Media Advisor/Program Manager – Europe & Eurasia At Internews Network

ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY

Internews is seeking a Russian and English-speaking Media Advisor/Program Manager for a multi-year project based in either Vilnius; Lithuania; Kyiv, Ukraine; or Warsaw, Poland. The project aims to support the production of high-quality, engaging news and information by regional media partners, build media literacy and critical thinking skills among both content creators and the public, and commission research to inform project activities and combat disinformation. The ideal candidate has a strong background in journalism and is eager to help other media professionals and amateur content creators improve their coverage, develop new skills, and respond to audience needs. We are looking for a highly motivated, enthusiastic professional who enjoys working collaboratively with other staff and partners to achieve shared goals. Comfort working in a digital-first environment with a cross-border team is essential.

LOGISTICS

Internews has field offices in Kyiv, Ukraine and Vilnius, Lithuania. The ideal candidate for this role will be based in one of these locations or in Warsaw, Poland. Currently Internews can only provide work authorization for candidates residing in or willing to relocate to Vilnius, Lithuania. Candidates wishing to reside elsewhere must possess independent work authorization.

Wherever possible, we work to try to find solutions for international hiring that work for both the company and the candidate. This means that some of the particulars around the offer for a role will be dependent on several factors, and that the benefits and salary structure that apply to a position will ultimately be based upon the candidate’s location and where the role is hired.

This position has an anticipated closing date of 26 November 2021.

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.

DAY-TO-DAY TASKS will include:

• Regularly assess the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats facing media outlets, journalists/other content creators, and media support organizations in the region through personal communications, regular observation, and design and review of applicable research.
• Working closely with project partners, design, organize, and lead relevant trainings, consultations, pitch sessions, and other support programs (both digital and in-person) for media professionals, content creators, and media support organizations.
• Cultivate a network of experts in various aspects of journalism, media business and management, media literacy, and related spheres to serve as additional trainers, mentors, and speakers.
• Nurture relationships with media professionals, media outlets, research institutions, media literacy initiatives, and media support organizations in the region.
• Support the development of calls for proposals, evaluate applications, and provide constructive feedback to applicants. Monitor implementation of winning proposals and provide recommendations as necessary to ensure quality work and learning from mistakes.
• Support project activities related to media literacy, media monitoring, access to information, and research. Responsibilities may include identifying and liaising with research firms, assisting with the design of survey questionnaires, focus group guides, and other research tools and methodologies, and monitoring the quality of research reports and analysis.
• Support regular reporting (both oral and written) on the results and impact of program support. Contribute to the development of progress reports, workplans, presentations, fact sheets, and other explanatory and communications materials.
• With guidance from Internews’ IT team, develop awareness of digital security risks, tools, and protocols and maintain secure file storage, sharing, and communication practices at all times.
• Serve as an alternate point of contact for Internews Headquarters and representatives of donors and other organizations implementing similar programs in the Country Director’s absence.
• In all duties, demonstrated understanding of and commitment to upholding Internews’ Core Values.

QUALIFICATIONS WE’RE LOOKING FOR

• Fluency in Russian required; English proficiency highly preferred
• Minimum of 5 years of professional experience managing a media outlet, conducting training for journalists and editors, and/or producing/editing quality online news and features content
• Demonstrated expertise as a trainer, editorial or managerial consultant/mentor, media literacy educator, or in a related educational role working with media professionals
• Professional fluency in modern techniques for digital storytelling, audience engagement, and multi-platform reporting preferred
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Desire to work as an integral part of a highly collaborative, largely remote team
• Strong knowledge of the media sector in Eastern Europe/former Soviet countries
• Residence or willingness to relocate to Vilnius, Lithuania; Kyiv, Ukraine; or Warsaw, Poland required. (Currently Internews can only provide work authorization for candidates residing in or willing to relocate to Vilnius, Lithuania. Candidates wishing to reside elsewhere must possess independent work authorization.)
• Experience working on international donor-funded media or democracy support projects preferred.
• Familiarity with issues related to media literacy, access to information, digital security, and/or audience measurement and analysis a plus.