Summary
Date Posted: Wednesday, December 20 2023, Base Salary: Not Disclosed

JOB DETAILS:
Overview
The Open Spaces Zambia Project (2021 – 2026, $10 million), is a USAID/Zambia-funded initiative to support an open, inclusive environment in which media, civil society, and activists provide accurate and impartial information that promotes participation, inclusion, and accountability.
Under the lead of FHI 360, with support from Internews and local partners Media Institute for Southern Africa (MISA-Zambia), Panos Institute Southern Africa, and Bloggers of Zambia (the Team), the project will support the production of quality, relevant content, strengthen the enabling environment for independent media, and advance social and online platforms that allow for free expression and access to information.
The following Terms of Reference (ToR) details the purpose and requirements for participation in the project’s Advisory Council.

About the Consortia
Internews
Internews is a women-led international non-profit organization dedicated to giving people the news and information they need, the ability to connect, and the means to make their voices heard. Since its formation in 1982, Internews has worked in more than 100 countries worldwide. Working in Sub-Saharan Africa since 1998, Internews currently has offices, projects, and staff in 10 countries throughout the region, with its regional office in Nairobi, Kenya, over $25 million in active awards, and deep partnerships with media and civil society organizations seeking to improve access to high-quality information.

FHI360
FHI 360 is a nonprofit human development organization dedicated to improving lives in lasting ways by advancing integrated, locally driven solutions. For more than a decade, FHI 360 has been active in the areas of health and development in Zambia, addressing such issues as HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, nutrition, family planning research, orphans and vulnerable children, water and sanitation, livelihoods, and education.

Media Institute for Southern Africa—Zambia Chapter (MISA-Zambia)
A leader in media support in Zambia, working to promote a sustainable, non-partisan, independent, plural, and diverse media that informs and empowers society, promotes democracy, good governance, and freedom of expression.

Panos Institute Southern Africa
A regional, non-governmental advocacy organization that amplifies voices of the poor and marginalized, advances social change, and fosters social accountability.
Bloggers of Zambia
An independent, not-for-profit local organization that focuses on Internet governance and digital rights.

About the Open Spaces Zambia Project
For a healthy democratic state, that upholds participation, transparency, and accountability, Zambian actors across media, government, and civil society need to ensure an enabling environment exists to both protect and promote independent and diverse voices. Given the popularity of community radio and digital media outlets, these information sources serve as a positive and effective tool for improving dialogue and supporting freedom of information and expression in Zambia.

Major Project Components
Strengthen and Promote viable, Independent Media
• Conduct annual and semi-annual media surveys to better understand the media behaviors and consumption of Zambians across the country.
• Provide journalism training and mentoring across a range of skill levels to media professionals, with a gender and provincial focus.
• Provide business development training, support quality production, and implement financially sustainable models for media outlets to strengthen independent community radio stations in underserved areas.
• Equip and upgrade independent radio stations with studio, broadcast, and transmission supplies and equipment.

Promotion of Digitally Literate Users
• Empower civil society, public voices, youth, and women by organizing round tables and providing community access to multimedia resources.
• Conduct digital literacy, safety, and hygiene trainings to ensure media, civil society, and vulnerable communities operate safely online.

Strengthen enabling environment for Independent and New Media
• Organize dialogues across the media industry and government to foster a platform for media advocacy.
• Facilitate technical and regulatory support on media and policy in partnership with industry and the Government of Zambia.

Purpose and Role of the Advisory Council
The Open Spaces Zambia Advisory Council will uphold the project goal to safeguard and strengthen the space for independent and new media, journalists, activists, and human rights defenders to bolster the democratic foundations of freedom of speech and assembly in Zambia.
The Advisory Council will convene on a semi-annual basis, physically or virtually, to guide strategic decision-making across project activities with a focus on ensuring impact and long-term sustainability. The Advisory Council will consist of five people who will serve for a 2-year period and convene for the first session in January/February 2024.
As a part of their involvement in the Advisory Council, members will be compensated for travel and incidental expenses incurred.

Members of the Advisory Council should be inspired, committed, and willing to:
• Serve for a minimum of 2 years and be available to fully participate in planned in-person or virtual meetings.
• Advance the media and civil society sector in Zambia and be willing to offer contextually relevant and feasible strategies and activities to achieve this goal.
• Peer review and endorse, where possible, project publications.
• Contribute to the project’s learning agenda and strategic direction, contribute and review the project annual workplans, and offer guidance on the OSZ priorities.
• Suggest to actors, organizations, and stakeholders in general that the project should engage in or consider participation in various activities.
• Harness their professional networks to assist the work of the consortium

Profile of Advisory Council Members
• Degree in journalism, media, communications, international relations, development, or any related field. An advanced degree is preferred.
• Minimum of 7+ years’ work experience and passion in Zambia’s media or civil society. Demonstrated experience in senior management or leadership roles is strongly preferred.
• Strong understanding of the Zambian media and civil society landscape. Preference for individuals who have been published in relevant areas.
• Knowledge and expertise in media legal environment, cyber security issues, academician on matters of communication, and media law.
• Recognized as a leader and influencer within their sector with extensive contacts and networks across the country.
• Social media presence is an added advantage.
• Demonstrable experience leading and transforming organizations and departments.
• Excellent soft skills, including interpersonal and communication skills, with a problem-solving attitude.
• Previous participation in the Advisory Council is advantageous.
• Must be a Zambian national.


Education Requirement: No Requirements

Job Experience: No Requirements

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months:

Level of Education:

Job application procedure

• Please send an updated CV and cover letter to: zm-recruitment@internews.org no later than 5pm, January 2, 2024 with the email heading “Advisory Council Application’’.
• Women candidates are encouraged to apply.



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