Empowering Local Media

Internews has been working in Sri Lanka since 2005, providing information services to vulnerable communities and delivering training to both established journalists and young trainees. Internews works closely with local organisations and the Government to harness the power of media and information to help people develop a peaceful and prosperous Sri Lanka.

Internews Europe – Deputy Country Director Job Announcement

Opportunity for Sri Lankan Nationals

Job Title: Deputy Country Director
Location: Colombo, Sri Lanka
Reports To: Internews Sri Lanka Country Director
Assists: Country Director
Starting date: 15 November 2009
Duration: 9 months

BACKGROUND
Internews  is an international media development organization whose mission is to empower local media worldwide to give people the news and information they need, the ability to connect, and the means to make their voices heard.

GENERAL FUNCTION
The Deputy Country Director (DCD) will work closely with Internews’ Country Director and senior program staff to ensure that all programmatic, administrative, and financial procedures are completed in a timely and appropriate manner.  The DCD will have operational management responsibilities over internal systems of Internews offices, grantee reporting and monitoring systems, and staffing and liaison with relevant government officials and NGO partners.  The DCD will also be responsible for the direct management of the currently funded “Local Voices for Human Rights” project.  The project seeks to create a local media environment conducive to the respect for life and dignity of persons affected by armed conflict and other situations of violence.
Local Voices for Human Rights develops local media capacity in eastern and southern regions of Sri Lanka through the provision of training and resources to journalists through three media houses, and producing radio programs disseminate this material to relevant audiences in ways that promote engagement and debate.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITES

  • Office management: Work closely with the Country Director, Project Directors, and Office Manager on personnel issues including coordinating local staffing, office structure, and strategic planning.  Serve as point person to relevant government offices coordinating and overseeing Internews’ programs in Sri Lanka.
  • Program management: Directly manage the “Local Voices on Human Rights in Sri Lanka” project in close consultation with the Country Director and media house directors and in a supportive capacity with local partner organizations. Responsible for direct oversight of staff on the project team. Develop and track monthly training schedules, budgets, and program
    strategies. Ensure conformance with donor rules and regulations in field activities.
  • Program development: Work closely with the Country Director, senior program staff, and IEU and IUS regional managers on developing program strategy, including developing country strategy documents and drafting concept papers and proposals for donor funding.
  • Editorial supervision: Ensure that all publications and produced material are in line with the projects’ editorial policies, adapt editorial policies to the changing context and needs of each publication or program.
  • Financial Oversight:  Ensure that financial and administrative processes are controlled and compliant with organizational and donor requirements in Colombo and media houses. Collaborate with Internews Europe’s Paris-based financial controller.
  • Donor liaising: Establish and maintain collaborative working relationships with current and potential donors.
  • Representation: Represent Internews at external events including meetings, roundtables and conferences with government officials, partner organizations and other stakeholders in coordination with the Country Director and the Project Directors.
  • Coordination: Work closely with media organizations, other relevant civil society partner organizations and other in-country programs to collaborate and leverage resources where possible.
  • Media Monitoring: Maintain a thorough knowledge of independent media outlets and journalists in Sri Lanka, and a general understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing media in the country. Also maintain a keen understanding of issues affecting both the media community and the media development community in Sri Lanka, including security and political factors.
  • Official Correspondence and reporting:  Prepare official communications, briefings and reports to donors and partners as required.  Prepare periodic donor reports that document project’s development and outcomes as per contract conditions, including both narrative and financial reports.
  • Ensure coordination and cooperation between Internews-US and Internews-EU funded projects by sharing, coordinating, and harmonizing work-plans, operations plans, training plans, and strategies, staffing plans, and development strategies with other projects and project managers in the region.
  • Perform other duties as assigned by management.

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Extensive experience managing complex projects funded by US and/or European agencies or international organizations, in complex development environments.
  • Strong knowledge of the political environment in Sri Lanka with proven track record working with NGOs and government agencies in Sri Lanka.
  • Experience managing a team with 15 to 20 people.
  • Extensive experience in journalism training and production, or in supervising and developing media training and production programs.
  • Experience in working on production of radio programs focusing on human rights and social issues will be an added value.
  • Strong critical thinking and writing skills; excellent communication skills.
  • Experience creating and managing budgets.
  • Experience setting up and mentoring local organizations and media outlets
  • Prior experience with fundraising and proposal writing.
  • Significant ability to analyze and interpret media reports.
  • Proven interpersonal and networking skills with local government, international organizations
    and donors.
  • Team building skills and the ability to manage a diverse staff.
  • Relevant university degree.
  • Language skills in Sinhala and/or Tamil will be an added advantage.
  • Computer literacy.

TO APPLY

  • Interested candidates meeting the qualifications should forward a cover letter and resume to Sophie Boudry Gabillet, Administrative and Human Resources Director at jobs(at)internews(dot)fr (rewrite in standard format)
  • Reference to mention: “3174-1 LK DCD + your name” in the subject line.
  • Deadline for applications: 8 Novembre 2009
  • Sri Lankan nationals or Sri Lankan passport holders are especially encouraged to apply.

Download PDF