Deadline: 18^th April 2020

Download Job Advert: Consultant- Researcher

About African Women in Media (AWiM) 

African Women in the Media started as a Facebook group in August 2016 with the aim to positively impact the way media functions in relation to African women. Our members are African women from a diverse range of media backgrounds. AWiM held its first convening event in July 2017 in Birmingham, UK, and continues to organise its annual conference that tours African countries. AWiM became a nongovernmental organisation in 2019. Our vision is that one-day African women will have equal access to representation and opportunities in media industries and media content. African Women in the Media (AWiM) aims to contribute to the creation of enabling environments for African women who work in media industries, and to change the way African women are represented in media content. It does this through research, advocacy and partnerships. Through AWiM events, we create opportunities for knowledge exchange, building networks, and economic empowerment of women in media.

Summary

African Women in Media (AWiM) would like to hire a research consultant to research the lived experiences of East Africa women journalists reporting on COVID-19. 

Background

As the world grapples with the COVID-19 pandemic, the work of journalists is also greatly impacted. This research focuses on East African women journalists working in East Africa, and aims to capture their lived experiences during the pandemic. The study should result in an easy to read document that assesses the experience of East African women in the journalism covering COVID-19, as well as the impact of COVID-19 on the work of these women. Further, it should identify possible strategies, responses and interventions that could improve their working conditions. 

The consultant will therefore:

1. Research the lived experiences of East Africa women journalists reporting on COVID-19;
2. Make recommendations that will be useful to media organisations, policy makers, funding bodies and East African journalists.
3. Create a database of female investigative journalists specialised in global health.

Roles and responsibilities of the Consultant

Under the supervision and overall guidance of the Project Lead, the consultant will perform the following tasks within the given timeframe indicated in this term of reference.

1. Develop a research proposal that accurately reflect the research objectives;
2. Execute the approved research proposal;
3. Design and develop a sophisticated database structure and system that effectively and efficiently support data collection on female investigative journalists specialised in global health across East Africa;
4. Develop the first draft of the research report according to the requirements and additional information obtained;
5. Make presentations of the first draft of research report for AWiM taskforce for review and feedback;
6. Adjust the draft based on feedback received and submit a finished and edited report in line with guidelines and instructions received from AWiM.

Work Location

Home Based

Expected Duration

The total duration of preparing and final delivery of the research for which the consultant will be hired shall be four months spread-out over a period of six months from the date of signing the contract.

Deliverables

1. Submit a research report and recommendations with high quality information and presented in a user friendly way, for review by AWiM project team;
2. Weekly update reports must be provided to AWiM task team;
3. A database of East African women in journalism who are reporting on COVID-19;
4. Timely completion of the assignment.

Qualifications/Special Skills

• Essential: Masters’ Degree or PhD in Media, cultural studies, journalism, communications, political/social science, gender studies, or any other related field of study
• Intellectual curiosity and independence
• Ability to forge and effectively manage relationships
• Superior communication skills and the ability to question the status quo
• Proactive, responsive and able to balance shifting priorities and ensure that promises are kept and expectations are exceeded
• Ability to work independently on projects
• Strong English communication skills (both written and verbal)
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to use virtual tools like video conferencing platforms
• Full proficiency in MS Office programs: Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and other tools needed for effective delivery of this research.

Language: Native or high level of professional proficiency in written and spoken English. 

We look forward to receiving your application, which should include the following materials:

• A cover letter that includes a brief description of how you will execute this research (1-2 pages max)
• A CV
• Contact details for two referees.

Please submit your application no later than 18^th April 2020 to yemisi[at]africanwomeninmedia[dot]com (use the subject line ‘Research Consultant’)

AFRICAN WOMEN IN MEDIA DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING).

Download Job Advert: Consultant- Researcher

We aim to recruit on as wide a geographical basis as possible, and place no restrictions on the eligibility of women and men in employment opportunities at AWiM. All employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, colour, religion or belief, sex, age, physical, mental or sensory disability, HIV Status, sexual orientation, gender identity  or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate.