Programme Officer for Media Development Programme in Somalia

Would you like to help us strengthening the media sector in Somalia?

International Media Support supports local independent media and media advocacy groups in countries affected by conflict, political transition and authoritarian rule. Set up in 2001, the organisation has since then worked with hundreds of local and international partners to support independent journalism, freedom of expression and the safety of journalists.

IMS is currently implementing a programme with 10 partners in Somalia. The programme’s core objective is to contribute to the long-term, systematic transformation and professionalisation of the Somali media landscape in strategic alignment with the values and practices of freedom of expression and media independence as key pillars of democratic state building processes based on rule of law and human rights.

Job Summary

Amongst other things, the progamme works towards ensuring that media are better safeguarded and capacitated to ensure Somali citizens have access to reliable, fact-based content, which enables them to make informed decisions and actively participate in discussions on governance issues that seek to promote peacebuilding, gender equality, accountability and inclusion, in close collaboration with civil society.

As programme officer you will be involved in the design, planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the Media Development programme in Somalia. It involves working directly with IMS’ partners and staff in Somalia & Kenya as well as at IMS headquarters to realise programme results. This will include the following:

Key functions and key responsibilities

General programme cycle management:

• Partner assessments
• Support with preparation of programme documents hereunder narrative reports, briefing updates, donor presentations
• Maintain and follow up on decisions
• Draft or proofread documents
• Ensure fund allocations within designated projects
• Participate in annual activities

Oversight, management, and support of IMS partners in Somalia

• Follow up on local partner’s input
• Partner contact with national and international partners
• Represent the programme team at meetings in-country when required
• Travel to partner activities and assist with or carry out capacity development at local level

Reporting and donor relations

• Support the programme manager to ensure that donor requirements are met
• Contribute to drafting various reports (donors management etc.
• Attend, prepare and follow up on bilateral and multilateral meetings with donors

Qualifications

• Minimum a bachelor’s degree in international development, international relations, media policy/journalism or related; graduate degree preferred
• Demonstrable experience in leading successful media/governance development programmes, supporting good journalism, stronger civil society and broader communities
• Demonstrable experience in managing large international donor funded development programmes and meeting donor requirements
• In-depth knowledge of Somali media & political context and the situation as it pertains to freedom of expression
• Knowledge of changes and emerging trends in media and journalism
• Demonstrable ability to think critically and strategically
• Solid network of relevant civil society actors and media in Somalia
• Able to work effectively as a team member and independently, with a high level of self-motivation and ability to set and meet goals
• Ability to remain flexible, creative and solution-oriented in environments with limited resources;
• Excellent written and verbal skills in English
• Excellent written and verbal skills in Somali
• Excellent communication, organisational, and planning skills
• Willingness and ability to travel in Somalia, the region, and internationally.

Duration and location:

• Expected length of employment: 12 months (with possibility of extension).
• Place of employment: Somalia/Kenya
• Employment type: Full-time

Organisation:

You will report to the Programme Manager and work closely with a Programme Advisor, and liaise frequently with IMS’ Finance and Administration Department, the Communications Unit, and other cross-cutting units where needed.