Organization: African Women in Media (AWiM)
Location: Remote
About African Women in Media (AWiM)
Contract Term:
African Women in the Media is an international non-governmental organization 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. 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 knowledge production, training and partnerships.
About the project
This project seeks to understand the current state of adoption and use of AI in African newsrooms and the perceived and actual impact of this on existing gendered inequalities experienced by African women journalists. The outcome will lead to a series of thought-leadership content for newsrooms and policy creation on the AI use in newsrooms, and an awareness campaign.
The project builds on several projects delivered by AWiM, including its range of research on the lived experiences of women journalists. It is also timely as research shows a significant rise in the use of generative AI in the newsroom, thus necessitating the need to understand how such adoption might exacerbate existing gender inequalities.
The research in this project will be grounded on the core principles of Participatory Action Research, and will be focused on Dialogue, Storytelling and Collective Action leading to collaborative action in AI policy development for newsrooms in Africa.
About the role and expected outputs
We are seeking a qualified consultant to “do research differently,” involving the production of extensive knowledge and strategic communication products including:
- An insight report on the gendered perspective of AI adoption in newsrooms in Africa.
- An AI adoption guideline for the media industry,
- Toolkits and/or checklists to assess current and future impact of AI on women in newsrooms.
Required Qualifications and Experience:
- Expertise in researching Media, Gender Studies, AI, or related social science field.
- Deep understanding of the intersection between technology and gender. Experience in media monitoring and/or researching AI would be an advantage.
- Proficiency in Participatory Action Research as a methodology and study design is essential.
- Proficiency in data collection and analysis. This includes skills in survey design, interviews, focus groups, and data analysis techniques.
- Ability to analyze complex data sets, interpret findings accurately, and draw meaningful conclusions to inform policy and programmatic responses.
- Excellent English written skills and communicating complex information in an accessible way
- Skills in project management including planning, budgeting, and timeline management is highly desirable.
Language Requirement
Advanced Proficiency in English (written and oral) is mandatory.
Guiding Principles
The Consultant shall:
- Work with, and be supervised by the Project Lead
- Carry out the responsibilities of the position in an efficient, effective, and professional manner.
- Discharge the duties, observe and comply with all procedures, administrative regulations and standard operating procedures (SOP) of AWIM.
- Exercise and eschew the values of due diligence, responsible work ethics, and mutual respect, due consideration, accountability and good faith in all dealings.
How to Apply
To apply submit a cover letter that demonstrates why you are suited for this role, a brief proposal of how you will structure the research, including your proposed methodology and your CV. Send these to blessing@africanwomeninmedia.com with the subject line ‘[Your name]- 2025 PAR-AI Research Consultant Application.
Submission Deadline: 14 March 2025.
African Women in Media is an Equal Opportunity Employer. AWiM prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind; we’re committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions at AWiM are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, colour, religion, gender or sexual orientation.
AFRICAN WOMEN IN MEDIA DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUTIMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING OR TRAINING).
