BACKGROUND:
The HIV story has become increasingly complex. Biomedical research currently underway in countries with high HIV prevalence holds the key to the end of AIDS. The successful conclusion of the associated trials and the roll-out of prevention technologies depends on a climate of trust and appropriate engagement in affected communities. Working with AVAC, Internews is planning to train journalists and foster dialogue between journalists, scientists and HIV advocates in anticipation of possible misinformation or misunderstanding in countries that are trial sites. Journalists will be supported to properly communicate the life-saving efforts of HIV prevention science.
This work with journalists is the media component of the “Coalition to Accelerate and Support Prevention Research (CASPR)”, a USAID grant which brings together scientists, advocates, communicators and journalists to support the development and sustainability of an Africa-centered network of experts that help accelerate and create an enabling environment for biomedical HIV prevention research.
GENERAL FUNCTION:
Internews is seeking a Senior Health Journalism Trainer to be based in Nairobi for an anticipated 3 - 4 year project to provide high level technical expertise and guide journalists in Sub Saharan Africa on writing the story about cutting edge HIV prevention science. The trainer will identify thematic areas in HIV prevention science and work alongside teams of journalists in priority countries (Zimbabwe, South Africa, Zambia, Malawi, Kenya, Uganda, as well as Tanzania and Mozambique) to progressively advance the capacity of partner journalists, to provide support with the organization of science café’s and to strengthen country-based and Africa-wide networks of specialist health journalists. The candidate must provide expert technical assistance and skills transfer in areas like impactful HIV science storytelling, effective media engagement and the use of social media to ensure that a cadre of journalists in Africa is equipped to translate the processes of and progress with prevention trials, and to communicate the significance of these research efforts to their audiences. Being steeped in news and current affairs training, the Health Journalism Trainer will work with Internews and colleagues at AVAC (the AIDS Vaccine Advocacy Coalition), to offer a highly flexible approach – able to redeploy activities to settings where new developments and challenges may arise, as is common with clinical trial and policy development processes.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned:
- Provides coordination and strong management to ensure the program is implemented in a timely and inclusive manner.
- Work with the Global Health Adviser and with AVAC colleagues to devise and manage a series of country media engagement plans, to coordinate travel, to provide guidance at media science café’s and to conduct on-site and distance mentoring to partner journalists.
- Training and capacity building activities:
- Journalism training at existing calendared HIV conferences and meetings.
- Technical assistance and knowledge transfer at science café’s.
- Technical assistance to stakeholders in the partnership.
- Online networking and capacity building of journalists.
- Development of platforms in support of an evolving HIV Journalism network.
- Ongoing mentoring of journalists and CSO’s in the network.
- Attendance of and active participation at partner meetings.
- Program reporting and editorial contributions to Internews platforms.
- Understanding of and demonstrated commitment to upholding Internews’ Core Values.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor's degree and at least four years' experience in global health or related field.
- Master's degree in public health, development or other relevant subject a plus.
- Experience in sub-Saharan Africa and/or with in-country program implementation a plus.
- Excellent writing, editing and content development skills, and a strong command of English, with an ability to convey complex ideas in a clear, direct, and lively style.
- Knowledge of and commitment to HIV/AIDS, international health and development issues and programming.
- Excellent multicultural and interpersonal skills, including the ability to facilitate relationships and interact effectively with others inside and outside the organization.
- Willingness and ability to travel.
- Knowledge of USAID requirements and regulations.
- In-depth experience with Excel, PowerPoint, word processing and data analysis.
Benefits Information:
This position is being offered and hired by Internews Network. Benefits will be consistent with Internews Network's offerings and will be reviewed during the hiring process. Additional information can be found on our About Working for Internews page.
HOW TO APPLY:
To apply, please visit our Career Center.
