International Media Support (IMS) is a non-profit organisation working to support media in countries affected by armed conflict, human insecurity and political transition. Across four continents, IMS helps to strengthen professional journalism and ensure that media can operate in challenging circumstances.

 

In the MENA region, we work with partners in Tunisia, Morocco, Libya, Yemen, Syria, Jordan, Iraq, and elsewhere to further the safety of journalists and promote freedom of expression and media reform, build institutions and develop media content. 

 

Through essential partnerships, IMS focuses on securing an environment conducive to media independence and safe working conditions for male and female journalists in Tunisia; strengthening the institutional capacity of reform-oriented media outlets to report freely and hold duty bearers to account; supporting diverse media content to meet professional and ethical standards and guided by public interest; and powering local media initiatives through national and regional professional exchanges. 

In this context, IMS is looking for an experienced manager and strategic thinker. 

The Programme manager will be part of a team of dedicated and experienced managers and advisers who manage a broad range of multi-year programmes across the MENA region.  

 

Working in close collaboration with the Sub-Regional Head for Maghreb and the Head of the MENA Department, and most importantly with IMS’ long-term partners in Tunisia, the Programme manager will develop, implement and manage IMS media development programme in the country, while also contributing to IMS’ engagement in the Maghreb. 

 

The programme manager will be based in Tunis, with occasional travel to other Maghreb countries. 

• Initiate specific assessments and research which can contribute to further inform, sharpen or power current and new strategic partnerships 
• Lead consultations and analysis to strengthen gender and youth in the programme strategic interventions
• Develop relations and programmatic interaction with Tunisian, regional and international stakeholders
• Plan and undertake regular missions outside the capital city in connection with programme design, implementation and/or monitoring and evaluation
• Plan and undertake occasional missions in other Maghreb countries to assess developments and identify potential, targeted engagement, including sub-regional
• Develop and implement mechanisms to support and advise the programme partners
• Monitor closely and report on the socio-political and media context in Tunisia and ensure that the team at IMS HQ is briefed about important developments
• Provide the team at IMS HQ with spot reports on critical cases and developments pertaining to media freedom and FoE, including recommendations on how to address those in partnerships
• Prepare project-related documents (general terms for contracts, MoU’s, etc.) for processing at IMS HQ
• Devise and implement processes to ensure that the programme keeps track of and meets deadlines for delivering activities, reporting progress, reporting finances, planning extensions, and renewing or ending individual and partner contracts
• Ensure that the results-based framework is duly monitored according to the M&E system, including assessing impact, monitoring processes, and recording lessons learned so that implementation is continually improved
• Initiate and undertake evaluations of partner projects and of specific output areas when needed
• Assist in the organisation and implementation of overall programme reviews and evaluations
• Work with IMS communications unit to develop and implement communication and visibility strategies for the programme
• Create content for the programme website and other communication platforms  

• Bachelor’s degree in international development, international relations, media policy/journalism or related; graduate degree preferred;
• Demonstrable experience in designing and leading successful media development programmes, supporting good journalism, stronger civil society and broader communities;  
• Experience in journalism preferred;
• In-depth knowledge of Tunisia and the Maghreb region, including politics, media 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, while handling multiple tasks and meeting deadlines under pressure; 
• Solid network of relevant civil society actors and media in Tunisia and at the regional and international levels; 
• Able to work effectively both 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 and Arabic; French a strong asset; excellent communication, organisational and planning skills; 
• Willingness and ability to travel in the MENA region and internationally. 

Everyone with the required qualifications and skills is encouraged to apply, regardless of their racial, ethnic, religious and cultural background, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity.  

The initial employment term will be 2 years, with the possibility of renewal. The position, based in Tunis, is a 40-hour position. Salary will be commensurate with experience and IMS policies. Occasional travel activity must be expected. Starting date: As soon as possible. 

Please submit a brief motivational statement, curriculum vitae and two professional references in English no later than 8th of March 2019. Interviews with selected candidates will take place within the first couple of weeks after the deadline. Applicants’ knowledge of the Tunisian and Maghreb contexts, as well as their language skills may be tested during the interview. Please note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted for a follow-up interview.