IFES is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. 

All qualified applicants/employees will receive consideration for employment/promotions and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, race, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic.  IFES takes affirmative action with respect to the employment and promotion of women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and covered veterans. IFES will also take affirmative action on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity.

Senior Media Trainer

About IFES

IFES advances democracy for a better future. We collaborate with civil society, public institutions, and the private sector to build resilient democracies that deliver for everyone. As the global leader in the promotion and protection of democracy, our technical assistance and applied research develops trusted electoral bodies capable of conducting credible elections; effective and accountable governing institutions; civic and political processes in which all people can safely and equally participate; and innovative ways in which technology and data can positively serve elections and democracy. Since 1987, IFES has worked in more than 145 countries, from developing to mature democracies.

The International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) is implementing a project designed to equip Local Democracy Reporters (LDRs) with the skills and resources to safely report on local governance through the use of traditional and new media, in order to generate relevant information about issues that impact local communities.

Primary Function/Purpose

The Senior Media Trainer will support IFES’ programming in Tunisia by improving the ability of a group of select media practitioners to work as safely as possible in closed and closing spaces. The Senior Media Trainer will equip LDRs with the skills and knowledge to continue their important work and manage—as well as mitigate—the risks and threats, both physical and cyber, they face in their daily journalism practices. The position will also work closely with local media advisers to provide guidance during activity implementation.

Deployment and Health Safety Requirements

The deployment period is expected to occur in mid-December 2021. IFES will ensure that travel to Tunis complies with the Government of Tunisia’s COVID-19 mitigation measures for incoming international visitors. IFES requires adherence to standard mitigation efforts during engagement with Tunisian counterparts.

Job Responsibilities:

Position Responsibilities

• Under the direction of the IFES Tunisia Deputy Country Director, the Senior Media Trainer will develop the currricula and associated materials to train up to 24 LDRs on safety and security basics for journalists.
• During the training, the Consultant will conduct basic security awareness sessions, including how to conduct a risk assessment, situational awareness, safety planning, and first aid. The Consultant will lead sessions on cyber security and cyber hygiene for journalists on topics such as security communications, passwords, smartphone and equipment security, and data safety. The Consultant will also plan simulated activities with real-life examples of safety and security issues faced by journalists, including gender-based violence.
• The Consultant will research, design, and produce all training materials.

Deliverables

• Create and refine the curricula for training journalists on a variety of safety and security themes such as cyber and physical safety during the training and conduct the training for LDRs.
• Prepare an activity report that includes key activities and results, as well as any advice, guidance, lessons learned, recommendations, and/or training materials provided to local democracy reporters.
• Facilitate training sessions with LDRs.

Position Requirements

•  Advanced university degree in journalism, communications, or a related field; a combination of relevant academic qualifications and experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
• 10 – 15 years of experience working with media; a minimum of two (2) years of experience with cyber safety and physical training for media practitioners preferred.
• Professional, policy, or academic experience with journalist safety and protection.
• Experience designing, leading, and conducting training workshops, with a focus on journalists’ capacity-building.
• Strong multi-tasking skills, ability to meet deadlines, and demonstrated success performing under pressure.
• Professional written and oral fluency in French or Arabic.
• Proven ability to operate effectively in a multicultural environment.