X1 Editorial and Production Mentor At Internews Europe

Terms of Reference: July 2021

Internews background

Internews is an international non-profit organisation whose mission is to empower local civil society worldwide to give people the news and information they need, the ability to connect and the means to make their voices heard.

Project background

The Freedom of Expression (FoE) programme seeks to support freedom of expression and access to information in countries where information it is at-risk.

Internews identifies key partners in the relevant countries who are influential in the freedom of expression and access to information spheres to implement the FoE programme. Internews provides direct and in-kind financial support, as well as capacity building support across editorial, digital and business management practices to partners.

Due to sensitivities specifics around countries and partners are kept confidential.

X1 is an independent satellite television channel providing news, current affairs, educational, cultural and entertaining content. The X1 editorial and managerial team operate in-exile as a remotely disbursed team, almost all of whom are volunteers with limited journalism, editorial or production training.

Further information on partner X1 is available via secure communications on request.

Consultancy purpose and objectives

Internews has a sub-grant with X1 (1 May 2021 – 31 Oct 2022) and is seeking a consultant to provide training, mentoring and advice to the organisation over the coming 12 months. Specific objectives of the consultancy are:

Based on organisational needs and priorities, develop an editorial and production development plan for X1 – in consultation with key staff – for the duration of the consultancy
Support the development of an editorial, production and audience outreach strategy for X1
Provide skills development training to relevant staff, potentially at senior level to cascade throughout the editorial/production team

The consultancy is to be delivered remotely via secure online channels. The consultant will liaise primarily with the X1 Editor-in-Chief but will likely engage with a wide number of editorial and production team members of X1 throughout the consultancy.

Scope of work

The key outputs of the consultancy are:

Familiarisation with organisation and desk review including:
1. Overall review of X1 platforms, content and output
2. Conduct relevant consultations and document review with relevant X1 staff
Design and deliver consultancy workplan in consultation with X1 & Internews, including deliverable milestones. This may include:
1. Regular (weekly) remote coaching and consultancy of relevant X1 staff;
2. Preparation of training/mentoring materials in collaboration with Internews & X1 staff, tailored to the participants’ skills and needs
3. Delivery of remote/online training sessions across editorial, production and journalism areas as required
Monthly consultancy narrative reports and invoicing to Internews, alongside any relevant documentation developed through the consultancy (editorial strategy, policy docs, etc.)

Timeframe and deliverables

We anticipate 2 days per month for 12 months will be needed to complete the consultancy, commencing approximately Sep/Oct 2021.

Essential qualifications

University degree (Bachelors or equivalent), preferably in journalism, media production or related fields
Experience in capacity building, training and/or mentoring
Strong English-language communication skills
Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in journalism, television production and/or editorial oversight
Demonstrated experience in training and mentoring journalists/production staff, particularly in foreign and/or challenging contexts
Excellent inter-cultural communication skills and experience and the ability to forge strong cross-cultural relationships and build trust
Strong facilitation, presentation, writing and communication skills
Self-motivated, innovative and resourceful

Desirable