Investigative Journalism Coordinator, Latin America & the Caribbean

Contract type: Fixed term contract
Duration: This is a limited-duration position, with an anticipated term of 5 years.

Please note: This position is contingent upon receipt of funding and donor approval. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, so candidates are encouraged to apply soon.

ABOUT IWPR:

Founded in 1991 and operating currently in three dozen countries around the world, the Institute for War & Peace Reporting (IWPR) is an independent nonprofit organisation that supports journalists and civil society to help drive change in countries experiencing conflict, crisis, and transition. Our work includes:

• Training and mentoring: IWPR trains and mentors journalists and rights activists to improve their ability to identify and present factual information.
• Providing platforms: IWPR helps local talent establish and strengthen media outlets and civic groups.
• Removing barriers: IWPR works with partners to remove barriers to free expression and citizen engagement
• Strengthening media and civil society: IWPR helps strengthen the ability of media and civil society to speak out.
• Empowering societies: IWPR helps societies find their own solutions.

IWPR’s reporting has exposed violations, led to political and legal reform, and improved people’s lives.

SUMMARY

The Institute for War and Peace Reporting (IWPR) seeks a n Investigative Journalism Coordinator based in South America or the Caribbean for an anticipated USAID Justice, Rights, and Security activity to be implemented across various countries in both of those two regions.

The initiative will empower investigative journalists, media outlets, and journalism networks to deliver trustworthy news essential to building resilient, rights respecting democracies and in particular reinforce the capacity of independent media to shine light on corrupt tactics. This is a limited-duration position, with an anticipated term of 5 years.

The Investigative Journalism Coordinator will be responsible for ensuring the excellence of the investigative journalism capacity building programming and content production undertaken in support of the objectives of the project.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, so candidates are encouraged to apply soon. This position is contingent upon receipt of funding and donor approval.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Coordinate with project partners and consultants to ensure that investigative reporting training, mentoring and support is executed to the highest cutting-edge standards, and that all interventions are being adapted to meet individualized beneficiary needs;
• Ensure that target audience reach and engagement remain top priorities in the delivery of investigative reporting products;
• Serve as the regular point of contact with IWPR’s journalism partners in the region to coordinate aspects such as workshop dates and agendas, participant lists, timely delivery of reports, compliance monitoring, course creation and facilitation, handling beneficiary inquiries, drafting contracts, and other typical project management tasks;
• Link beneficiary journalists and media outlets to the broad network of journalists, media, data sources, civil society and other contacts in the region to facilitate collaborative reporting, to increase the quality of the content being produced and increment its reach;
• Remain constantly attentive to security concerns and immediately alert the chief of party and security coordinator to allow for effective and immediate response;
• Provide editorial mentoring, feedback and support, ensuring that journalists' efforts to conduct investigative projects have a high impact on social media and other channels;
• Support the design of programs to enhance investigative journalism capacity in target countries, and provide oversight and accountability for the delivery of agreed up on activities and results;
• Coordinate with MEAL (Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning) specialists to ensure that the project has impact and achieves the expected changes in strategic institutional areas;
• Hire and supervise consultants for services not covered by IWPR staff or partners as needed;
• Think creatively and generate innovative ideas that respond to the changing needs of the context.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor or Graduate degree in media and communication, international affairs, journalism, or other fields relevant to the activity;
• At least five years of experience in donor-supported media capacity building programs with a focus on investigative journalism. Experience with USAID preferred;
• Demonstrated success in building the capacity of investigative journalists and editors and guiding the production of impactful investigative journalism projects;
• Expertise in cutting-edge techniques for conducting and amplifying investigative journalism to ensure originality, quality, effective presentation, and reach;
• Strong contacts and ability to engage with investigative journalism partners globally, including to access tools, mentors, peer communities, and other resources to support programming;
• Deep understanding of the regional and country contexts for Latin America and the Caribbean as they relate to political and economic factors, media freedom and media sectors, and crime and corruption;
• Experience with and demonstrated commitment to inclusive approaches, including with regard to gender and marginalized communities;
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English and Spanish;
• Currently resident in a South American or Caribbean country;
• Ability to travel.

DESIRABLES

• Fluency in one additional regionally relevant language for the region;
• Prior experience with USAID preferred.