BBC Media Action

BBC Media Action uses media and communications to reduce poverty in developing countries. To achieve this, the BBC Media Action partners with civil society, local media and governments to:

• Produce creative programmes in multi-media formats, based on robust research, which inform and engage audiences around key development issues.
• Strengthen the media sector through building professional capacity and infrastructure.

BBC Media Action delivers a portfolio of media projects in Ethiopia. It seeks to expand this portfolio of work, but also ensure that existing projects are delivered to time, to budget and to the highest standards, and in accordance with BBC editorial values as well as Media Action methodologies.

Overall Purpose of Job

The Project Manager will be responsible for managing and delivering all aspects of a BBC Media Action project which aims to build the capacity and sustainability of independent media in Ethiopia (PRIMED), funded by DFID. Reporting to the Senior Programmes Manager, the purpose of the role is to ensure the project is delivered on time, within budget and to the highest possible standards. 

 Main Duties:

•  Responsible for the planning, budgeting and reporting of the project activities.  This includes working with BBC Media Action staff in Ethiopia and London; and consortium members to define and develop programme direction, strategies and activities.
•  Responsible for managing a series of relationships with project partners (national and local media houses, NGOs, CSOs consortium members) and international donors.
• The post holder will be responsible for the set-up of project activities, partnerships and administration systems.  Specifically, this will include:
  • Working with project partners to arrange workshops, trainings and events according to objectives identified by the consortium
  • Liaising with the research team to provide a clear brief of the research required and ensure findings inform project development.
  • Contribute to the development and design of project activities using research available
  • Maintaining accurate and up to date project records, and submitting required reports in a timely manner
  • Developing and maintaining project budgets for all activities on the project.
  • Facilitating knowledge sharing between project partners and a wider audience where relevant
• Liaise closely with other staff and programme strands of BBC Media Action in Ethiopia and internationally, including the Research and Learning and Advisory teams.
• Coordinate with support teams in the country office to build systems which effectively support project operations
• Develop and manage effective relationships with stakeholders and other partners in Ethiopia.
• Ensure the proper and timely preparation and submission of plans, reports and documents and make sure that it is shared with the relevant bodies within a given time frame
• Timely follow up and track project activities, monitor status; identify challenges; document lessons, and propose solutions and ensure implementation of decisions
• Represent BBC Media Action in the PRIMED consortium and in other events as required. 
• Complying at all times with BBC Media Action’s Code of Conduct and Safeguarding Policy and ensuring that all freelancers and external suppliers are aware of their responsibilities under these policies. Reporting any related concerns as soon as they become apparent.  

REPORTS TO:         

• Senior Programmes Manager, Ethiopia                          

DURATION:              

• One year (with possible extension)                       

CONTRACT:                        

• Local terms and conditions.  Only eligible for Ethiopian nationals or those legally able to work in Ethiopia 

Job Requirements

Required skills, knowledge and experience          

• At least 5 years’ experience in international development, with demonstrable experience in project planning and management systems.
• Experience managing the project budget cycle – from conception, through budget building, to implementation, monitoring, reviewing and reporting/accounting. 
• Knowledge and experience of the media landscape in Ethiopia is an advantage.
• Ability to make sound judgments on editorially sensitive programme issues.
• Experience in line management of staff.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Strong commitment to, and understanding of, development issues in Ethiopia.
• Experience writing project briefs, reports, Terms of Reference and other project documents.
• Fluency in English and Amharic. 

Key competencies:

The following competencies (behaviors and characteristics) have been identified as key to success in the job. Successful candidates are expected to demonstrate these competencies.

• Analytical Thinking – Able to simplify complex problems, processes or projects into component parts, explore and evaluate them systematically. Able to identify causal relationships, and construct frameworks, for problem-solving and/or development.
• Decision Making – Is ready and able to take the initiative, originate action and be responsible for the consequences of the decision made.
• Planning and Organisation – Is able to think ahead in order to establish an efficient and appropriate course of action for self and others. Prioritises and plans activities taking into account all the relevant issues and factors such as deadlines, staffing and resources requirements.
• Resilience – Can maintain personal effectiveness by managing own emotions in the face of pressure, setbacks or when dealing with provocative situations. Can demonstrate an approach to work that is characterised by commitment, motivation and energy.
• Influencing and Persuading – Ability to present sound and well-reasoned arguments to convince others. Can draw from a range of strategies to persuade people in a way that results in agreement or behaviour change.
• Communication – The ability to get one’s message understood clearly by adopting a range of styles, tools and techniques appropriate to the audience and the nature of the information.
• Managing relationships – Able to build and maintain effective working relationships with a range of people.

How to Apply

Interested applicants who meet the above requirements should ONLY send cover letter and CV with three names of reference to info@et.bbcmediaaction.org   or BBC Media Action, P.O.Box 29178, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia until November 20, 2019. Only applicants meeting the minimum qualification will be short listed and contacted. This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of responsibilities and duties.

The BBC is an equal opportunity employer.