Kenya: Project Manager - Earth Journalism Network at Internews Network

GENERAL FUNCTION:

Internews is seeking a Project Lead to be based in Nairobi for a 2-year project to provide high-level technical expertise to journalists in East Africa on conservation and wildlife coverage, issues analysis, research and investigative reporting. The project, under a USAID/USDOI grant, aims to build awareness in Kenya and East Africa concerning the threat to species and biodiversity and the importance of conservation through quality news and information produced by regional media. It will include several training workshops focused on building the skills, knowledge, and contacts of East African journalists to report on threats to conservation and wildlife. Given the lack of wildlife and conservation coverage in the regional media, this capacity-building component aims to provide journalists with investigative tools and resources to highlight the various factors influencing these two important environmental issues. The project will also provide small grants to reporters to produce stories related to wildlife and conservation.

The package of thematic workshops will include: data/facts collection and analysis; research-based journalism and storytelling; interviewing techniques and investigative coverage. Internews will follow its renowned journalism-training methodology in these workshops to ensure that journalists understand and apply this on the thematic areas highlighted above with a focus on solution-based reporting.

The Project Manager will be responsible for overseeing the overall implementation of the project, trainings, mentorship and awarding of story grants to journalists.

S/he will provide strategic guidance and leadership for the project; coordinate technical, legal and professional capacity building assistance to journalists and partners; ensure proper oversight of Internews personnel, financial management and administration; and coordinate with other stakeholders in the region to ensure that Internews leverages other resources, avoids duplication and complements other media development initiatives. The Project Manager will also be responsible for establishing strong partnerships and dialogue with the appropriate donor representatives and stakeholders in East Africa.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following; other duties may be assigned:

• Provide general oversight of the project, including project management, strategic vision, budget management, fiscal integrity, quality and timing of deliverables, and coordination with partners;
• Design and lead technical activities, training and mentoring, organizing workshops and convenings, and awarding of story grants, investigative journalism grants and at least one organizational grant.;
• Work with media partner the Kenya Environment and Science Journalists Association to help design their projects and trainings for local journalists.
• Provide oversight to ensure quality, cost and timeliness of performance by media partner, the Kenya Environment and Science Journalists Association (KENSJA).
• Manage Internews staff and consultants that provide technical assistance to local media partners, including a conservation journalism trainer and an investigative journalism editor;
• Communicate challenges facing the project and articulate the project’s successes in meeting those challenges;
• Take responsibility for the quality, cost, and timeliness of performance of all work performed under the funding contract;
• Take responsibility for the Monitoring and Evaluation of the Project;
• Prepare Quarterly and Project reports;
• Strategize new directions for Internews to help independent media;
• Help fundraise for project continuation;
• Develop and maintain a thorough knowledge of local media in the region.
• Develop and maintain contact with local stakeholders;
• Demonstrate an understanding of and commitment to upholding Internews’ Core Values.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required:

• 5 years of professional experience as a journalist, editor or media development expert on the environment; OR relevant professional experience managing capacity building projects in East Africa;
• Substantial experience managing media-related projects;
• Experience working with media on Environmental, Conservation and Wildlife issues.
• A successful track record of supervising, designing, managing, and implementing technical assistance for donor-funded media projects and proven ability to develop and monitor work plans, training plans, and procurement plans;
• Demonstrated ability to manage a national staff and a regional team of consultants;
• Strong interpersonal skills, necessary to maintain good relations with relevant stakeholders;
• Strong writing and analytical skills;
• USG funded project management experience is preferred;
• Fluency in both English and Swahili is required.