TERMS OF REFERENCE
Background:
ERIM (IREX Europe, doing business as ERIM) in collaboration with Modern Journalism Development Centre (Uzbekistan) is implementing the Mahalla project (“Strengthening the Media Community in Uzbekistan”). It is a 4-year program aimed at strengthening the capacities of local independent media outlets to provide quality content to their audiences whilst increasing Uzbek citizens’ demand for objective, fact-based and reliable information in local communities via media literacy tools.
The 2 objectives of the project are:
- To improve the quality, relevance and accessibility of local media content by strengthening their capacity and enhancing collaboration with civil society, educational institutions, and local authorities
- To strengthen citizens’ ability to identify and analyze independent, quality news and information by leveraging existing media literacy activities and building a strong fact-checking community among the media and journalists across the country
Activities under Objective 1 are focused on capacity development of selected local media from all 12 regions of Uzbekistan and the Karakalpakstan Republic via training, long-term mentoring and enhanced partnerships with local communities.
This is the third Hackathon organized in Uzbekistan to increase networking, foster intersectoral collaboration and to develop fundraising capacity of local media. Follow up grants and long-term mentorship will help media strengthen their organizational capacity, improve content and increase their audiences. The program also aims to engage youth and local communities in content creation by identifying locally relevant topics, developing media projects focused on gender equality, ecology, and social issues, as well as exposing and debunking false news.
ERIM is hiring an international media expert for the position of head trainer with experience in developing projects for online media and coaching at training events in the Hackathon format to conduct an in-depth Media Hackathon to build the capacity of Uzbek online media editorial offices from the regions.
Responsibilities:
The International Head Media Expert/Trainer will work under the guidance of the ERIM Program Manager and in close collaboration with the MJDC Program Coordinator and local trainers. They must perform the following tasks:
- Prepare training materials focusing on the creation of high-quality content for online media and present an innovative approach to media products creation. The range of topics can be expanded based on discussion with a local trainer and project staff, but should include:
- a) The development of media projects on socially relevant topics: how to choose the right topic, define an idea, focus and develop a project that will captivate the audience; how to create a high-quality content and get funding;
b)The presentation of methods and tools for writing quality content on different formats and for different platforms; creating media product designs to expand audience and increase attractiveness of media products.
The Head Trainer’s tasks include:
- To take part in online interviews and selection of participants (January 2025);
- To conduct the preliminary online orientation training (2 webinars) held before the Hackathon (January, 2025). This preliminary training is organized for the media teams/editorial staff;
- To prepare a needs assessment report to fit the final agenda of the Hackathon;
- To conduct an active 5-day training (Media Hackathon) from February 17-21, 2025;
- To provide support to the teams in finalizing their proposals and to facilitate the work of the Hackathon;
- To participate in the selection committee (jury) that will select the six best applications for grants. The trainer must provide meaningful feedback and guidance to all applicants;
- To provide a brief report on the in-depth training, presenting the results of the work done, including an analysis and assessment of the activities of the coaching team, the effectiveness of the methodology used and of the training approach, with an emphasis on issues and challenges. Conclusions and recommendations should be provided for each media team.
The session should be interactive, in-depth and include as many practical exercises as possible, as well as real-life examples of successful media projects with thoughtful design and a combination of content and visuals. The goal is to equip participants with essential skills and help them refine their proposals during the Hackathon. These proposals will be evaluated at the event’s conclusion, with the top ones receiving small grants (6 small grants).
Deliverables
| Deliverable | Timeline / deadline | Number of w/days |
| Take part in online interviews with participants and selection of participants
|
January 2025 | 3 |
| Preliminary training | January 2025 | 1 |
| Submit the needs assessment report | By February 1, 2025 | 1 |
| Completion of the training session (Deliverable 1) support to the teams and participation in selection committee | February 17-21, 2025 | 5 |
| Preparation and submission of a report (Deliverable 3) | By March 15, 2025 | 1 |
| TOTAL | 11 days | |
Terms and conditions:
Period of contract: January 1, 2024 – March 15, 2025
Duration: 11 working days
Duty station: Home-based with travel to Tashkent, Uzbekistan for the onsite training during the Hackathon (February 17-21, 2025). The travel expenses related to the participation of the trainer in the Hackathon will be covered by ERIM.
Required qualification:
- University degree in Social Sciences, Journalism, Mass Media and Communications or extensive experience in one of those fields. Advanced university degree would be an asset;
- Minimum 5 years of successful experience in the field of contemporary communications techniques and social media, including the experience of training journalists, bloggers, media outlet professionals;
- Training experience and workshop facilitation skills;
- Modern approach and exceptional analytical skills to work in sensitive and restricted contexts;
- Experience in gender equality, ecology, and social issues.
- Ability to:
- Express clearly and concisely ideas and concepts in writing and orally;
- Relate and transfer best practices and successful experience both culturally and locally;
- Research, analyze, evaluate and synthesize information;
- Conceptualize, plan and execute ideas;
- Work well under pressure and manage conflicting priorities
- Familiarity with the context of Central Asian media; previous experience with Uzbek media would be an asset;
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills;
- Fluency in Russian and/or English languages;
- Advanced knowledge of PC-based word processing software and social media technologies, including database applications, presentation software, etc.
Interested candidates should send their CV, cover letter and financial proposal by December 31, 2024, to the following addresses: erudenko@erim.ngo and vpalamarciuc@erim.ngo