International Consultant on Journalism Education

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Archived vacancy details

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Issued by: OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe
Vacancy number: VNTAJC00678
Vacancy type: Experts/Consultants
Field of expertise: Media Affairs
Number of posts: 1
Duty station: Dushanbe
Date of issue: 17 January 2020
Deadline for application: 7 February 2020 - 23:59 Central European Time (CET/CEST)

Background

		Professional news media acts as a guardian of public interest. It is an important component of the checks and balances that form part of a democracy society. By disseminating trusted information to citizens, the news media enables citizen participation in development and strengthens accountability feedback mechanisms. Citizens cannot exercise and enjoy their citizenship in the absence of crucial information and knowledge, which well-trained journalists are better placed to provide. Unfortunately, the level of journalism training in Tajikistan does not always meet the requirements of modern journalism. Journalists are educated in seven state-owned universities throughout the country, but very few of them are professionally ready or desire to work in the media. About 300 journalism students graduate annually in Tajikistan. The following two state-owned universities have journalism faculties: Tajik National University, and; Russian–Tajik Slavonic University. The following five state-owned universities have journalism specializations under different faculties: Bokhtar State University named after Nosiri Khusrav; Kulob State University named after A. Rudaki; Khorog State University named after M. Nazarshoev; Branch of Tajik State Pedagogical University in Rasht, and Tajik Institute of Physical Training named after S. Rahimov in Dushanbe. The only opportunity to improve the skills of young journalists is through trainings conducted by local and international organizations. Therefore, there is a need for an assessment of curricula of journalism faculties of state universities to gauge the level of (i) compliance with internationally accepted standards; and (ii) responsiveness to the needs of the local media industry. Objective: The OSCE POiD requires the services of an international media consultant to assess curricula of journalism faculties of state universities to gauge the level of (i) compliance with internationally accepted standards; and (ii) responsiveness to the needs of the local media industry. Duration of assignment: 01 April – 30 June 2020.

Tasks and Responsibilities

		The international media consultant should: Conduct desk review and analysis including review of the relevant: - state policies, strategies and action plans on journalism education and training; - government regulations and instructions in the field of journalism education and training; - curricula of journalism faculties of state Universities; - and other related available documents; Develop a methodology to conduct assessment of curricula of journalism faculties of state universities to gauge the level of (i) compliance with internationally accepted standards; and (ii) responsiveness to the needs of the local media industry; Conduct field visits, including focus group discussions and individual interviews with relevant stakeholders, including with government officials, civil society, media, University academia and students in Tajikistan; Develop Final Assessment Report with main findings; Develop an Action Plan for improvement of existing curricula or development of new curricula for journalism faculties of state universities of Tajikistan; Twice in a year, travel to Dushanbe (i) to conduct the field study and (ii) present the Final Assessment Report, as well as the Action Plan for relevant stakeholders. OSCE POiD holds the right to amend or specify the scope of work indicated on this document for the purpose of the assignment. Note: On daily basis, the international media consultant will spend 100% of his/her time for the mentioned scope of work. Organizational Setting: The international media consultant will work under direct supervision of the OSCE POiD Media Officer. Inputs: The OSCE POiD will provide the international media consultant with the necessary information and materials for the fulfilment of his/her tasks. Deliverables: Soft copy of methodology to conduct an assessment of the curricula of journalism faculties of state universities to gauge the level of (i) compliance with internationally accepted standards; and (ii) responsiveness to the needs of the local media industry; Soft copy of the Final Assessment Report with main findings; Soft copy of the Action Plan for improvement of existing curricula or development of new curricula for journalism faculties of state universities of Tajikistan; Soft copy of the Power Point presentation of the Final Assessment Report, as well as the Action Plan.

Necessary Qualifications

		Advanced university degree in journalism, social sciences, public policy, evaluation, management or other related field(s); preferably a PHD level; A minimum of ten years of relevant professional experience in journalism and/or journalism education; Experience in writing university curricula, particularly with the focus on journalism education; Good report-writing skills and the ability to convey complex information in a clear and concise manner; Demonstrated good research, analytical and problem-solving skills including ability to identify and participate in the resolution of issues/problems, establish rapport, and ability to apply good judgment in the context of assignments; Fully proficient computer skills and ability to use relevant software and other applications involved in work, including, but not limited to: advanced MS Office and internet skills; Professional fluency in Russian and English languages; Demonstrated ability to work within a team including strong customer focus and good interpersonal skills, as well as the ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and working relations in a multicultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity, including gender balance.

Required competencies

		Core values Commitment: Actively contributes to achieving organizational goals Diversity: Respects others and values their diverse perspectives and contributions Integrity: Acts in a manner consistent with the Organization’s core values and organizational principles Accountability: Takes responsibility for own action and delegated work Core competencies Communication: Actively works to achieve clear and transparent communication with colleagues and with stakeholders of the Organization Collaboration: Works effectively with others on common goals and fosters a positive, trust-based working environment Planning: Works towards the achievement of goals in a structured and measured manner Analysis and decision-making: Analyses available information, draws well-founded conclusions and takes appropriate decisions Initiative-taking: Proposes and initiates new ideas, activities and projects Flexibility: Responds positively and effectively to changing circumstances Managerial competencies (for positions with managerial responsibilities) Leadership: Provides a clear sense of direction, builds trust and creates an enabling environment Strategic thinking: Identifies goals that advance the organizational agenda and develops plans for achieving them Managing performance: Helps to maximize team performance by providing active feedback and skill development opportunities

Remuneration Package

		The consultant will be remunerated commensurate with consultant’s experience and qualifications in accordance with OSCE established rates. Applicants should indicate whether they wish to be included in the OSCE Roster of Consultants for similar assignments.

How To Apply

		If you wish to apply for this position, please use the OSCE's online application link found under https://jobs.osce.org/. In case of technical difficulties with online application, please use the OSCE offline application form that can be downloaded at https://jobs.osce.org/resources/document/offline-application-form. The completed application form along cover letter and recommendation letters should be submitted by e-mail to POiD-Recruitment@osce.org quoting the job title in the subject line. Applicants who do not submit a completed OSCE's format application form will not be considered. The OSCE is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages qualified female and male candidates from all national, religious, ethnic and social backgrounds to apply to become a part of the organization.