South Sudan: South Sudan: Radio Startup Project Manager

GENERAL FUNCTION:

Internews Network is an international media development organization based in Arcata, CA and Washington, DC 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. Internews has been working in South Sudan since 2006 to establish community radio stations across the country, and to train South Sudanese journalists to operate them. We also implement other activities across the sector, including actively working to meet the critical information needs of the South Sudanese communities who have been impacted by the recent conflict.

The Radio Community (TRC) is a South Sudanese NGO established in 2015, which manages a network of community/local radio stations with the support of Internews. Internews is working closely with The Radio Community to promote local ownership and organizational sustainability by empowering and building South Sudanese capacity in editorial, programming, technical and IT management, management/administration and sales/marketing. The Radio Community stations are the most listened to and trusted sources of news and information in their communities. These local language radio stations are often the only link between listeners and the outside world.

Building on the success of our existing stations, Internews is expanding its network of local/community stations and is looking for a Radio Startup Project Manager to establish four or more radio stations. You will work with the Internews Project Director to select communities where there is an information need and that are suitable locations for establishing a community radio station. You will then work with each community to identify individuals who are interested in working together to bring a radio station to their community, helping them to build their organizational capacity and lay the ground work for further training and development. This will include working with the Internews construction manager, broadcast engineer and training staff to help the community members self-organize, set up and actively participate in the operation of each radio station. You will project manage the construction and fitting out of each station as well as the recruitment and training of journalists, presenters and support staff. The long term aim of this project is to establish a network of stations that can be self-reliant. As well as setting up new stations you will be expected to build capacity and pass on your skills to South Sudanese staff.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Design a project time line and schedule. Possible locations for new stations have already been identified, and you will work with the Project Director to prioritize what is achievable and set project goals and targets;
• Together with community members, organize community meetings and media literacy events to establish support for potential new radio stations;
• Together with community members, draw up rules and a constitution for local civil society management boards – ‘Radio Associations’;
• Facilitate community members to elect ‘Radio Associations’ that represent the interests of the community and preserve the independence of each new radio station – working with The Radio Community network managers;
• Provide media literacy training for ‘Radio Association’ board members;
• Project manage the building of four or more new radio stations – working with Internews operations and technical staff on the building / compound construction and technical fit out;
• Project manage the recruitment of journalists, presenters and support staff – working with Internews journalism and broadcast trainers and The Radio Community network managers;
• Project mange initial training programs and radio on air launches – working with Internews journalism & broadcast trainers;
• Manage training of each station’s technical and admin officer and support staff – working with The Radio Community engineer and admin staff;
• During start up mange each individual stations finances and HR – in line with The Radio Community’s policies & procedures;
• Monitor and supervise the initial bedding in of each station;
• Organize and supervise the integration of each new station into The Radio Community’s editorial, management and admin structure;
• Write reports, document and photograph each radio station set up and build;
• Understanding of and demonstrated commitment to upholding Internews’ Core Values.

ESSENTIAL SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Demonstrable project management skills – including budget control, staff management and procurement processes
• Experience of organizing community meetings
• Experience in establishing and supporting civil society organizations
• Passion for and an understanding of the importance of radio in development, humanitarian situations and nation building
• Ability to identify training needs and draw up training plans
• Experience in training and mentoring using hands-on participatory approaches
• Professionalism and an astute sensitivity to local culture and dynamics.
• Strong interpersonal skills and motivational abilities; a dynamic leader with a capacity for multi-tasking and intelligent decision-making.
• High energy and willingness to work long hours and weekends as required.
• Work with minimal direction.
• Effective working in ambiguous and often stressful conditions.
• Sensitivity to cross-cultural dynamics in the work place and experience supervising staff.
• Must be self-reliant, resourceful, good problem-solver, good humored, and flexible.
• Ability to travel within South Sudan. Willingness to spend extended time in the field, with limited facilities, often under harsh conditions.
• Understanding and knowledge of political and historical context of South
• Experience living and working in Africa and/or conflict/post-conflict environments.
• Ability to work independently, efficiently and reliably, to a high standard and to deadline.
• Ability to work collaboratively with a diverse staff.
• Minimum bachelor’s degree or equivalent in management, community development, international development, journalism, communications or related field
• A background in radio station production/management – desirable but not essential
• Excellent writing and communication skills in English
• Must be computer literate

Please visit: https://chc.tbe.taleo.net/chc06/ats/careers/requisition.jsp?org=INTERNEWS&cws=1&rid=461