Programme Operations Officer – International Media Support (IMS), Ethiopia

We are looking for an experienced operations officer with an interest in Media development

International Media Support supports local independent media and media advocacy groups in countries affected by conflict, political transition, and authoritarian rule. Set up in 2001, the organisation has since then worked with hundreds of local and international partners to support independent journalism, freedom of expression and the safety of journalists.

IMS is in close collaboration with Fojo Media Institute implementing the Ethiopian Media Reform Programme

Job Summary

The Programme Operations Officer will serve as a bridge between the finance-, programmatic-, and management departments, hence contribute to the Fojo-IMS programme team in its mission to strengthen partners and targeted media in to increase their sustainability to produce and disseminate public interest journalism and reflecting the full composition of the society through an equal presence of women and men, age groups and communities in Ethiopia.

The Programme Operations Officer will liaise with the Programme Manager, Finance Manager, and the Programme Officer(s) to ensure compliance of contract requirements and activities. She/he shall also provide project coordination support to the Programme Manager and Programme Officer regarding planning, implementing, and reporting of the projects.

The Programme Operations Officer will under the guidance of programme management contribute to the achievement of the overall and specific objectives of this area following the intervention logic of the IMS-Fojo Ethiopia program.

Key functions and key responsibilities

• Be responsible for drafting local partner and consultant contracts in consultation with the Programme Officers and Finance Manager
• Under the guidance of the Programme Manager, the Finance Manager and the Programme Officers follow up requirements of contracts with donors, partners and consultants
• Drafting of contracts, budget, Direct Implementation Notes (DIN) and related documents upon information from Programme Manager and Programme Officers
• Support the team in coordinating, planning, implementing, and reporting of project activities
• Draft relevant sections of reports and assist in the development of documents, presentations, and other appropriate means of communication to key stakeholders
• Support the Finance Manager and HQ in securing compliance with internal routines and processes, as documented in the office handbook and other IMS policies/manual.
• Actively participate in team meetings – contribute with knowledge, suggestions, and ideas

Duration and location

• Expected length of employment: 12 months with a probation period of 3 months (with possibility of extension).
• Salary will be commensurate with experience and IMS policies.
• Place of employment: Addis Ababa, IMS Ethiopia Office
• Employment type: Full-time
• Starting date: as soon as possible

Organisation

You will report to the Programme Manager and work closely with the team in Ethiopia and liaise frequently with colleagues in HQ in Copenhagen.

Qualifications

• BA/BSC, MA or MSC degree in development or humanitarian studies, Media studies, Media Management, Journalism, Business Administration, Leadership, Social Sciences or a combination of these and other related fields
• At least 3 years’ experience in project/management/coordination, ideally from the NGO sector. Media development experience is not a requirement but desirable.
• Knowledge of the Ethiopian political and humanitarian landscape
• Knowledge and experiences of working with gender issues as well as with broad inclusion (media inclusion of all groups, ethnic groups, socio-demographic groups and communities) is not a requirement but desiarable.
• Proven ability and track record to work and support partners to develop skills, mentoring programmes, and planning and operating participatory training programmes.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills. Very good skills in English, Amharic and other languages.
• Ability to work effectively, in a team but also independent, with a wide range of people from different organisations and backgrounds, including experience in influencing others and organizing advocacy activities.