BACKGROUND
Internews is seeking a Consultant to be based in Bangui for a 3-month project to provide high level technical expertise to local partners of the Supporting an Environment for Constructive Discourse (SECD) project, namely the CAR bloggers association “ABCA” and the Human Rights Journalists Network “RJDH”), to help them learn and master methods of verification, fact-based story production so they can identify, discuss, analyze, debunk, and mitigate rumors and misinformation through local media and social networks. This will favor a more constructive information and communication environment that will contribute to promote peace and reduce intercommunity tensions in the country.
SCOPE OF WORK:
- Propose a training plan and the establishment of an information verification center/fact checking source within ABCA;
- Train the ABCA team in the management of a fact checking center
- Draft a training and implementation plan for a fact checking resource for ABCA
- Work with the ABCA team in the monthly organization of “Media Forums” on the fight against misinformation and hate speech in synergy with the High Council for Communication (HCC), the Ministry of Communication and Media, the University of Bangui through its Department of Information and Communication Sciences (DSIC) and the Central African Media Observatory (OMCA);
- Train the ABCA team to write alerts and reference notes against “fake news” and hate speech through the media and social networks;
- Assist ABCA in defining a strategy for sharing the results of its verification work with Bangui and provincial media editors;
- Propose a plan to improve and secure the ABCA website for better dissemination of its productions;
- Assist ABCA in developing a monitoring and evaluation plan for its activities for greater impact;
- Organize short training courses for journalists, editors and bloggers on proper journalistic practices, conflict-sensitive journalism, the use of mobile phones, the Internet and social networks to improve the quality of information and constrain rumor and misinformation;
- Promote a working synergy between the ABCA fact-checking center and the media monitoring service of the HCC
- Assist RJDH in structuring its programs on media education and the fight against misinformation;
- Train RJDH journalists on the collection of information, the exploitation and follow-up of media monitoring reports, the organization of debates with social actors on all sides to promote quality information and the consolidation of peace initiatives in CAR;
- Provide technical advice to the Internews Team in Bangui for proper project implementation and impact.
QUALIFICATIONS
Required:
- Five years of professional experience as a Senior Journalist Trainer with at least two years’ experience in journalistic and training work in conflict or post-conflict areas
- Knowledge of the political and media context of the Central African Republic;
- Demonstrate good training skills in the use of digital tools and applications for the verification, collection, processing and dissemination of information;
- Knowledge of conflict-sensitive journalism training techniques;
- Proven knowledge of the design and analysis of databases and software used in journalism and communication (including source verification) and management of digital information sharing platforms;
- Ability to work in a team, lead a multidisciplinary team, and work in a multicultural context;
- Experience of living and/or working in conflict/post-conflict environments
- Ability to adjust to shifting political circumstances and create programming accordingly
- Ability to be self-reliant, organized, resourceful, good problem-solver and flexible
- Strong interpersonal skills, necessary to maintain good relations with relevant stakeholders;
- Strong writing skills;
- USAID or USG experience is preferred;
- Fluency in both French and English required (Knowledge of Sango would be an asset).
More Information
- Job City Bangui
