Call for Consultant

The Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA), with funding support from the German Development Cooperation, is seeking a qualified Consultant to conduct a comprehensive study on existing safety policies and mechanisms in Ghanaian news media organisations and to develop a Model Safety Policy for adaptation by newsrooms across the country. This consultancy forms part of MFWA’s project on countering corruption through investigative journalism and strengthening the freedom of expression environment in Ghana.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct a detailed desk review of existing safety policies, mechanisms, relevant legal frameworks, and global best practices
• Assess the safety environment within Ghanaian news media organisations through stakeholder engagements, identifying gaps, strengths, and existing mechanisms.
• Develop a structured, adaptable Model Safety Policy covering:
• Physical safety protocols for field reporting, protest coverage, high-risk assignments, and newsroom facilities.
• Digital security measures to prevent cyber threats, surveillance, and online harassment.
• Emergency response guidelines and support systems for journalists facing threats.
• Safety provisions for marginalised groups including female and minority journalists.
• Implementation strategies for training, compliance monitoring, and newsroom adoption.
• Present the draft Model Safety Policy to key stakeholders for input, refinement, and validation.
• Reflect all stakeholder feedback in the final draft of the Policy.
• Present the finalised Policy at an official launch event.
• Facilitate presentations and discussions on the Policy at workshops for journalists, editors, and media managers in Accra and Kumasi.

Skills & Experience

• Advanced degree (Master’s or PhD) in Journalism, Media Studies, Human Rights, or a related field.
• Strong experiential knowledge of the Ghanaian media landscape.
• Demonstrated expertise in media safety, journalist protection, and digital security.
• In-depth understanding of challenges relating to the safety of journalists in Ghana.
• Proven experience in policy development and stakeholder engagement.
• Strong understanding of media freedom and freedom of expression issues.
• Excellent analytical, report-writing, and facilitation skills.
• Ability to work independently and deliver high-quality outputs within deadlines.

Expected Deliverables

• A draft adaptable Model Safety Policy for Ghanaian newsrooms.
• A finalised Model Safety Policy incorporating inputs from stakeholder validation.
• A comprehensive study report on safety policies, mechanisms, and practices in Ghanaian media organisations.
• Presentations of the Policy at the official launch and during workshops in Accra and Kumasi.

Deadline: November 21, 2025

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