Terms of Reference

Position: Project Manager

Employment Type: Fixed-term Contract

Duration of Employment: 6 months with a possibility of extension

Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Required number of candidate: 1

Application Deadline: June 23, 2023

Who you are: Are you interested to contribute your part to capacity building efforts geared towards supporting independent media institutions and improving journalistic standards in Ethiopia? Do you have any prior experience working in the media sector and media development organizations? Are you meticulous in project planning, implementation, risk assessment and risk mitigation, project quality and stakeholder management, and skilled in donor communication? Then, join us.

Organizational Profile: MERSA Media Institute is a nonprofit media policy think tank. We work to help create vibrant, responsible and independent media institutions, professional unions and education centers through research, capacity building and institutional support in Ethiopia.

Position Summary: The Project manager will be responsible for planning and executing project milestones, organizing and facilitating trainings and events, supporting pool of trainers in the preparation and delivery of practical media and journalism trainings, managing external communications with local and international partners and consultants, cooperating with the finance team to effectively manage project budget in line with project millstones and activities, and overseeing the qualities of project deliverables.

Major duties and responsibilities:

• Develop project operational plan in line with the project design and donor requirements.
• Oversee project plan and implementation, organize and facilitate trainings and events.
• Prepare contracts for consultants in consultation with the MMI leadership.
• Cooperate with pool of trainers in the preparation and delivery of hands-on trainings on media and journalism trainings.
• Follow up and assist trainees during the training, assignments and practical activities
• Take the lead in the promotion and visibility of the institute’s products such as training packages, events, research findings etc. This includes but is not limited to writing, editing, and distributing content, including publications, press releases, website content, social media posts, and other materials that communicate the organization’s activities.
• Support the project in the procurement process including preparation of TORs, receipts of quotations and evaluation of bids.
• Develop periodic activity report and annual project narrative report Collaborate with the finance team in the submission of periodic financial settlements and produce explanatory notes as required by project donor.

• Manage communications with local and international project partners, stakeholders and consultants.
• Develop and ensure appropriate tools and strategy to monitor progress, quality and impact of the project.
• Communicate and follow up with project consultants including pool of trainers to create smooth workflow and timely delivery of quality products.
• Assist in proposal writing to bid for new projects.
• Analyze project risk and develop risk mitigation plans Organize, facilitate and participate in stakeholder meetings.

• Documentation: Maintain database: Resources, contacts, project files. Perform any other related tasks as may be assigned.

Experience and qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in journalism, media and communication studies, medicine, law, economics, social studies and related fields of studies. At least 2 years relevant work experience is required
• Knowledge about the Ethiopian media industry, it’s demands and development related challenges
• Exceptional verbal, written, and presentation skills Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team Competency in Microsoft applications including Word, Excel, and Power-point Financial literacy and knowledge in budget tracking

Desired:

• Avid learner, thrives under pressure – a no-brainer Self-starter, independent researcher, collaborator, leadership qualities If you have a track record of getting things done, you will enjoy working with us.

How to Apply: If interested, please send your resume and cover letter to mersamultimedia@gmail.com until June 23, 5:30 pm.

MERSA Media Institute is an equal opportunity employer. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type and afford equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.