BBC Media Action Jobs (2 Positions)

BBC Media Action Jobs in Kenya

Position: Broadcast Mentor
Location: Kenya
Reports to: Project Manager, Kenya and Somalia
Duration: 12 months

Please note that these roles are pending funding.

Application instructions:

You should send your CV/resume and covering letter to: infokenya@bbcmediaaction.orgwith the name of the position you're applying for in the subject line by midnight on Friday 7 August 2015. This is a local post applicable to people who have the legal right to live and work in Kenya. Only shortlisted candidates will be notified.

Job purpose:
The broadcast mentor is responsible for supporting radio programme development for BBC Media Action’s broadcast partners in Kenya and Somalia. The mentor trains and supports broadcast partners in technical areas, editorial practice, programme planning, content management, production and programme design. They monitor the progress of broadcast partner staff and assist in research and evaluation.

We are recruiting for two broadcast mentors. One post will work with our partner stations in Baringo and Samburu; the other post will be based in Kilifi on a part-time basis. We are not offering relocation costs for either of these positions.

Main duties:

• Contribute to the development of customised training programmes for the mentored station;
• Provide on-the-job training to station staff on nutrition and maternal child health themes as well as basic editorial and journalism skills;
• Deliver tailored training to staff in editorial and production skills through workshops, group feedback sessions and one-on-one advisory meetings;
• Monitor trainee progress through self-assessment questionnaires, interviews with staff and respective managers and content analysis of output produced by partner stations over time and adapt mentoring programme as required;
• Provide performance monitoring data and feedback on mentoring impact (among other measures) to audience research activities so results are measurable and can be used to track the progress of the project;
• Guide and support trainees in completing online training modules (on iLearn), grade assignments and offer feedback on progress where applicable;
• Ensure all programming and training meet the highest BBC standards;
• Prepare monthly reports on progress and forward plans for review;
• Manage freelance trainers and consultants, prepare detailed terms of reference and ensure deliverables are met in a timely and efficient manner;
• Work within agreed budgets and manage the financial demands of the programme effectively.

Required knowledge, skills and experience:

• At least three years’ experience with an INGO (international non-governmental organisation) in a similar role, ideally with thematic specialisation in nutrition or maternal child health;
• Relevant higher education preferably in journalism, education, mass-communication or other relevant educational background;
• Strong editorial judgement and journalism experience;
• A track record of creative radio programme production;
• Ability to change and adapt plans and approaches to suit an often changing context;
• Experience in training journalists;
• Strong understanding of Kenya’s media environment;
• Strong understanding of the role of media and communications in development;
• Excellent interpersonal, communication and influencing skills;
• Ability to operate effectively in difficult, highly politically sensitive and often fluid environments;
• Strong PC (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and internet skills;
• Willingness to travel throughout Kenya as required;
• Fluency in spoken and written English and Swahili;
• Commitment to the aims and objectives of the BBC Media Action.

Compentencies
The following competencies (behaviours and characteristics) have been identified as key to success in the job. Successful candidates are expected to demonstrate these competencies.

• Editorial judgement - demonstrates balanced and objective judgement based on a thorough understanding of BBC editorial guidelines, target audience, programme and department objectives. Makes the right editorial decisions, taking account of conflicting views where necessary.
• Strategic thinking – Can identify a vision along with the plans which need to be implemented to meet the end goal. Evaluates situations, decisions, issues, etc. in the short, medium and longer-term.
• Analytical thinking – Able to simplify complex problems, processes or projects into component parts, explore and evaluate them systematically. Able to identify causal relationships, and construct frameworks, for problem-solving and/or development.
• Decision making – Is ready and able to take the initiative, originate action and be responsible for the consequences of the decision made.
• Imagination / creative thinking – Is able to transform creative ideas/impulses into practical reality. Can look at existing situations and problems in novel ways and come up with creative solutions.
• Planning and Organisation – Is able to think ahead in order to establish an efficient and appropriate course of action for self and others. Prioritises and plans activities taking into account all the relevant issues and factors such as deadlines, staffing and resources requirements.
• Leadership – Ability to create a vision and inspire others to realise it irrespective of circumstances.
• Resilience – Can maintain personal effectiveness by managing own emotions in the face of pressure, set-backs or when dealing with provocative situations. Can demonstrate an approach to work that is characterised by commitment, motivation and energy.
• Influencing and persuading – Ability to present sound and well-reasoned arguments to convince others. Can draw from a range of strategies to persuade people in a way that results in agreement or behaviour change.
• Communication – The ability to get one’s message understood clearly by adopting a range of styles, tools and techniques appropriate to the audience and the nature of the information.
• Talent management – Can recognise potential (managerial, professional, artistic or otherwise) and is willing to foster the development of that potential. Creates a climate in which potential can be realised.
• Change management - Can understand and anticipate the need for change. Builds frameworks to plan and manage the continuous process of change.
• Managing relationships – Can build and maintain effective working relationships with a range of people.
• Self-development – Is able to identify and apply opportunities for learning and development.