Consultant Trainer, Visual Storytelling
Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Organization: MERSA Media Institute
Employment Type: Individual Contract
Duration: 4 Months
Deadline: March 12, 2026
Job Description
Organizational Profile
MERSA Media Institute (MMI) is a nonprofit media support and development institute registered as a local organization by the Ethiopian Civil Society Organizations Authority. MMI works on several key areas, including media reform and law, professional development, and strengthening the institutional capacity of media organizations. The institute’s overarching goal is to promote a professional, independent, and vibrant media landscape in Ethiopia.
Position Summary
To address the growing demand for versatile media professionals, MMI is launching an intensive 14-week Multiplatform Journalism Training program. MMI is seeking a creative and technically proficient Visual Storytelling Trainer to lead a key module in our Multiplatform Journalism Training. This role is for an expert in photo and video journalism who can inspire and teach trainees how to create powerful, narrative-driven visual content for television, print, and digital platforms.
Key Responsibilities
The Visual Storytelling Trainer will be responsible for the following:
- Deliver hands-on, practical training sessions on the principles and techniques of visual storytelling for both broadcast and online media.
- Prepare session plans, technical demonstrations, and field-based practical assignments.
- Instruct trainees on camera operation, shot composition, lighting, and video/photo editing using industry-standard software (e.g., Adobe Premiere Pro, Photoshop).
- Guide trainees in developing and producing visual projects such as TV news packages, short-form documentaries, and photo essays for print and web.
- Provide critical feedback and technical guidance on trainees’ visual work, considering the standards for different platforms.
- Assess trainee competency in technical skills and storytelling ability.
- Submit a final report on the training delivery, including an assessment of trainee outcomes and recommendations.
- Conduct supervised outdoor shooting sessions, physically accompanying trainees to various locations in Addis Ababa,.
- Work closely with the other trainers as requested to ensure trainees are producing integrated stories where visuals, sound, and text complement each other for a professional multiplatform output.
- Instruct trainees on the safe and professional use of DSLR/mirrorless cameras, lighting kits, and mobile journalism (MoJo) accessories.
Requirements
- A degree in Journalism, Film Production, Photography, or a related field.
- Minimum of 5 years of professional experience as a photojournalist, broadcast videographer, or multimedia producer. A strong portfolio is essential.
- Proven experience in a training or teaching capacity, with the ability to explain technical concepts clearly.
- Proficiency with DSLR/mirrorless cameras, professional video cameras, audio recording equipment, and editing software.
- A strong understanding of narrative structure, broadcast standards, and the ethics of visual journalism.
- Excellent communication and mentorship skills.
- Ability to work independently and manage logistics for practical sessions.
- Fluency in both English and Amharic is required.
- Mobile Journalism (MoJo) Expertise, Proven ability to teach high-quality video production using only smartphones and mobile editing apps.
- Platform-Specific Knowledge, Understanding how to adapt visual storytelling for social media (TikTok/Reels) versus traditional broadcast TV.
How to Apply
Application Process
Interested candidates are invited to submit the following documents to: recruitment@mersamedia.org by March 12, 2026, 11:59 PM:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV): Detail your relevant experience, qualifications, and a link to your portfolio.
- Letter of Intent: In your letter, please specify which trainer position you are applying for and outline:
- Your specific experience and expertise as a trainer in the selected field.
- Your expected daily rate for the consultancy.
Note: MMI will only contact shortlisted candidates. Selected consultants will be expected to be available to commence work from March 16, 2026.
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.
