Journalists for Human Rights (JHR) Journalism Trainer Job Vacancy in Liberia

Position Summary:
JHR is looking for a Journalism Trainer to work with JHR in Liberia for approximately nine months. This trainer will based at the University of Liberia, helping to shape the next generation of Liberian journalists.

Working closely with the Department of Mass Communications and student media outlets, the trainer will work closely with both students and staff. The trainer will help facilitate student workshops, work with the university’s media outlets, and assist professors and guest lecture on human rights reporting. The fall will be spent assisting in classes when needed, in particular the Feature and Editorial writing class, as well as working with students. The trainer will also plan a workshop for professors at the university, as well as identify professors at two other universities, on how to teach the JHR-designed Human Rights Reporting course (a new compulsory course for all students in the department). The winter/spring will be spent assisting the professor in delivering the course. Although the trainer will primarily be working at the university, they will also have the opportunity to work closely with JHR’s other initiatives, such as the Train-the-Trainer program, journalist mentorship, human rights reporting trips and other activities as needed.
The trainer will correspond often with the Country Director in Liberia who will manage their work. The trainer will be primarily located in Monrovia, but travel will be required.

Duties and Responsibilities:
• Assist with Feature and Editorial Writing course, as well as guest seminars and lectures to other courses as needed (incorporating a human rights angle)
• Provide assistance with the university’s media outlets (both in content, layout and sustainability)
• Mentor student journalists
• Hold both formal and informal workshops with students
• Create workshop to train professors on how to use the curriculum for the Human Rights Reporting course.
• Provide mentorship to both local journalists and participants in JHR’s train-the-trainer program as needed
• Work closely with jhr’s Workshop Facilitator to run workshops for local editors/owners, journalism students, and community members
• Create monthly blog postings and success stories for public engagement
• Produce regular monthly reports providing feedback on the status and progression of the program
• Other duties as needed

Skills/Experiences/Qualifications:
• Journalism degree/relevant journalism experience
• Print journalism experience is a must, additional radio experience is an asset
• Strong working journalism experience of no less than 4 years
• Strong knowledge of and commitment to human rights (Post-graduate degree in human rights related field is an asset!)
• Significant training, teaching, or educational experience at the post-secondary level
• Knowledge of, and interest in, media development
• Knowledge of West Africa
• International experience within a developing nation(s) preferred, or strong, demonstrable interest
• Ability and willingness to live and work effectively and successfully in a cross-cultural environment
• Ability to multi-task and work in a team environment, as well as independently
• Proven skills in capacity-building of other staff and partners
• Extremely self-motivated, and proven ability to manage and motivate others
• Excellent interpersonal skills – excellent written and communication skills
• Fluency in English is imperative

How to apply
Interested applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.
To apply, please submit a cover letter and CV to the attention of Ms Kathryn Sheppard at: liberia@jhr.ca no later than August 30th, 2012.

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JHR thanks all those who apply; however due to large application numbers only those shortlisted for an interview will be contacted. No phone calls please.