The non-profit media development organization International Media Support (IMS) is in close cooperation with Fojo Media Institute and other international partners implementing programs to support media reform and assist in the professionalization of journalism and media management in Ethiopia. We are working closely with Ethiopian institutions and media partners. An office in Addis Ababa is soon established, and the Program Officer for Journalism and Media professionalism will be part of the team initiating and implementing the programs.

Main Responsibilities

The Programme Officer will strenghten targeted media in becoming financially sustainable and to produce and disseminate public interest journalism, reflecting the full composition of the society through a balanced presence of women and men, age groups and communities.The Programme Officer is responsible for identifying, developing, implementing, and documenting program activities to professionalize the practice of public interest journalism and sustainable media management skills in Ethiopia. The Programme Officer will under the guidance of the program management contribute to the achievement of the overall and specific objectives of this area following the intervention logic of the IMS-Fojo Ethiopia program.

Scope of Work and Main Tasks

The Officer’s main tasks will include:

• Working closely with the identified Ethiopian media partners and respond to their needs and proposed calls for support .
• Secure activities for capacity building of journalists, editors and other editorial functions
• Secure activities for capacity building of media managers, organizational and commercial development
• Secure a gender-sensitive, inclusive and diversified mix of partners and activities including women, minorities, ethnic groups and a balance between Addis and the regional states
• Knowledge and processes to incorporate an audience centric approach to editorial and commercial media development: Audience research, interaction and targeted product innovation to creative audience trust, loyalty and growth.
• Bring in concepts, inspiration, and expertise from international and regional (African) media practice.
• Developing viable community media platforms engaged in dialogue in IDP/Refugee areas.
• Assist in developing and monitoring annual work plans, budgets, and results/outputs.
• Close oversight over implementing partners’ activities, through periodic visits and reports.
• Prepare project contract documents, ToRs and MoUs.
• Evaluate and analyze reports to ensure the appropriateness of documentation of activities. Follow-up action on program implementation of activities
• Reports to the Program Manager of the outcome of reviews.
• Work closely with the Program M&E officer to monitor and evaluate outputs and outcomes and

• Drafts relevant sections of reports and assist in the development of documents, presentations, and other appropriate means of communication to key stakeholders.
• Develop and secure communication and visibility of partner activities and accomplishments.

Duration and location

• This is a full-time position for 1 year with a probation period of 3 months, and with the possibility of extension.
• Salary will be commensurate with experience and IMS policies.
• Starting date: As soon as possible. 

Qualifications & Experience

Only candidates with the following requirements will be considered:

• BA/BSC, MA or MSC degree in development or humanitarian studies, Media Studies, Media Management, Journalism, Business Administration, Leadership, Social sciences or a combination of these and other related fields
• At least 5 years of experience in program/management, media capacity building, journalism, Communication for Development, Communication with Communities, Community engagement, humanitarian reporting, or similar areas
• Knowledge of the Ethiopian political and humanitarian context including the roles of different national and international stakeholders, global and regional media development issues and the challenges for free and independent media
• Profound knowledge of and experience in working with the media sector, key actors and players, and understanding of the challenges of the media sector, especially an understanding of the work of humanitarian and development agencies, Refugee frameworks, IDP settings
• Knowledge and profound engagement in gender balance and media inclusion of all age-groups, ethnic groups, socio-demographic groups and communities.
• Proven ability to develop partner skills, mentoring programs, and planning and operating participatory training programs
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, with an ability to simplify complex concepts both verbally and orally to influence others. Very good skills in English, Amharic, or other languages.
• Ability to work effectively with a range of people from different organizations and backgrounds, including experience in influencing others and organizing advocacy activities

Everyone with the required qualifications and skills is encouraged to apply, regardless of their gender or racial, ethnic, religious, and cultural background.