Description

 

 

 

 

 

Media Empowerment for a Democratic Sri Lanka (MEND)

Call for Media Trainers and Consultants

 

The IREX MEND Program: The International Research & Exchanges Board (IREX) is implementing the USAID-funded Media Empowerment for a Democratic Sri Lanka (MEND) program. The goal of MEND is to improve citizens’ demand for, and access to, balanced and reliable news and information, and to support Sri Lanka’s efforts to strengthen media freedom and democratic governance.

 

Summary: Under the MEND program, IREX will work with various groups of media stakeholders, from media outlets to freelance journalists and media associations, to strengthen their technical and operational capacity which will contribute to a more independent and responsible media landscape and allow content producers and media to better fulfil their role in society.

 

IREX is recruiting professional trainers and consultants who have proven expertise and a strong track record in offering needs-based, customized, and focused trainings. IREX envisions establishing a pool of trainers and consultants with different skillsets whose expertise will be drawn upon during the life cycle of the program – through April 2023.

 

MEND is implementing activities related to strengthening media outlets’ business plans and operations, digitalizing legacy media, ensuring safety for media professionals, promoting higher journalism standards, advocating for media reform and inclusion of marginalized topics in mainstream media, and training citizens on media literacy. Each stakeholder working with MEND will have individual technical assistance and training needs. The selected individuals will be expected to work closely with IREX to deliver these trainings and assistance programs on the topics listed below.

 

Topic

Specific Areas

Basic Journalism

Reporting on news and informationInterviewing skillsWriting features and editorialsSourcing

Digital Journalism

Mobile journalismAudio & video productionMultimedia content productionVisual storytellingUsing web technologyStudio productionDigital marketingDocumentary filmmaking, Web metrics and Google AnalyticsData visualizationDigital security and strategyGamificationAR/VR production  Effective use of Social Media platforms

Business and Organizational Management

Leadership & managementRisk managementOrganizational restructuringDeveloping internal policies and proceduresMarketingCommunications

Advocacy

Proposal writingDevelopment journalismMedia for social changePlanning an advocacy campaignCommunicationsSri Lankan legal systemTechnology in advocacy

Sri Lankan Media Landscape

Media ownershipMedia mapping Media viewershipMedia lawIntellectual property lawRight to information 

TV and Radio production

Camera TechniquesTV/ Radio production techniquesTV/Radio News announcement techniquesEditing techniques for TV and RadioAdvertisement shooting techniques

Media Ethics

Media Ethics & GovernanceEthical social mediaGender and MediaConflict sensitive journalism

Investigative Reporting

Conceiving a storyPeople trailData trailDocument trailPresentation

Elections Coverage

Media’s role in a democratic electionElection processes and awareness of legal and ethical pitfalls of election reportingBest practice for election coverage and fairness to candidateElection coverage plan for election dayIncorporating social media into election coverage

 

 

Duties and Responsibilities: Selected individuals will be asked to work closely with IREX and the respective media partners to deliver high quality, needs-based assistance and mentoring. Specifically, this may include:

Producing an initial evaluation, quarterly reports, and a final evaluation Planning and coordination with partners on trainings Producing a comprehensive training session plan clearly indicating the methodologies, which will be approved by MEND staff. Preparing relevant learning materials in the local language(s). IREX staff can provide translation assistance if needed. Delivering high quality training(s) virtually, and if travel permits, within Sri Lanka. In addition, consultants will be expected to provide remote mentoring. Preparing pre-and post-evaluation questionnaires and providing a final report after the training(s). Other duties may be added per the needs of IREX or partners. 

 

Qualifications: Individuals will have extensive experience and a variety of skills to uplift the capacity of partners. Specifically, trainers should have:

At least three years’ experience delivering trainings and demonstrated knowledge in one or more of the topics mentioned above. Speaking, reading and writing proficiency in English; proficiency in Sinhala or Tamil is also welcome. Strong interpersonal skills, work ethic, and ability to work in a multicultural environment, Willingness to both work remotely and/or travel, depending on the program needs. Demonstrated ability to plan strategically and creatively to meet objectives and mitigate challenges.

 

IREX may at its discretion ask for additional information or an interview. Issuing this call does not commit IREX to select any candidate. IREX reserves the right, based on availability of funding and consultant performance, to increase the duration and/or enter into subsequent contractual agreements with the selected experts without re-publicizing the opportunity.

 

Compensation: This is considered a consultancy position and selected individuals will be paid a daily rate determined to be reasonable by IREX.

 

How to apply: Interested individuals are asked to submit a letter of application clearly stating which thematic area(s) for which they can provide training, a CV with summaries of prior training experience and previous work in a similar field, and their proposed daily rate (USD/LKR).

 

Deadlines: Applications for this position will be considered on a rolling basis until December 30, 2022 and IREX may extend this deadline based on program needs. Applications should be sent to [email protected] and to [email protected]. IREX has the right to withdraw this announcement at any time.