Researcher on support to independent journalism

IMS is seeking an experienced Researcher to join their dynamic and globally distributed team of around 80 staff members in headquarters in Copenhagen, and approximately 70 staff across Asia, Africa and MENA.

As a Researcher the candidate will be responsible for a 12-month research project that seeks to explore a) how to best strengthen independent media and their impact, and b) how to better support independent media via philanthropy and other funding sources. Through a series of consultations with partners, donors, and colleagues globally, the research project will explore questions such as:

• How can independent media collaborate to achieve a stronger impact on issues like corruption, the climate crisis, inequality, social injustice and human rights violations?
• How can independent media reach beyond their usual audiences, become more inclusive, and gain a foothold to counteract polarization?
• How can independent media reach larger and more diverse audiences outside the stranglehold of dominant tech platforms on which they are heavily reliant for distribution and engagement?
• How can international donor support to pockets of independent media initiatives help inspire and catalyse broader positive change in the media sector in authoritarian contexts?
• How can international donor support to independent media better foster solidarity and help build networks among local partners?

The Researcher will be part of an organisation of dedicated and knowledgeable media development, journalism, and press freedom professionals and you will be undertaking your research in a participatory manner in collaboration with a selection of our global portfolio of independent media partners. The Researcher will be part of a small team of individuals who are experts on digital media innovation, journalism in repressive environments, media business sustainability, and the safety of journalists. The candidate will report to the Deputy Director of Programme Development and Strategy and liaise frequently with Senior Management and colleagues across the organisation and across the globe.

Key functions and responsibilities:

• Manage and oversee all aspects of the research project, including formulation of research questions, methodology, budget, work plan, reporting, etc.
• Work with an external facilitator to convene a series of workshops, learning sessions, and meetings with partners and donors globally.
• Work closely with colleagues in IMS’ programme departments to coordinate engagement with partners and the potential involvement in the project
• Develop a research report consisting of a summary of trends and status overviews in the global independent media field and highlighting specific examples of challenges and opportunities for supporting independent journalism in the future.

Qualifications and skills:

• At least 8 years of relevant experience, e.g. via work in support of independent journalism/media regionally and/or globally; in designing and implementing relevant research projects for non-profits, media organisations, philanthropic organisations, and the like;
• Excellent understanding of independent journalism in specific regions and/or globally, with particular attention to smaller independent media in repressive/conflict-affected environments; as well as knowledge of global philanthropic support to independent journalism;
• Experience as a facilitator of workshops and in managing multiple stakeholder groups in challenging/sensitive contexts; or in working with external facilitators to manage workshops.
• Excellent organisational and planning skills.
• Excellent written and verbal skills in English. French/Arabic/Spanish/Russian skills will be considered an asset.
• Ability and willingness to travel extensively (Covid-19 permitting).

Duration and location

• Expected length of employment: 12 months, with the possibility of extension
• Place of employment: Copenhagen or remote with the ability to easily travel to Copenhagen
• Employment type: Full-time

How to apply

• Applicants are invited to enclose a CV (résumé) with a cover letter outlining your motivation and how your skills and experience meet the needs of the position by 31 January 2022.
• Please direct questions about the position to Deputy Director of Programme Development and Strategy, Andreas Reventlow at ar@mediasupport.org
• Shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend an interview. Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
• The successful candidate is expected to start work as soon as possible.

IMS shows no tolerance to any kind of unwanted behaviour at work, including sexual harassment, exploitation and abuse, lack of integrity and financial misconduct. Therefore, all employments will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks, which can include criminal records and terrorism finance checks. To apply please click here.