Call for Consultant- State of the Media Professionalism in Zimbabwe
Consultancy, Research Jobs
- Voluntary Media Council of Zi…
- Expires 26 May 2023
- Bulawayo
- Full Time
Job Description
Call Number: 015/2023
Position: Consultant- Safety, Security & Elections Reporting Handbook
Contract Type: Consultancy
Duty Station: Remote/Home-Based
Contract Dates: May-June 2023
Duration of Contract: 15-20 working days
Application Deadline: 26 May 2023 at 1400hrs.
Description of the Organisation and Assignment
VMCZ is a professional media self-regulatory body that subscribe to the principles of media
freedom, accountability, independence, and ethical journalism. As part of its mandate of
enhancing and promoting high ethical and professional journalistic standards, VMCZ seeks to
develop a Safety, Security & Elections Reporting Handbook. The handbook seeks to provide
practical advice on how to be safe & secure when covering elections, as well as highlighting
local & international legal standards protecting press freedom. The handbook will contain
practical advice to follow before, during and after an assignment in covering elections
throughout its cycle. It is aimed at all journalists who report on elections. It therefore addresses
threats and violence against media professionals and foster early warning mechanisms and
response capacity within the media practitioners.
Purpose of the consultant
The consultant shall:
• collect and analyze comparative data on the growing risk of journalists in Zimbabwe during elections- special attention to the last three harmonized elections (provide statistics and robust evidence of whatever claim is made).
• Review and analyse the available information and contribute to quality cleansing and
consolidating of data using appropriate tools and statistical software where necessary (excel, SPSS, Power BI, Survey Monkey, Kobo, Qualtrics, etc.)
• Review the available literature related to the assignment
• Use the updated computer applications to visualise the data and present the infographics;
• be responsible for ensuring, correctness and quality of data provided
• Work closely with the designated VMCZ Programmes team responsible for research
• deliver quality handbook output with good expertise of data analysis, gender and social inclusion expertise and clear presentation of information, easy to follow.
• Contribute to the designing of the handbook in preparation for printing
Duties and Responsibilities
Work Scope
During this period, the consultant is expected to complete the following tasks:
• Provide a background of the state of safety and security of journalists in Zimbabwe -
(provide statistics and robust evidence of whatever claim is made).
• Identity & map the threats and risks against media professionals covering the election cycle (be thorough).
• Present practical guidelines to follow before, during and after an assignment in covering elections throughout its cycle.
• Provide all the aspects of safety and security of journalists, including but not limited to digital, personal, newsroom, economical and legal.
• Provide early warning mechanisms and response strategies for the media practitioners covering elections.
• Provide reaction strategies for journalists caught up in high risk environments.
• First aid guide for physical and emotional damages related to covering elections.
• Proofreading, editing, and paraphrasing content before and after the handbook is designed.
• Research and recommend potential Handbook formats, sections, and layouts.
• Attend required orientation and coordination meetings.
• Include both online and offline perspectives as well as gender analysis in all the discussions or recommendations.
• Discuss the role of Media Organisations in safety and security of journalists- a practical guide.
Qualifications and Experience
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
• A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in any Social Science or Humanity including but not limited to Media, Communication, and Security.
• Demonstrated ability to turn content into powerful narratives
• Excellent command of spoken and written English
• Excellent command in Microsoft Office Skills, Google Drive, and advanced data collection and analysis tools
• Excellent organizational & time management skills
• Ability to work and communicate well with a variety of individuals, with
professionalism and goodwill.
• Knowledge of the media environment is essential; experience of producing reports for Media organisations is a plus.
How to Apply
Application and selection
Interested individuals with the required qualifications and experience should submit their application to: mediacomplaints@gmail.com and copy director@vmcz.co.zw with the subject line “Safety, Security & Elections Reporting Handbook -Consultant Application".
The application should include the following in a single PDF document:
• A detailed Curriculum Vitae
• A cover letter indicating the candidate’s motivation for this consultancy and relevant expertise and experience, and proposed consultancy fees.
• A proven record of similar work experience
• Names and contact information of three references
Only shortlisted candidates who meet all qualifications and experience will be contacted for further consideration. Incomplete applications will be automatically disqualified.
