Media Specialist , International Development Law Organization

Media Specialist

Uganda Rights and Rule of Law

ABOUT IDLO

The International Development Law Organization (IDLO) works to enable governments and empower people to reform laws and strengthen institutions to promote peace, justice, and sustainable development.

IDLO is an intergovernmental organization that promotes justice, peace and development by providing legal expertise to governments, multilateral and civil society organizations. It seeks to enhance human rights, economic growth and good governance through technical assistance on judicial and legal reform, capacity-building and legal empowerment programs and projects. Bringing together a range of diverse local, national and international stakeholders and working in an enabling rather than directive or prescriptive way, IDLO acts as a catalyst for social change. It prides itself on its flexibility, speed and entrepreneurial spirit.

While IDLO works in all developing regions of the world, it has significant operations in countries emerging from conflict. IDLO is the only intergovernmental organization with an exclusive mandate to promote the rule of law. It currently has 27 Member Parties and benefits from the collective wisdom of a prestigious International Advisory Council.

To learn more about IDLO, please visit our website www.idlo.int or follow us on Twitter @IDLOnews.

THE PROJECT

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Uganda is seeking applications to fund a 5-year USAID/Uganda Rights and Rule of Law Project, and has issued a request for applications (RFA). The RFA two-phased process, with submission of concept papers due on 23 August 2013, and full applications, on invitation only, due on 22 October 2013.

IDLO believes that it’s rule of law and human rights expertise make it a competitive candidate and will respond to this RFA.

The position is contingent upon funding

Consistent with key USAID policy directives that elevate human rights, and recognize the relationship between human rights and development, the Rights and Rule of Law Project will employ a rights-based approach. The rights-based approach aims at strengthening the capacity of duty bearers and empowers rights holders to achieve a positive transformation of power relations. To that end, the activity will empower people to demand and assert their rights, and help increase the capacity of duty bearers to provide rights. While duty bearers are accountable for respecting, protecting, and fulfilling human rights, rights holders need to promote and defend their freedoms. Such action helps keep governments accountable, and should have the effect of integrating democracy goals into the socio-economic sectors.

The overarching Rights and Rule of Law Project goal is: democratic and governance systems are strengthened and made more accountable. The Rights and Rule of Law Project aims to support institutions, groups or processes to protect and promote freedoms, with a view to strengthening rule of law and enhancing accountability and transparency. Expected project outcomes include three technical or sectoral outcomes, and one organizational capacity development outcome:

1. Judicial strengthening
A transparent and independent judiciary upholds human rights and rule of law (component 1). 

2. Civil society and advocacy 
Citizens advocate for and claim their rights (component 2). 

3. Media engagement 
The media reports on human rights in an accurate and timely manner (component 3). 

4. Organizational capacity development 
Selected partner organizations demonstrate capacity to manage programs in a transparent and efficient manner (component 4). 

The Rights and Rule of Law Project will focus activities at the national level with targeted, strategic interventions at the sub-national level in line with USAID/Uganda’s geographic policy.

THE POSITION

Reporting to the Chief of Party, the Media Specialist will be responsible for the implementation of component 3, including implementing capacity building activities; supporting media networking on human rights; and exploring the role of social media in promoting human rights.

The position is contingent upon funding.

IDLO welcomes applications from Ugandan nationals.

IDEAL CANDIDATE PROFILE

Academic qualifications

• A Master’s degree in journalism, mass media, or in a related social science discipline is highly preferred. 

Work experience and skills

• A minimum of four years’ experience in media advocacy and engagement on rule of law and rights matters. 
• A minimum of three years of technical experience in dealing with multiple stakeholders including the media, judiciary, CSOs, and adjudication institutions in a developing country. 
• Demonstrated experience in media in Uganda. 
• Experience in mentoring, coaching and skills transfer. 
• Experience in developing activity work-plans, budgets, managing implementation, staff and short-term technical assistance. 
• Excellent representational and communication skills, written and oral proficiency in English. 
• Excellent past performance references. 

HOW TO APPLY

IDLO is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity in all areas of its operations. We welcome and encourage diverse applications.

To apply, please visit IDLO’s employment website at http://goo.gl/zDTP4i.