Programme Manager Somaliland

For many people around the world, access to reliable information is by no means a given. Nevertheless, impartial information is of crucial importance to all of us if we wish to survive and develop as human beings. Free Press Unlimited works to ensure that objective news coverage and information are and remain available to people the world over. Particularly in countries where there is little to no press freedom.

Across the globe, journalists and media pioneers have taken it on themselves to supply their communities with objective information. Free Press Unlimited actively supports these professionals in over forty countries, by offering them, among other things, trainings and temporary financial and material support, and by strengthening their professional capacity. So that as many people as possible gain and keep access to truly vital information.

We are currently seeking to hire a Programme Manager to lead its exciting media training centre in Hargeisa, Somaliland, Somalia. This vibrant centre has been developing innovative media and journalism training and production for Somalia for two years and requires a programme manager to oversee a significant period of growth and transition as the centre expands its activities. The media, especially radio and journalism, has a vital role to play at this dynamic time for Somalia, with many returning Diaspora bringing back new insights and expertise to contribute to the development of this region.

Free Press Uunlimited’s Hargeisa office produces and facilitates a variety of radio, journalism and training. The ideal candidate will have core skills in and experience of change management as well as considerable ability in personnel, project and financial management. S/he will be working in a media development environment that requires internationalist, political, cultural and emotional intelligence to create firm but flexible conditions, for and with local staff, within which the intended transition can occur.

Competitive salary plus benefits offered, commensurate with experience.

Core activities include:

• Oversees the delivery of a wide portfolio of media, production and training activities in Hargeisa and throughout Somalia
• Manages a growing team of Somali journalists, trainers and support staff to create, deliver and facilitate nationwide programmes
• Leads the transition to a locally run sustainable centre
• Leads the management of financial, administrative and donor reporting requirements;
• Ensures security and administrative polices of Free Press Unlimited are implemented and upheld;
• Oversees transport, procurement and logistics of Hargeisa office;
• Assists in the development and cultivation of new projects;
• Represents Free Press Unlimited to partners and external actors in Somalia and the region;
• Ensures the continuation of professional input that will develop, guide and implement project activities in the fields of journalism, radio production and the development of local media and journalism education curricula

We’re looking for an energetic and driven individual with the following qualifications:

• Minimum of 3-4 years’ experience in programme management, preferably on programme/s in post-conflict countries and/or with some media element and/or in sensitive sectors requiring knowledge, attitudinal or behaviour change, for example, in sexual & reproductive health, conflict resolution, governance;
• Demonstrable leadership, personnel and financial management skills;
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills;
• Familiarity with media, development and/or journalism an advantage;
• Experience of managing donor relations, reporting and evaluation an advantage;
• Knowledge and experience of Somalia an advantage;
• Willingness to live in Hargeisa for a minimum of 12 months

Interested? Please send your motivation letter and CV in PDF format before August 9, 2013 to vacancies[AT]freepressunlimited[DOT]org, citing Vacancy PM-MTCS in the subject line. Queries or requests for an informal discussion can also be made to this email address.

More details about Free Press Unlimited's work can be found on our website:www.freepressunlimited.org