IMS is looking for an experienced Programme Manager for our office in Yangon, Myanmar

International Media Support (IMS) is a non-profit organisation working to support media in countries affected by armed conflict, human insecurity and political transition. Across four continents, IMS helps to strengthen professional journalism and ensure that media can operate in challenging circumstances.

In the Asia region, we work with partners in South and South-East Asia, incl. Afghanistan, Pakistan, Myanmar, Philippines, Indonesia, Sri Lanka and elsewhere to further the safety of journalists and promote media reform, build institutions and professional media content.

Programme

Two Scandinavian media development organisations, International Media Support (IMS) and Fojo Media Institute (Fojo), are jointly embarking on a new phase of a four-year media development programme that aims to improve the possibilities for peace, reconciliation and democratic participation in Myanmar.

The programme, which is primarily funded by the government of Sweden, Norway and Denmark addresses the challenges of the Myanmar media sector within three focus areas: i) Promotion and fostering of quality journalism and media content; ii) Resilience of media and safeguarding of journalists and iii) Journalistic outreach and networking. The three focus areas are interlinked, and synergy will be created to increase the programme’s impact.

The programme will work in close cooperation with Myanmar partners, building on and strengthening their resilience, sustainability, knowledge and expertise.

Job summary

The role of the Programme Manager is to implement and manage the media development programme in Myanmar.

He/she will report to the Management Steering Committee (including representatives of IMS and Fojo) which will supervise and provide strategic guidance to the Programme Manager on key decisions.

The Programme Manager will be based in Yangon, with occasional travel to the Nai Pai Daw the ethnic regions.

IMS is an equal opportunities organisation and we encourage people of all backgrounds regardless of sex, race, disability, sexual orientation, and religion or belief to apply.

Main responsibilities

The Programme Manager is responsible for overall programme cycle management and implementation and will be required to follow IMS procedures and guidelines.

Projected responsibilities include:

Programme strategy and design

• Organise the quarterly or bi-annual meetings of the Steering Committee and ensure a continuing flow of communication with IMS and Fojo offices to ensure the strategic direction and satisfactory implementation of the programme
• Initiate specific assessments and studies which can contribute to the design of programme strategies
• Identify and develop relations with national, regional and international partners
• Develop and implement mechanisms to support the programme partners
• Contribute to the composition of relevant project teams and the recruitment of local and international advisors and consultants
• Undertake and be focal point for resource mobilisation and fundraising activities

Programme implementation

• Monitor the socio-political situation in Myanmar (and Bangladesh) closely and ensure that the extended Fojo and IMS team are aware of important developments
• Work with the team to maintain an overview of programme finances and to ensure that the programme is implemented according to IMS’ financial guidelines
• Devise and implement processes to ensure that the programme keeps track of and meets deadlines for delivering activities, reporting progress, reporting finances, planning extensions, and renewing or ending individual and partner contracts
• Work with the team to prepare project-related documents (contracts, ToRs, MoU’s, etc.) for processing at IMS HQ
• Maintain close contact with national, regional and international partners and ensure that activities are properly coordinated and not duplicating efforts by other organisations
• Maintain regular communication and dialogue with in-country programme donors
• Plan and undertake regular programme-related missions to regions and states when required in connection with programme design, implementation and/or monitoring and evaluation

Monitoring and evaluation

• Ensure that the results-based framework is duly monitored according to the M&E system, including assessing impact, monitoring processes, and recording lessons learned so that implementation is continually improved
• Lead the M&E process and the writing of the regular progress reports
• Initiate and undertake evaluations of partner projects and of specific output areas when needed
• Assist in the organisation and implementation of overall programme reviews and evaluations

Managing and supporting staff

• Team lead and manage the Myanmar country programme team as well as advisors and consultants, in line with IMS staff policies
• Initiate the production and draft terms of references, contracts and time allocation for team staff, advisors and consultants
• Ensure that safety, security, work place policies and protocols are implemented and adhered to
• Work in close coherence and coordination with the Assistant Programme Manager in HQ as well as other HQ cross-cutting functions where appropriate and distribute the workloads accordingly
• Undertake annual employee interviews with the in-country programme team

Representation and coordination

• Represent the programme at meetings and other events related to the programme
• Ensure that the relevant authorities are kept well informed about the programme

Communication

• Work with the IMS and Fojo communications units to develop and implement communication and visibility strategies for the programme
• Work with the team to create content for the programme websites, social media and other communication platforms and encourage local partners and consultants to do the same

Qualifications and Skills

Candidates with the following requirements are eligible to apply:

Essential

• A relevant education, preferably to a higher degree level
• At least ten years’ relevant professional experience, including at least 5 years managing an international development donor-funded project or programme
• Experience and understanding of media systems, journalism and/or media development
• Demonstrable ability to work independently within guidelines
• Dedicated team player
• Fluency in spoken and written English
• Experience of managing and developing staff
• Ability to communicate effectively remotely and across time zones to a wide range of stakeholders
• Resilience and cultural sensitivity

Desirable

• Experience living or working in a development context
• Working experience in Asia and knowledge of Myanmar

Everyone with the required qualifications and skills is encouraged to apply, regardless of gender, sexual orientation or gender identity. 

Duration and location

The position is offered as a programme-based contract for 2-3 years, with the possibility of an extension. The position might begin with one month in IMS HQ in Copenhagen to get acquainted with the extended HQ and Asia team.

The successful candidate will receive a salary commensurate with their skills and experience.

How to apply

Please note this is not a starter position. Applications are invited from suitably qualified and experienced candidates.

Enclosed a detailed CV (résumé) with a cover letter, outlining your motivation and how your skills and experience meet the needs of the position by 7th August 2019. Apply online at: http://bit.ly/2XRkaOF

Please direct questions about the position to [email protected] or contact Head of Asia Department, Lars Bestle: [email protected].

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend an interview in the second half of August 2019.

The successful candidate is expected to start work on 1 October 2019.

For further information about IMS please visit www.mediasupport.org

Kilde: Jobnet.dk