Business and Innovation Specialist, USAID/Georgia Media Program At International Research and Exchanges Board

ABOUT IREX

IREX is an independent nonprofit organization dedicated to building a more just, prosperous, and inclusive world by empowering youth, cultivating leaders, strengthening institutions, and extending access to quality education and information. Founded in 1968, IREX has an annual portfolio of over $100 million, offices in 20 countries, and a global staff of 400. We work in more than 100 countries worldwide.

POSITION SUMMARY

IREX seeks qualified Business and Innovation Specialist (BIS) candidates for an anticipated USAID-funded media support program in Georgia will seek to address an evolving set of changes in Georgia’s media and information landscape, including include the deterioration of robust access to information and freedom of expression; the polarization of public discourse that is, in part, due to the lack of adherence to ethical standards within the media sector; and changes in how Georgian citizens are accessing news and current events that are relevant to their communities. The BIS will support efforts that promote the use of new business models for media and content producers that strengthen their financial viability. Based in Tbilisi, the BIS will focus on working with media outlets, managers, and content producers to strengthen their business models and adopt new innovative practices that enable viability, and where possible, sustainability and/or profitability.

Only Georgian citizens or residents with work authorization will be considered. This position is contingent on funding.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Support the COP and DCOP in providing strategic and technical leadership to the project
• Serve as a liaison with various media stakeholders and develop a wide network of content providers
• Work with media outlets, managers, and content producers to strengthen their business models and adopt new innovative practices that enable viability, and where possible, sustainability and/or profitability.
• Maintain strong networks with media outlets, managers, and content producers
• Oversee and monitor quality of program activities, ensuring they are completed on-time and within budget
• Supervise, manage, and mentor project staff and work in close coordination with IREX’s home office
• Represent the project publicly
• Perform other duties, as assigned

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Georgian citizenship or residency with work authorization
• At least five (5) years of progressive international experience working in media sector strengthening and reform, journalism, civic engagement, or related fields in Georgia
• Familiarity with the key Georgian government stakeholders, relevant private sector actors and civil society organizations working on media issues, and an understanding of the dynamics and relationships among them
• Significant expertise and understanding of the contemporary issues surrounding the viability of media and the online influencer economy, content monetization strategies, and current trends in non-profit media models
• Proven track record of achieving results in media viability preferred
• Experience in supporting donor supported development programs of similar size and complexity highly preferred
• Similar experience with other USAID-funded programs is an asset; knowledge of USAID regulations and procedures preferred
• Excellent leadership management and interpersonal skills including conflict resolution abilities
• Strong representational and organizational skills
• Bachelor’s degree in related field required; master’s degree preferred
• English language fluency is required, including the ability to provide written reporting in English