Turkey Project Officer

The International Press Institute (IPI) is searching for a Turkey-based Project Officer to support their work to promote and protect media freedom, independent journalism, and freedom of information in Turkey. The Project Officer will be an integral part of IPI’s Strengthening Capacity for Freedom of Information (FOI) and Data Activism in Türkiye’s Civil Society project, which aims to defend media freedom and access to public information in Turkey. They’re looking for a passionate, dedicated press freedom defender to join IPI’s growing team!

The Turkey-based Project Officer will support the implementation of a range of activities under the project, including monitoring and coverage of press-freedom developments in Turkey. The position will also have a particular focus on the project’s FoI-related activities and campaigns, supporting media and CSOs in Turkey in their work to ensure public accountability through the use of FoI laws. The Project Officer will work closely with IPI’s Turkey advocacy team and under the guidance of IPI’s Turkey National Committee.

Qualities and criteria 

• At least three years of professional experience, ideally in the fields of journalism or non-governmental organizations.
  Turkish native speaker, and strong English-language skills.
• Strong communications skills. The Project Officer will be a crucial bridge between IPI’s Turkey National Committee and the IPI Secretariat in Vienna.
• Ability to identify opportunities for partnerships within Turkey to raise awareness about press freedom and freedom of information.
• Self-motivation and willingness to take ownership of the project.
• Demonstrates a strong work ethic, highly aware of regional and local sensitivities, able to generate ideas, and proactively pursues goals.
• Good understanding of the media environment in Turkey, and ideally, experience managing journalism-related projects.
• A background in journalism is not a requirement, but can be a plus. Candidates should at least have a grasp of the challenges facing journalists in the country.
• The Project Officer needs to feel comfortable conducting outreach to members of the media and CSO community.
• A strong understanding of and familiarity with the value of media pluralism and independent journalism.
• Familiarity with the work and culture of CSOs.

Responsibilities

• Close monitoring of press freedom and FOI developments in Turkey.
• Supporting the establishment of a database to track and monitor FOI requests, FOI-related advocacy efforts such as network building, and the production of advocacy tools such as fact sheets and reports.
• Drafting statements, alerts, letters, interviews, newsletters, social media posts and other forms of communication about press freedom developments.
• Supporting the establishment of a financial support system to strengthen the capacity of CSOs and independent media on data activism.
• Working with IPI’s Turkey National Committee to develop and implement its development and campaign strategy.
• Supporting the external and internal communication of the Turkey National Committee.
• Organizing timely public events, workshops and training related to freedom of expression and FOI.
• Organizing the production of podcasts, webinars, and commissioned articles.
• Promoting IPI activities and reports within Turkey.
• Exploring ideas and local partnerships with other CSOs.
• Contributing to Turkey-related international and local advocacy efforts by the IPI Secretariat in Vienna
• Contributing to the organization of the annual press freedom mission led by the IPI Secretariat.
• Assisting with administrative tasks related to IPI’s Turkey project, including project reports.
• The location for this position is Turkey.

The Project Officer will work closely with IPI’s Turkey FoI Programme Coordinator and IPI’s Turkey Programme Coordinator. The Turkey Project Officer will also report to and have daily communication with IPI National Committee members in Turkey.

How to apply

The application deadline for this position is January 26, 2024. Applicants should provide the following:

• Cover letter
• Writing samples in both English and Turkish
• Current CV, including at least two professional references

Please send your application by email to hr@ipi.media. Please include “Turkey Project Officer” in the email subject line. Start date, location and term. The Project Officer is expected to begin no later than March 1, 2024.

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