Head, ABU Media Academy

Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union; Kuala Lumpur; On-site; MYR 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading broadcasting organization in Kuala Lumpur seeks a Head of the Media Academy. This role provides strategic leadership and operational oversight to enhance the skills of ABU members in broadcasting. Responsibilities include aligning training programmes with industry needs, fostering partnerships, and overseeing curriculum development. Ideal candidates will have a Master's degree and at least 10 years of experience in broadcasting or media training. Excellent communication skills in English are essential.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in broadcasting or media training.
• Proven experience in designing and delivering training programmes.
• Demonstrated ability to provide strategic leadership and manage diverse initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Develop and oversee the ABU Media Academy's strategic plan and training programmes.
• Collaborate with ABU departments to integrate training needs into programming.
• Build and maintain partnerships with universities and training institutes.

Skills

Strong understanding of broadcasting operations

Familiarity with digital learning platforms

Ability to develop training curricula

Excellent organizational skills

Strong presentation and facilitation skills

Written and verbal communication in English

Education

Master's degree in Media, Journalism, Communication, or related field

Bachelor's degree with extensive professional experience

Job description

The Head of the ABU Media Academy is responsible for providing strategic leadership, operational oversight, and innovative direction to ensure the Academy fulfils its mandate of strengthening the capacity of ABU Members across all broadcasting disciplines. Key responsibilities include:

Strategic Planning

• Develop the overall strategy, policies, and long‑term vision of the ABU Media Academy, ensuring full alignment with ABU’s training objectives and the Union’s broader strategic priorities.
• Identify emerging trends and future needs in media, journalism, technology, management, sports broadcasting, and content production to guide the Academy’s evolution.
• Ensure all Academy programmes incorporate cutting‑edge innovation, global best practices, and industry‑relevant skills, reflecting rapid shifts in the media landscape.
• Lead the design of the annual training programme, blending online, hybrid, and face‑to‑face learning to support the ABU Training Action Plan and address priority areas in News, Sports, Programming, and Technology & Innovation.

Cross‑Departmental Coordination

• Collaborate closely with ABU Departments – Technology, Programming, News, Sports, and the Secretary‑General’s Office – to integrate their training needs, initiatives, and strategic priorities into Academy programming.
• Provide expert support for departmental capacity‑building initiatives, workshops, regional projects, and specialised training requests.
• Establish and lead a dedicated ABU Media Academy team, ensuring effective management of trainers, coordinators, administrative staff, and external experts.
• Promote a culture of innovation, excellence, and continuous improvement in training methodologies and learning experiences.

Training Delivery & Partnerships

• Oversee the implementation of the Academy’s annual activity plan by coordinating with the ABU Secretariat, member organisations, partner institutions, and subject‑matter experts.
• Build and maintain strategic partnerships with universities, international organisations, broadcasters, and training institutes to enrich the Academy’s offerings.
• Supervise the creation, updating, and quality assurance of training curricula, modules, toolkits, and learning materials across all thematic areas.
• Manage the planning and scheduling of distance learning resources, ensuring that online courses, webinars, and e‑learning platforms meet high pedagogical standards.

Monitoring, Evaluation & Reporting

• Ensure effective monitoring and evaluation of training programmes, gathering feedback and performance data to improve future activities.
• Prepare reports, proposals, and strategic recommendations to inform ABU leadership and guide future training development.

Advocacy & Representation

• Represent the ABU Media Academy at internal and external meetings, conferences, and partner engagements.
• Advocate for the importance of professional training, lifelong learning, and skills development across the Asia‑Pacific broadcasting community.
• Write, develop, and submit grant applications and project proposals to secure funding for distance learning programmes, digital training initiatives, and capacity‑building projects.
• Monitor global developments and emerging technologies in e‑learning, digital pedagogy, and remote training to enhance the Academy’s reach and support ABU’s educational and outreach goals.
• Recommend upgrades or new approaches that improve learning outcomes and accessibility for ABU members.

Technical & Logistical Support

• Provide technical and logistical assistance to users of e‑learning systems, including virtual classrooms, digital platforms, training equipment, websites, and relevant online services.
• Ensure smooth operation of all digital training tools and troubleshoot issues promptly.

Digital Presence & Online Academy Management

• Create, manage, and maintain a dedicated ABU Online Academy website, ensuring it effectively supports the annual programme.
• Communicate key technical, educational, and marketing information about e‑learning activities through appropriate digital channels and media.

Other Duties

• Undertake any additional tasks assigned by ABU Secretary‑General, ensuring alignment with the overall mission and strategic priorities of the ABU Media Academy.

Qualifications

Mandatory

Education

• A Master’s degree in Media, Journalism, Communication, Education, Digital Learning, Broadcast Management, or a related field.
• A Bachelor’s degree with extensive professional experience may be considered.

Professional Experience

• At least 10 years of progressive experience in broadcasting, media training, journalism, digital learning, or capacity‑building roles.
• Proven experience in designing and delivering training programmes, preferably within media organisations or international institutions.
• Demonstrated track record in managing teams, developing strategic plans, and executing multi‑stakeholder projects.
• Experience working with international partners, regional organisations, or donor‑funded projects is highly desirable.

Technical Skills

• Strong understanding of broadcasting operations, including news, programming, sports, and technology.
• Familiarity with digital learning platforms, e‑learning tools, and online training methodologies.
• Knowledge of emerging trends in AI, digital transformation, media innovation, and newsroom technologies.
• Ability to develop and manage training curricula, toolkits, and blended learning models.
• Strong writing skills for training materials, reports, proposals, and grant applications.
• Demonstrated ability to provide strategic leadership, inspire teams, and manage diverse training initiatives.
• Excellent organizational, planning, and project management skills.
• Ability to build and maintain partnerships with broadcasters, experts, academic institutions, and international agencies.
• Capacity to work under pressure, manage multiple deadlines, and adapt to evolving priorities.

Communication & Interpersonal Skills

• Strong presentation and facilitation skills; able to train professionals from different backgrounds and skill levels.
• Excellent written and verbal communication in English; additional languages from the Asia‑Pacific region are an advantage.
• Ability to work in a multicultural environment with diplomacy, respect, and sensitivity.