UNDP Consultancy on Sensitizing Journalists to Gender Issues and Mainstreaming Reportage/Coverage Job Vacancy in Monrovia, Liberia

Post Level : International Consultant
Languages Required : English
Starting Date :(date when the selected candidate is expected to start) 02-Apr-2012
Duration of Initial Contract : Sixteen days
Expected Duration of Assignment : Sixteen days

Background
There is an endemic problem of marginalization of women and girls in Liberia which may in part be attributable to the lack of media sensitivity to the coverage of their issues.

Despite policies, programmes and strategies by the government of Liberia to bridge the gender gap, there is still a vast body of evidence that supports the fact that there is an unfair and inequitable distribution of jobs, education opportunities and support systems to the disadvantage of women and girls.

Women and girls are not provided or given the same level of respect as their male counterparts when their issues are reported in the media, and the media itself seems ill equipped or disinterested in fully understanding the impact of some of its reportage on issues of Sexual and Gender Based Violence. Many of the reports often skim the surface of the underlying issues that lead to the problem. Impartial information and balanced reporting are crucial instruments in ensuring mutual respect, understanding and tolerance for both sexes.

There needs to be a more sustained and analytical look through the media lens at issues such as culture, politics, myths that affect opinion and lead to bias, the impact of inherited patriarchal systems, and the root causes of gender insensitivity to understand gender within the Liberian context.

In a bid to promote gender responsive reporting and strengthening of institutional mechanisms and accountability, UN Women seeks a consultant to build the capacity of journalists including from media institutions, mentor select trained journalists and institute mechanisms of incentives and accountability.

The expected number of journalists to benefit from these interventions is twenty (20), from electronic and print media, at mid level in their organizations, and with at least 5 years of working experience. They must be responsible for content of broadcast or publication in their respective organizations.

Duties and Responsibilities
The expected outputs from this project are:
• Increased understanding of the many gender issues and the role of the media in addressing these concerns, for example, rape, Gender based Violence, Abortion, Maternal Mortality, Male Dominance, gender equality, Women in Politics, Women and Disabilities, Marginalization
• Established network of peer specialists who understand the need for impartial information and gender sensitive language and can challenge stereotypes based on gender
• Developed creative radio formats and stories concepts that support proper respectful dialogue and understanding
• Regular presentation, discussion and coverage of issues with a gender friendly perspective

Competencies
Interested candidates must have the following:
• Minimum 7 years of relevant experience working as a media or communications trainer or manager.
• Experience as a trainer in the field of communications or journalism
• Experience of working in Liberia or post conflict country would be an added advantage
• Be fluent in English language with good writing and presentation skills

Required Skills and Experience
Education:
• Advanced university degree in Communications or any of the social sciences.

Experience:
• Minimum 7 years of relevant experience working as a media or communications trainer or manager.

Language:
• Fluency in written and spoken English.

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.

Click Here to Apply

Closing Date: Friday, 24 February 2012