Iraq: Programme Coordinator

International Media Support (IMS) is seeking a Programme Coordinator for its media development programme in Iraq

International Media Support (IMS) is a non-profit organisation working to support media in countries affected by armed conflict, human insecurity and political transition. Across four continents, IMS helps to strengthen professional journalism and ensure that media can operate in challenging circumstances.

IMS has worked with Arab and Kurdish media and civil society partners in Iraq since 2007 to further freedom of expression and strengthen media in the midst of the very volatile and conflict-affected context. Key areas of work include safety and legal protection of media workers; training in and furthering of investigative journalism; support to independent media; gender awareness building, etc. In addition, IMS strives to strengthen coordination and synergies between national, regional and international actors in the field of media development in the country.

To ensure project and programme follow-up on the ground and support capacity building of partners we are seeking a Programme Coordinator well-versed in project and programme cycle management. The Project Coordinator refers to the Programme Manager who is overall accountable for the programme and is based part-time in Iraq and part-time in IMS headquarters in Copenhagen. 

The Programme Coordinator will undertake daily coordination of the IMS office in Sulaymaniyah and will work in close coordination with an experienced team of media development experts as well as financial/administrative support based in Sulaymaniyah with support from IMS in Copenhagen. The Iraq office is part of the Middle East and North Africa department at IMS’ headquarters in Copenhagen.

Main responsibilities

• Programme design and preparation for future engagements: development of needs assessments, support Programme Manager on development programme strategies, theory of change and design of interventions including budget and resource mobilisation.
• Programme cycle management: ensure rollout of new grant periods, including elaboration of annual plans; partner assessments; elaboration of agreements with partners and consultants; keep track of and ensure compliance with deadlines for donor requirements and progress reporting.
• Monitor and maintain financial overview and make sure programme and partners comply with donor and IMS requirements.
• Capacity building of current and new partners, including assessment of needs, setting targets and following up, with a view to ensuring long-term effect and sustainable results.
• Support the Programme Manager in drafting results matrices and ensure follow-up and documentation of learning.
• Responsible for production and drafting of terms of references, contracts and managing time allocated to advisors and consultants.
• Communicating results: work with the IMS Communication Unit to develop specific communication and media strategies for the programme and contribute to content on the IMS website, media and for IMS publications.

Qualifications

• Relevant educational background (in social sciences, international relations, business management, journalism, communications, politics or similar) with at least 5 years of relevant professional working experience.
• Work experience in the field of international media or development cooperation from NGOs, UN agencies, EU or other relevant organisations.
• Solid experience with project/programme cycle management and preferably grants handling.
• Experience working with media, business development and/or organisational development is an added advantage.
• Experience working with gender issues and/or IDPs is an added advantage.
• Work experience from conflict/post conflict zones is an added advantage.

Personal skills

• Strong team working skills and the ability to handle many tasks at once while working independently.
• Excellent organisational and planning skills.
• Strong English and Arabic language skills – oral and written. Knowledge of Kurdish is an asset.
• Ability to work under pressure and to meet targets and deadlines.

Everyone with the required qualifications and skills is encouraged to apply, regardless of sex, sexual orientation or gender identity.

Location and starting date

The Programme Coordinator will be based in Sulaymaniyah and refers to the Iraq Programme Manager. The position is full time. Compensation commensurate with experience and IMS policies. Starting date: As soon as possible.

Please submit a brief written application and curriculum vitae in English to jobs@mediasupport.org no later than 10 February 2016. Kindly mark the application “Iraq Programme Coordinator” in the subject header.

Please note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted for a follow-up interview to be organised in Iraq. Interviews with the selected candidates will take place during February 2016.

For further information about IMS, please visit www.mediasupport.org or contact Programme Manager Osama Al-Habahbeh on oha@mediasupport.org