Application Deadline | 25 July 2012 |
---|---|
Location | Nairobi, Kenya Find out more about our work in Kenya |
Summary Description
The Program Officer will be responsible for developing and managing a portfolio of grants and related activities focused on advancing public service media in East Africa. The goals of the initiative are to foster debate and dialogue, promote learning, increase awareness of the media as an instrument for exploring social justice issues, and enhance public access and contributions to targeted campaigns as well as to assist in the emergence of an independent, journalistic and storytelling community committed to social justice content. The Initiative promotes the public media sphere as a platform to give voice and visibility to the marginalized, and to add diverse perspectives to everyday struggles for social change while simultaneously transforming alternative media into a critical and cohesive voice of civil society. Additionally, a principal focus of the grant making is to encourage the development of content and institutions that further the goals and work of the broader East Africa field office strategy, which focuses on “Fulfilling the Promise of Democracy”.
Under the supervision of the foundation’s representative in East Africa and the director of the Freedom of Expression Unit in New York, the Program Officer will develop grant making strategies and related activities to: 1) promote fair practice and strengthen public service media both within and beyond the region’s currently existing media platforms; 2) support grantees to better engage with media to attain visibility, scale and impact; 3) innovatively stimulate the creation and wide dissemination of high-quality, independent, diverse, appropriate and targeted content that supports and deepens the impact of other office Initiatives; and 4) build strategic communications and investigative journalism skills, tools and practices of development stakeholders. To these ends, grant making could support film production, radio programming, (citizen) journalism, and the use of mobile phones and web-based media as essential tools in promoting the office's social change strategies, or the development of distribution platforms and print or online destinations to serve as hubs of social justice content.
Working as part of the East Africa program team, the Program Officer will review existing lines of work; formulate grant making strategies; identify potential grantees; solicit, review and respond to grant proposals; monitor grants and other developments in the field; and prepare recommendations for foundation funding. S/he will develop and maintain close working relationships with existing and potential grantees, and with relevant leaders in governments, the media, research institutions, civil society and other funders. S/he will provide intellectual leadership in the field, and promote coordination and cumulative learning among key stakeholders.
As the Program Officer’s efforts will contribute significantly to the office’s wider goals, s/he will work collaboratively and in tandem with other Nairobi-based Program Officers to advance the objectives of other Initiatives focused respectively on strengthening civil society; protecting women’s rights; expanding livelihood opportunities for poor households; and expanding community rights over natural resources. S/he will also collaborate with colleagues in New York and other foundation officers worldwide to support regional and global networks and initiatives.
Qualifications
Substantive knowledge of the media field in East Africa and its potential to drive social change at scale. Significant professional experience working to advance development/social change through diverse platforms in the media, public or non-governmental sectors. A good understanding of the role, power, and likely impact of digital innovation and social media in the emerging new media landscape. Relevant educational background, including an advanced degree in journalism, media and development, the social sciences and/or public policy. The ability to conceptualize program ideas and strategies and translate them into practice. Demonstrated creativity, analytical and organizational skills. Possess the knowledge and vision to strategically identify opportunities for the foundation to promote social justice. Excellent written and oral communication skills. Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work with colleagues of diverse backgrounds and perspectives.
Salary
is based on experience and on the Foundation’s commitment to internal equity. A benefits package is provided.
Program Officer, Advancing Public Service Media - East Africa
No comments: