Media consultant for the John Lewis Minority Fellows Programme in Somalia
Apply by
29 Apr 2024
Title
Media consultant for the John Lewis Minority Fellows Programme in Somalia
Salary
Maximum $5000 for the tasks listed
Summary
We seek a Media Consultant or Team for our Somalia Minority Fellows Programme.
The media consultant will be responsible for developing a comprehensive and impactful media campaign that highlights the achievements and progress of the minority youth fellows. This campaign aims to raise awareness about their capabilities, inspire other marginalized communities and address the challenges faced by marginalized and minority groups in accessing political inclusion and professional development opportunities.
The programme will run from now until 30 September 2025.
Introduction and context
The John Lewis Minority Fellows Programme, implemented by MRG in collaboration with MCAN and SMWC, aims to enhance the involvement of marginalized and minority communities in public life. The programme focuses on developing the professional skills of minority fellows, expanding political inclusion, and providing career development experiences for young Somalis from marginalized backgrounds.
Under the programme, 16 fellows will be assigned to work in various governmental and non-governmental organizations, including the Federal Parliament of Somalia, executive bodies, line ministries, the assembly of South West State (SWS), and local NGOs. They will gain valuable experience, build relationships with civil servants, and act as intermediaries between their communities and local authorities, sharing insights to improve service delivery and policymaking.
To promote visibility and recognition, the programme will conduct media campaigns and outreach activities through traditional and social media platforms. The aim is to highlight the benefits of diversity and inclusion for decision-makers and minority communities. The programme will operate in the SWS and Banadir regions of Somalia, with MRG partnering with two local NGOs, MCAN and Save Minority Woman and Children, to implement the programme.
To showcase the success of the programme and the achievements of the minority youth fellows in decision-making roles, MRG seeks the services of a media consultant. The media consultant will be responsible for developing a comprehensive and impactful media campaign that highlights the achievements and progress of the minority youth fellows. This campaign aims to raise awareness about their capabilities, inspire other marginalized communities, and address the challenges faced by marginalized and minority groups in accessing political inclusion and professional development opportunities.
The programme will run from now until 30 September 2025. The appointed person/team will be expected to work reactively from time to time throughout this period.
Payment tranches will be released only upon achievement of mutually agreed milestones, which include progress towards the desired number of stories appearing.
The maximum budget available for a high-achieving team is $5,000.
Objectives
- Monitor and track the progress of programme fellows, identifying opportunities for media friendly occasions, events or updates.
- Motivate and inspire fellows to generate diverse and engaging media content, fostering their creativity and expression.
- Liaise with media platforms and professionals to achieve coverage of the programme or of the fellows/benefits of inclusion and diversity in government.
Activities
The media consultant will be responsible for the following tasks:
- Tracking Fellows Progress: The media consultant will monitor and keep track of the progress made by the fellows participating in the programme.
- Encouraging Fellows to Generate Media Content: The media consultant will motivate and encourage the fellows to create various forms of media content, such as photo stories, blogs, and other engaging materials.
- Generate media content highlighting the achievement of the fellows. The consultant will either him or herself create content (e.g. by interviewing individuals) or will curate the materials supplied by fellows into packages which appeal to the media and which therefore generate positive coverage.
- Seeking Outlets for carrying the Stories: The media consultant will actively search for appropriate media outlets, both online and offline, where the generated stories and content by the fellows can be published or shared.
- Keep records, share links for additional dissemination promptly and report quarterly on all media outputs achieved, including platform, audience numbers, impressions and similar metrics. Provide information to team members, evaluators etc concerning successes and any barriers and reasons for challenges in achieving media coverage.
Expected outputs/deliverables
- At least 16 separate stories (with positive elements) concerning the programme or one or more fellows in local, national, and international media outlets.
- Positive public perception and increased awareness of the programme’s objectives and impact.
- Enhanced engagement and participation of marginalized and minority communities in public life as a result of effective media outreach.
- Amplified voices of fellows and their stories, promoting their achievements and contributions to political inclusion in Somalia.
Expertise of the consultant
Relevant experience
- Demonstrated experience of raising awareness through media, print, and digital platforms, preferably focusing on highlighting minority people’s plight.
- Familiarity in working with marginalized communities through media coverage, with a deep understanding of the diverse and complex realities of marginalized communities, as well as the ethical and practical considerations of covering them in a respectful and responsible manner.
- Experience in documenting and producing engaging stories and materials that can appeal to a large audience on various social media platforms, such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.
Technical expertise
- Strong ability to see newsworthy stories quickly and easily
- Experience in creating engaging social media content and image editing
- Good understanding of the issues relating to Human Interest stories and able to pick on compelling ones
- Ability to analyze complex information quickly and simplify to the minority audience and the communities at large.
- Ability to communicate in English as well as languages spoken in Somalia.
Knowledge of the humanitarian sector
- Good understanding of the humanitarian sector, including key concepts, standards, and guidelines related to minority people media coverage.
- Awareness of the challenges, opportunities, and best practices in promoting minority people’s plight to a wider audience.
- Good understanding of security in the Somalia context and ability to manage risks arising from the visibility of fellows in appropriate ways.
Ethical conduct
- Adherence to professional and ethical standards, including confidentiality, respect for privacy, and informed consent in media coverage
- Awareness of potential biases and ability to mitigate them during the media coverage process to ensure objectivity and impartiality.
How to apply
To apply, please fill out the form below by 29 April 2024.
Media consultant for the John Lewis Minority Fellows Programme in Somalia
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