Trainer – journalism, social media, editorial At BBC Media Action

Call for Trainers

BBC Media Action (Eastern Europe & Central Asia)

BBC Media Action is seeking trainers to supports its project implementation in Ukraine, Armenia, Moldova and Georgia.

· In the short-to-medium term we expect all training will be delivered remotely (i.e. via Zoom, Skype, Teams etc) in a mixture of 1:1 and group training sessions, but we hope to resume in-country training when circumstances allow.

· Dates: training will begin in September 2021

· Deadline for applications: Sunday 5th September, 23:00 (London)

· Deadline to send questions: Sunday 29th August, 23:00** (London)

Section A – Background **

BBC Media Action is supporting independent media in Ukraine, Moldova, Armenia and Georgia to build their reach, resilience and sustainability, and to increase their capacity to deliver independent news and information free from vested interests. The majority of our partners are online organisations; the project also supports one radio station and several television companies.

Section B – Training needs

BBC Media Action is seeking trainers with the following specific editorial and technical training experience:

1. Mobile video journalism

Objective: to train journalists in shooting on smartphones, and editing. This should include how to live-stream, and shoot in different formats for different social media platforms. Training should include how to shoot sequences, how to deploy safely and how to use scrolling text when publishing content on social media. Our partner organisations operate in small teams so an essential ingredient will be how to plan work efficiently.

2. Investigative journalism

We are seeking trainers with a variety of investigative skills:**

· An introduction to investigations. Objective: to introduce news organisations who make long-form video features to the different principles involved in planning an investigation. This will involve formal training in how to select an issue, identify an approach, stand up a story (including sourcing and documentation), and editorial policy issues such as right to reply and secret filming. It should also involve effective planning, storytelling and how to use resources wisely. It may also include subsequent mentoring in planning an investigation.

· Investigative reporting. Objective: we are seeking an experienced investigative journalist with shoot/edit experience who can work hands-on with our news teams to improve the quality of their storytelling, telling complicated stories in a simple way, and how to plan their shooting and editing to achieve this. Training should also offer advice on how to how to plan different versions for different audiences (including short-form videos on social media) in order to get maximum impact for their journalism.

· Drone expert. Objective: to help an experienced investigations team to identify best practice editorially and technically from using a drone as part of their work. This training should include privacy and security considerations.

3. Social media strategy

Objective: to support news organisations in developing a social media strategy. The training should help organisations understand the benefits of different social media platforms, and the types of content which meets audience need and drives engagement. This will include training in the principles of how to use video to best effect on different social media platforms. The outcome will be a practical plan for each organisation. If consultants have experience of working with Telegram, Vkontake and Odnoklassniki, that will be helpful.

4. Editorial leadership for a news website

Objective: we are looking for an experienced editors-in-chief (preferably Russian speaking) to mentor and work closely with the editor-in-chief and their editorial team of a news and factual website in Ukraine. To offer guidance on leading and managing an editorial team, their production workflows, content commissioning and organisation and use of analytics to inform editorial decision- making. This objective also aims to support the development of relevant skills in the editorial team to make their content more engaging audience focused.

Section C – Profile of trainers:

Trainers applying for this call will need to have:

1. Experience of delivering practical, formal training or on-the-job mentoring, including via Zoom.
2. Experience in the region and an understanding of the local contexts and platforms is desirable.
3. High level of practical experience in the skills outlined is essential.
4. To participate in a mandatory briefing on Respect at Work, and ensure compliance with the staff code of conduct and its related policies.
5. To report any Safeguarding concerns immediately, either to the line manager or using the Whistleblowing Policy.
6. Strong understanding of and commitment to BBC editorial values.
7. Language skills: an understanding of Russian, Georgian, Ukrainian or Romanian would be an advantage.