Humanitarian Journalism Trainer
Duration: 10 months
Anticipated Start Date:July
Deadline for Applications:Applications will be considered on a rolling basis
PROJECT BACKGROUND
Internews is implementing a project in Guinea that allows it, among other things, to produce a daily program of information known by the name of Ebola Chrono and broadcasted by 32 radio stations both in the capital and in the surrounding provinces.
Information saves lives - Ebola Outbreak in Guinea was designed to add a national dimension to the fight against Ebola, being a response based on exhaustive and coordinated information. This intervention is seen to be an essential component for social mobilization, which is at the heart of the World Health Organization roadmap. The project ensures that local media, social media and new media play a vital role in the impact and significance of broadcasting messages pertaining to questions of health. Our efforts are not limited to producing and broadcasting these messages of public interest. They also contribute to the coordination, harmonization and spread of a large scope of products through the various medias, in multiple formats and in several local languages. They are fueled by the contribution of the Guinean government and various contributors from the health world and they are comprised of mechanisms to receive feedback from the public. Finally, the project allows for coherent broadcasting on a large scale with precise, relevant and useful information and it offers channels for interactive communication that stimulate participation by affected communities among each other and with those who seek to assist them.
Subject to confirmation of funding from another donor, Internews will be extending the scope of local radio training and production of programs on Ebola and other health issues in ten further localities in Guinea .
To contribute to the improvement of the level of general information among the population on preventing the spread of Ebola and improving awareness on other health issues, Internews will implement three major activities: training of journalists and radio talk-show hosts, production and dissemination of information bulletins for local and national broadcast (Ebola Chrono) and training journalists in safety matters.
GENERAL FUNCTION
One humanitarian journalism trainer (HJTs) skilled in humanitarian reporting and working with local counterparts in Guinea will provide training and mentoring primarily for radio journalists on how to report accurately on the disease, on the humanitarian response to the epidemic, and on all issues of interest to the affected communities. As part of the training, the HJTs will connect local journalists with expert resources to educate them on all key aspects of the Ebola virus and the epidemic and to serve as on-going, reliable sources to keep them up to date with daily information for dissemination to their media outlet audiences.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Design and implement training and mentoring plan for four radio stations in Conakry and six outside of Conakry.
- Set a clear distinction between humanitarian information and news reporting, and train the local team in humanitarian information gathering re the Ebola epidemic and its impact.
- Strive for community engagement – consider a range of tools and programs that can support humanitarian responders while at the same time allowing communities to have a voice, express their fears and beliefs concerning the virus, the medical response and their role in containing it.
- Assist team to turn latest Ebola updates into useful, actionable, accurate and engaging bulletins and features that communities can relate to and understand.
- Assist the team to produce news reports, news bulletins, PSAs and features to professional standards.
- Train the local radio teams to be able to do radio editing, recording and using of broadcast equipment to professional standards.
- Work as editorial advisor and at times give final editorial approval for broadcasts.
- In collaboration with the Humanitarian Communications Liaison Officer (HCLO) who will work directly with all Ebola responders, ensure that all content and messages are accurate and contribute to: 1) reduce transmission rates; 2) follow approved medical protocols, 3) reduce stigma towards Ebola survivors and their families.
- Contribute to the wider communications for the project as a whole with excellent writing and communications skills.
ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS:
- Relevant university degree in journalism, international relations, or humanitarian response.
- Previous experience in Africa is highly desirable and also reporting on a health emergency.
- Experience in all aspects of broadcast reporting, including editing, mixing, recording, etc.
- Fluency in editing software, such as Adobe Audition or Cool Edit Pro.
- A solid background in journalism and reporting, with radio as a preferred medium.
- Experience in training / mentoring junior reporters.
- Experience in leading and coordinating teams and staff – often with no or limited experience in journalism or reporting.
- Creative approach to information gathering considering quarantined areas and travel bans.
- Experience in Communication with Communities (CwC) projects, with a strong focus on the feedback loop from the communities into the humanitarian system.
- Understanding of the work of humanitarian and development agencies.
- A good understanding of technical language used by NGOs – and demonstrated experience of turning this into engaging content with “human speak” for ordinary people.
- A good understanding and experience of accountability platforms and tools –experience working with communities to gather their concerns and issues turning these into engaging content.
- Strong communication and diplomatic skills.
- Proven ability to develop and monitor work plans and training plans.
- Practical experience in establishing and operating participatory training programs.
- Experience living and working in Africa and/or conflict/post-conflict environments.
- 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.
- Proficiency in both French and English (able to work primarily in French).
HOW TO APPLY:
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