Deadline:  18th September 2020

Download Job Advert: Research Consultant

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 journalists covering labour migration in Africa.

Background

Africa has embraced both global and continent-wide development frameworks which recognize
the vital role of migration in Africa’s transformation. The broad objective of the research is to
capture their lived experiences of female African journalists, whose work focuses on labour
migration in Africa. The study should result in an easy to read document that assesses the
experience of female African journalists covering labour migration. 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 female African journalists reporting on labour
   migration in Africa;
2. Make recommendations that will be useful to media organizations, policy makers,
   funding bodies and African journalists particularly those covering labour migration in
   Africa.
3. Create a database of female African journalists specialized in labour migration in Africa.

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 time-frame 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 African female journalists specialised in labour migration in 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 task-force 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.

Expected Duration

The total duration of preparing and final delivery of the research for which the consultant will
be hired shall be four months from the date of signing the contract.

Work Location

Home Based

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 African female journalists who report on labour migration in Africa;
4. Timely completion of the assignment.

Qualifications/Special Skills

• Essential: Masters’ Degree or PhD in Media, cultural studies, journalism, communications, international development, 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 18th September 2020 to Dele[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: Research Consultant

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.