GENERAL FUNCTION

Under the supervision of the Deputy Chief of Party, the Media Team Lead for the “USAID Strengthening Civil Society and Media Systems (Sawt) Activity” will manage the media team and provide key technical input into the implementation of Sawt programs, based on their expertise in digital media and online engagement. They will also contribute to the overall achievement of project deliverables and results, and support regular progress reporting efforts, by preparing report sections that capture the media team’s activities, impacts, and successes under the Sawt Activity.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES are listed below; other duties may be assigned.

• Plan, design and implement media activities across the project to meet set objectives.
• Maintain a thorough knowledge of independent and digital media and civil society issues in Jordan, and a general understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing independent media and civil society across Jordan and the region.
• In coordination with the CoP/DCoP, oversee the implementation of technical project activities according to the implementation timeline – and specifically, take a lead role in overseeing the implementation of all Sawt media activities, including the ongoing delivery of the “Digital First” program for media outlets and content creators, and the Sawt media fellowship support scheme.
• Engage with partners, grantees, consultants and service providers, and provide guidance and technical input on the implementation of media activities.
• Work with the Sawt team and selected service providers to build the skills and knowledge of content creators, digital media platforms, and CSOs.

• Provide technical expertise on the design of relevant trainings, mentoring programs, and/or consultations to local media outlets in line with the Sawt objectives.

• Work to continuously assess the Jordanian media landscape, viewership, trends and needs of the target audience, to design responsive assistance and activities.
• Manage selected consultants and research firms to ensure timely progress on media-related studies and research.
• In coordination with Sawt Monitoring & Evaluation and Communications staff, track and monitor the medium- to long-term impact of financial and capacity-building support to local partners. 
• Support regular progress reporting by providing technical insights on the media environment in Jordan and preparing report sections which capture the media team’s activities, impacts, and successes under the Sawt Activity. 
• Nurture relationships with media outlets, research institutions, media literacy initiatives, and media support organizations in Jordan and the region. 
• Locate and engage advocates/influencers within the online community (Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, WhatsApp, etc.) to foster dialogue.
• Design and provide technical input on work led by CSOs and media partners under the project and foster collaboration between media and CSOs.
• In coordination with other media and communication team members, analyze data from social media platforms and regularly share insights and analytics gained from social media monitoring with the rest of the Sawt team.
• Explore & experiment with alternative media outlet channels and platforms.
• Adapt the project’s media strategy in a timely fashion to ensure relevance.
• Carry out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization’s policies and applicable laws.
• Any other related duties assigned by the supervisor to ensure program success.
• In all duties, an understanding of and demonstrated commitment to upholding Internews' Core Values.

Relationship Management

• Manage relationships with media outlets, media partners, relevant platforms, and information providers, as well as with media grantees.
• Build strategic relationships with local, regional, and international media outlets.

SPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This role supervises the media team based in the Internews office in Amman, Jordan, in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; identifying, interviewing, hiring, and managing service providers for media-specific activities; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• A master’s degree (or higher) in media, journalism, communications or related field, and minimum 7 years relevant work experience, or relevant work experience of 10 years in lieu of an advanced degree.

Experience

• Proven experience managing donor-funded media projects in Jordan or similar context.
• Experience in designing, implementing or guiding media and digital media work.
• Ability to analyze, interpret and report on media trends.
• Strong critical thinking and writing skills; excellent communication skills. 
• Thorough understanding of the technical, political and social issues specific to Jordan. 
• Have a high comfort level with social media platforms such as: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, etc. and digital analytical tools.
• Strong network in traditional and alternative media, digital media, and CSOs in Jordan.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with many types of stakeholders, such as USG representatives, officials from various levels of government, media, civil society, etc.
• Ability to translate strategic objectives into practical and achievable plans.
• Ability to work well with senior management, team colleagues, and the public.
• Demonstrated direct experience working in Jordan.

Skills

• Excellent communication, leadership and team working skills, with a strong sense of initiative.
• Ability to prioritize and handle multiple ongoing assignments.
• Display a high level of attention to detail while being able to work well under pressure.
• Fluency in written and spoken English is required.
• Fluency in written and spoken Arabic is required.
• Team-building skills and the ability to manage a diverse staff. 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience with and knowledge of innovative media business viability strategies and approaches.
• Proven ability to effectively collaborate with team members located across diverse geographic regions, ensuring seamless communication, coordination, and productivity.
• Demonstrated knowledge of USG policies, and/or prior experience working with USAID-funded projects would also be considered a distinct advantage.

Ability and permission to work and reside in Jordan without Internews sponsorship.