Executive Director Independent Media Centre in Kurdistan (IMCK)

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 aid, and by strengthening their professional capacity. So that as many people as possible gain and keep access to truly vital information.     

Free Press Unlimited is currently seeking an Executive Director for one of its partners in (Kurdish) Iraq – the Independent Media Centre in Kurdistan (IMCK).

IMCK is a journalism training organisation based in Sulaymaniya in the Iraqi Kurdistan Region.

The autonomous Kurdish Region is going  through a period of rapid development. In 2013 fair, democratic elections were held to elect  Members of Parliament to the Kurdistan Regional Government.  Provincial elections are planned for 2014. The area is an island of peace in a troubled region. It is threatened by ethnic, religious and social conflicts in the wider Iraq  and external conflicts in the Middle East. The media has a role to play in this developing democracy through traditional Print, Television, Radio; internet platforms and social media. Professional journalism can help mitigate conflict and reduce tension.  

IMCK trains journalists and offers management support and advice to media outlets. IMCK works with all media aiming to promote professional journalistic standards. It is developing new initiatives to reach out to citizen journalists. IMCK organises around 40 workshops and training activities per year, reaching more than 1000 journalists. IMCK works mainly in the Kurdish Region of Northern Iraq, but it is expanding its activities in the South. IMCK receives funding from local and international donors.

IMCK is locally registered under Iraqi Kurdish law. 

Competitive local salary offered, commensurate with experience.

Length of contract: one year with possibility of extension.

Job responsibilities:

• The excutive director will lead the organisations day-to-day activities
• S/he is responsible for developing new project (training) ideas and for fundraising.
• S/he maintains good relations with the local media and local authorities and with the various local and international donor-organisations of IMCK and is responsible for project implementation and reporting back to donors
• S/he leads a small project team and oversees a network of local and international trainers, guaranteeing quality of the training offered
• The executive director is responsible  to the Board. 

Position requirements:

• Minimum of 3-4 years' experience in programme management; preferably on programme/s in post-conflict countries / media development
• Demonstrable leadership, personnel and financial management skills
• Understanding of journalism and the role of media in development and conflict areas
• Familiarity with concepts of journalism training and/ or adult education  
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong English language skills; knowledge of Arabic/ Kurdish is an asset
• Willingness to live in Sulaymaniya, in Kurdish Iraq.

More information: 
Assos Hardi  (e: asoshardi[AT]yahoo[DOT]com; t: +964770 141 0345)

Interested? Please send your motivation letter and CV (preferably in PDF format) before November 15, 2013 to asoshardi[AT]yahoo[DOT]com citing: vacancy IMCK.