ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY

Reporting directly to the Chief of Party (COP), the Deputy Chief of Party (DCOP) is responsible for ensuring that activity implementation is in accordance with funder regulations and procedures, and the specifications determined by the associated contract. The DCOP will be the primary liaison with media houses and media organizations. This will include monitoring grantee worthiness, ensuring that all procurement processes are perceived as transparent by beneficiary communities, and monitoring grant implementation to achieve technical results and overall contract objectives. The DCOP will liaise with local media houses, journalists, and media actors, and when opportunities arise, will mentor and coach local media houses and journalists as they use the project’s media research in operational and organizational decisions.

LOGISTICS

This position will be based in Southeast Asia.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, so candidates are encouraged to apply soon.

This is a limited-duration position, with an expected end date of August 10, 2025. 

Note: Hiring of this position is contingent upon donor approval.

OUR COMMITMENT TO FOSTERING A CULTURE OF BELONGING

We are an organization of dynamic, mission-driven individuals who are passionate about our core values and about supporting positive change in the world. We pride ourselves on our commitment to innovation and flexibility. We believe that diverse teams are strong teams and work to support an ethic of belonging, dignity, and justice for all people. Our current team includes a mix of genders, parents and non-parents, and people of multiple races, nationalities, ages, sexual orientations, and socioeconomic backgrounds. We are an EEO employer and encourage candidates of all races, genders, ages, orientations, ethnicities, and national origins to apply, and welcome those with alternative backgrounds and experiences.

DAY-TO-DAY TASKS will include: 

• Support the Chief of Party (COP) in the design and implementation of annual work plans and ensure the implementation of those plans, working with program teams in Internews and with other key stakeholders.
• Develop and maintain understanding of issues affecting both the media community and media viability, including various security and geopolitical considerations, and delegating research of these issues to Technical Leads.
• Provide technical oversight of Grants under Contract (GUCs) and technical assistance of partners, including quality assurance, reporting, and M&E compliance.
• Manage Program Activity Fund (PAF) development and administration (including Emergency Support Fund grants, capacity building and GUCs) as well as program activity reporting and close out.
• Oversee emergency support assistance program for identified at risk beneficiaries.
• Provide technical oversight of implementing partners (including subcontractors and local implementing partners) to achieve overall contract objectives.
• Work with Head of Operations as needed to oversee the program’s day-to-day operations in close partnership with the Chief of Party.
• Provide management leadership to research, sustainability, and digital Technical Leads; Program Coordinator; emergency support coordinator; and consultants.
• Lead on GUC oversight processes with implementing partners, local NGOs, and media organizations.
• Ensure project implementation is in compliance with Internews’ policies and procedures as well as funder rules and regulations as determined in the contract.
• Maintain strategic awareness of independent media and a thorough understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing independent media, especially online digital media.
• Ensure timely reporting of grants and partner activities to COP and effective collaboration with relevant Internews staff.
• Build and maintain relationships with local media development organizations.
• Support COP in program reporting and communications, including Weekly Updates, and maintain effective working relationships with relevant Internews staff.
• Support COP in program monitoring and evaluation, including working with MEL Director and relevant staff, to ensure effective implementation and to measure program impact.
• Represent Internews and coordinate with key stakeholders, including funder, Government, NGOs, and media organizations, as delegated by the COP.
• Act as the COP in their absence.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Chief of Party.
• In all duties, uphold Internews’ Core Values and demonstrate commitment to fostering a culture of belonging.

QUALIFICATIONS WE’RE LOOKING FOR

Required

• At least 7 years of relevant professional experience leading or providing supervisory management support for operations functions in complex, dynamic, challenging political contexts, and demonstrated experience working in insecure or security-challenged media operating environments. Relevant experience in Asia is preferred.
• University degree in a relevant field such as mass communications, international relations, political science, journalism, public administration, law, or peace/conflict studies.
• Proven mid- or senior-level experience in challenging and complex, restricted, or non-permissive media environments.
• Candidates must have demonstrated experience in one or more of the following:
  • Managing media market research and analysis and presenting findings to media house clients
  • Experience with media sustainability models and practice advising media houses on improving viability
  • Media sector operations management
  • Experience piloting and testing new media and news dissemination tools
  • Establishing and building an internal culture of media ethics and accountability reporting
  • Building a social media presence
  • Print media adaptability
  • Experience in starting up new media businesses, testing outreach, and adapting media products

Preferred

Note: Candidates who do not have these preferred qualifications, but who are interested and willing to learn, are encouraged to apply.

• Experience with managing multi-year funder contracts is preferred.
• Significant experience in either print, broadcast, or new media.
• Demonstrated ability to liaise and navigate effectively with USG agencies, host country government officials, private stakeholders, and other donors.
• Strong communication skills, including interpersonal and in written and oral English.
• Local language skills are highly desirable.