordinate closely with humanitarian agencies. Among others, you will also train people to use Communications with Communities (CwC) techniques which may use many forms of media including exhibitions, public announcements, photography and internet based media. The HJT will travel to the various project sites, currently at least four different locations (Bentiu, Malakal, Ajuong Thok and Juba).

The trainer will have excellent mentoring and training aptitude, extensive experience in journalism and/or communications experience with a strong awareness of the needs of humanitarian work. At all times, work to build the capacity of South Sudanese journalists to work independently and to the most professional standard.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop staff to produce news reports, news bulletins, programs, PSAs and features to professional standards.
• Conduct Training of Trainers trainings and build the capacity of journalism trainers in various locations.
• Train people in the use of broadcast equipment to professional standards.
• Work as an editorial advisor for the radio station.
• Assist in the development and implementation of a broadcast training program for Internews supported radio stations.
• Contribute to the Internews training material database with all relevant material developed during the project, and maintain the database.
• Contribute to the implementation of the Training and Assessment Matrix for Broadcast Journalists and keep the matrix up to date.
• Organize workshops and train radio reporters, humanitarian program producers and station production staff with limited experience on a variety of topics, with special emphasis on content, production and radio station management.
• Assist in development and implementation of radio station policies, style guides, structures, and general operating procedures to ensure smooth and professional running of the station. Train station management staff in these procedures and ensure adherence to same.
• Travel to radio station and production locations in remote regions of South Sudan on a regular basis to provide necessary guidance and oversee daily operations and programming schedules of the radio stations.
• Have a flair for community engagement allowing communities to have a voice.
• Assist in development of station identity/branding.
• Assist in all Monitoring & Evaluation aspects of the project, including training reports and plans.
• Coordinate with Internews partner organizations and other NGOs to facilitate creative program sharing and collaboration.
• Work extensively in the community to increase community participation in radio programming.
• Provide media literacy training with NGOs, government partners and civil society.
• Contribute to the wider communications for the project as a whole with excellent writing and communications skills.
• Assisted by the Humanitarian Director, Project Manager or other relevant staff of Internews, serve as project manager including staff management, coordination with partners, procurement, reporting, logistics and finance.
• Understanding of and demonstrated commitment to upholding Internews’ Core Values.

ESSENTIAL SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Advanced University degree in Journalism, media studies, communications, international development, or humanitarian sector.
• A solid background in journalism and/or communication for development.
• Experience in broadcasting for audiences including news, entertainment, sports, drama and music programing; experience from other countries/regions to ensure sharing of best practices to an international standard.
• Advanced and up-to-date skills in digital editing software, such as Adobe Audition, Adobe Creative Suite, Final Cut, or related audio/video software.
• Experience in leading and coordinating teams and staff – often with no or limited experience in journalism or reporting.
• Strong communication and diplomatic skills.
• Proven ability to develop staff and mentoring programs.
• Practical experience in planning and operating participatory training programs.
• Experience of living and/or working in conflict/post-conflict environments required.
• Ability to adjust to shifting political circumstances and create programming accordingly.
• Sensitivity to cross-cultural dynamics in the work place and experience supervising staff.
• Must be self-reliant, resourceful, good problem-solver, good humored, and flexible.
• Ability to travel within and spend extended time in the field, with limited facilities, often under harsh conditions.
• Must be extremely self-reliant, and able to live in very difficult conditions, including shared living quarters, excessive heat, restricted movement, and enforced security protocols.
• Fluency in English required; Arabic a plus.

Benefits Information:

This position is being offered and hired by Internews Network. Benefits will be consistent with Internews Network’s offerings and will be reviewed during the hiring process. Additional information can be found on our Internews Benefitspage.

About the Organization

Internews is an international non-profit organization whose mission is to empower local media worldwide to give people the news and information they need, the ability to connect and the means to make their voices heard.

Internews provides communities the resources to produce local news and information with integrity and independence. With global expertise and reach, Internews trains both media professionals and citizen journalists, introduces innovative media solutions, increases coverage of vital issues and helps establish policies needed for open access to information.

Internews programs create platforms for dialogue and enable informed debate, which bring about social and economic progress.

Internews’ commitment to research and evaluation creates effective and sustainable programs, even in the most challenging environments.

Internews operates internationally, with administrative centers in California, Washington DC, and London, as well as regional hubs in Bangkok and Nairobi. Formed in 1982, Internews has worked in more than 90 countries, and currently has offices in Africa, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Latin America and North America.

Internews Network is registered as a 501(c)3 organization in California, EIN 94-3027961. Internews Europe is registered in England and Wales as a Charity no. 1148404 and Company no. 7891107. Internews Network and Internews Europe operate cooperatively with independent boards of directors.