Indonesia: Information Manager for Clean Air Catalyst

ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY

Internews is seeking to recruit an Information Manager, based in Jakarta, Indonesia to lead the Rumor Tracking Activity of the Clean Air Catalyst project in Jakarta. This position will supervise and lead a team comprising three Community Correspondents, a Data Analyst, and other support staff in collecting, collating, analyzing, and addressing rumors and feedback relating to air pollution from selected local communities in Jakarta identified by the project.

ABOUT THE CLEAN AIR CATALYST PROJECT

The Clean Air Catalyst (Catalyst) is a new flagship program launched by the US Agency for International Development (USAID). The intention of the program is to accelerate clean air solutions by working with communities around the world to identify and raise awareness of local pollution sources, and to build focused coalitions which deliver interventions leading to cleaner, healthier air. The five-year program will help build capacity for tailored, self-reliant solutions that cut air pollution and improve human health in developing countries. Jakarta, Indonesia, and Indore, India are two of the three cities where the project is being piloted.

ABOUT RUMOR TRACKING

The Internews Rumor Tracking Methodology is a way to address misinformation in a consistent and continuous way, in different contexts. It is a process to collect community data (questions, concerns, or rumors heard) in a semi-structured way to allow any topics to surface without leading the discussion towards a desired outcome. All Rumor Tracking projects involve a feedback loop: the data is collected, analyzed to understand the fears and hopes behind those rumors, and actionable information that addresses the concerns is shared back with the community. While Rumor Tracking is a methodology, it consists of a few basic tools: open ended questionnaires, a spreadsheet or database, a strong involvement of the affected population, and use of the most trusted and accessible mechanisms for sharing information back to the community, such as radio programs, narrowcasting, listening groups, SMS hotlines, bulletins, etc.

Working under the guidance and leadership of the Clean Air Catalyst Project Officer, the Information Manager will also lead the process of building and maintaining trusted working relationships with all local stakeholders, members of the consortium implementing Clean Air Catalyst and its funder, USAID. Additionally, they will assess the influence and outreach of social media in the concerned communities, solicit input from the project consortium partners as necessary on rumors and misinformation and execute timely response to the rumors.

LOGISTICS

This is a remote-based consultancy. Our preference is to hire a candidate based in Jakarta, Indonesia; however, candidates based elsewhere in the Asia-Pacific region will also be considered. You must have work authorization in your location that does not require sponsorship from Internews.

This consultancy is expected to start in late February/early March and end in June 20222. Subject to the requirement the project and funding availability, there may be possibilities of an extension.

This consultancy has an anticipated closing date of February 25, 2022.

OUR COMMITMENT TO FOSTERING A CULTURE OF BELONGING

We are an organization of dynamic, mission-driven individuals who are passionate about our core values and about supporting positive change in the world. We pride ourselves on our commitment to innovation and flexibility. We believe that diverse teams are strong teams and work to support an ethic of belonging, dignity, and justice for all people. Our current team includes a mix of genders, parents and non-parents, and people of multiple races, nationalities, ages, sexual orientations, and socioeconomic backgrounds. We are an EEO employer and encourage candidates of all races, genders, ages, orientations, ethnicities, and national origins to apply, and welcome those with alternative backgrounds and experiences.

SCOPE OF WORK

• Lead rumor tracking activities in Jakarta, including supervising the collection of data by the Community Correspondents through community engagement activities, conducting data analysis and interpretation and executing responses to the information collected back to the targeted communities.
• Provide relevant training to team members to track, collect, and address rumors and feedback on air pollution.
• Oversee and ensure timely data analysis by the Data Analyst, evaluate and suggest improvements where necessary.
• Work with Internews’ Earth Journalism Network Asia-Pacific Program Manager, Clean Air Catalyst Project Officer, Internews’ Rumor Tracking advisors, and local staff of consortium partners to design the Rumor Tracking activity and adopt innovative strategies that support addressing rumors and misinformation about air pollution the local communities identified by the project.
• Prepare and deliver timely responses back to the community group to address rumors and feedback together with the team, using a medium and format that is engaging and accessible by the target communities.
• Provide input and expertise to produce engaging and quality information that addresses and counters misinformation and rumors in the targeted communities.
• Collaborate with relevant thematic experts within and outside of the project consortium to ensure that community members receive accurate information.
• Ensure relationships with local stakeholders are built and maintained for smooth implementation of the rumor tracking research activities.
• Maintain in-depth understanding of misinformation and disinformation on air pollution and how to affects the local community in Jakarta, and other related themes such as health, security and political dynamics.
• Other activities as assigned.
• Understanding of demonstrated commitment to upholding Internews’ Core Values.

QUALIFICATIONS WE’RE LOOKING FOR

Required

• Proven experience in media relations, media advocacy and community engagement
• Prior experience of leading a team in a media or community engagement environment
• Deep understanding of the information sector in Jakarta as well as working knowledge of the broader media environment in Indonesia
• Experience of implementing complex, multifaceted programs with demonstrated skill in organizing resources and establishing priorities
• Fluency in Bahasa Indonesia and English
• Significant knowledge and experience of misinformation and fact-checking
• Strong understanding of and commitment towards the editorial values of the project
• Self-motivated and able to work in a fast-paced environment
• Must be self-reliant, resourceful, a good problem-solver, good humored and flexible

Preferred

*Note: Candidates who do not have these preferred qualifications, but are interested and willing to learn, are encouraged to apply.*

• Network of local peers active in social media and news channels
• Graduate degree in communications, journalism, or related field
• Experience of fact-checking training
• Interpersonal and organizational skills; ability to interact effectively with local and international partners, staff, and government officials
• Experience of working in health emergencies such as COVID-19
• Monitoring, evaluation, and learning experience
• Knowledge of environmental issues in Jakarta including air pollution