As part of its activities to strengthen the resilience of the Ukrainian media, Fondation Hirondelle and its partner IRMI are seeking two media specialists to lead our editorial support to Ukrainian journalists.
Location
These positions may be based remotely (with regular travel to Ukraine to meet partners and train journalists) or within Ukraine, depending on the profiles of the successful candidates
Overview of project
Fondation Hirondelle is supporting Ukrainian media as part of a project that began in April 2022 in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. We are providing financial assistance, guidance and training to select regional and local outlets in order to help journalists adapt to the extremely difficult situation they now face, and to ensure the public has access to accurate, reliable information.
Overview of position
This job involves helping media to navigate through the multiple pressures and constraints they face resulting from the war in Ukraine. Many media are facing severe security threats, financial adversity, and difficulty reaching audiences due to disruptions to the media landscape and large-scale disinformation and propaganda attempts. This means that they need to adapt their production practices, revenue models and strategies for reaching audiences, while maintaining a high standard of journalistic integrity and rigour. In this role, you will help media through this adaptation process, ensure the delivery of new strategies for audience growth and financial sustainability, and mentor journalists in the production of high-quality content for Ukrainian audiences.
Responsibilities
• Provide face-to-face and remote training and mentoring to journalists working for regional and local media outlets
• Support journalists to deliver high quality content, including constructive, solution-oriented content and coverage of underrepresented topics and communities
• Work with media to develop new strategies to build audiences and secure revenue streams (these strategies are a project deliverable
• Ensure that journalists maintain the highest standards of accuracy and impartiality in their work
Skills and Experience
Essential
Substantial journalism experience, including in war zones
Excellent editorial judgement
Experience coaching, mentoring and training journalists, particularly in local media outlets
Good understanding of safety and security considerations for journalists operating in conflicts
Flexibility, adaptability
Excellent organisational skills and the ability to work under pressure to meet deadlines
A good level of spoken and written English
Desirable
Experience of working across different media platforms (including radio, television, online, social media)
Experience moderating online interactive content (blog comments, Facebook pages, etc)
Knowledge of approaches to revenue-generation for small media outlets
Experience working in Ukraine
Knowledge of Ukrainian and/or Russian
Note: Fondation Hirondelle and IRMI will seek to minimize security risks for all those involved in the project. Face-to-face activities in the worst-affected areas of the country will be avoided and undertaken remotely or in lower-risk parts of the country.
Conditions
Start date: As soon as possible
Duration: until September 30th (subject to extension)
To apply, send your resume, a cover letter (max 1 page) and references to rh@hirondelle.org by February 15th, 2023.
Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.
