Team Leader - Citizen Journalism in Syria

Democracy International; Chicago (IL); Remote; USD 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A global democracy assistance organization is seeking a Team Leader to design and implement a remote training program for citizen journalists in Syria. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in journalism education, experience in fragile contexts, and a network within local media. This remote position emphasizes civil society engagement and supports independent media development while ensuring ethical standards.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in journalism and media in fragile contexts.
• Proven experience conducting citizen journalism training programs in Syria.
• Strong network among Syrian media actors and civil society organizations.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design of a citizen journalism curriculum tailored to local needs.
• Oversee the remote training of 50 citizen journalists.
• Coordinate with GIZ and local partners.

Skills

Citizen journalism curricula development

Training in conflict-affected environments

Knowledge of Syrian media networks

Management and leadership

Fluency in English

Fluency in Arabic

Education

University degree in Journalism or relevant field

Job description

Overview

Location: Remote

Democracy International (DI) is seeking a highly qualified Team Leader with proven experience conducting citizen journalism training in Syria. The Team Leader will lead the design, implementation, and coordination of a remote and hybrid training and coaching program for 50 citizen journalists, with a focus on amplifying civil society engagement and supporting independent media development.

The successful candidate must have extensive experience developing citizen journalism curricula, training individuals in conflict-affected environments through remote and hybrid methods, and deep knowledge of local Syrian media networks.

This position is remote, with virtual engagement and no in-country travel required.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design of a conflict-sensitive citizen journalism curriculum tailored to local needs.
• Oversee the remote and hybrid training of 50 citizen journalists across multiple regions of Syria.
• Coordinate closely with GIZ, local Syrian partners, trainers, and media networks.
• Manage personnel, including identifying the need for short-term assignments within the available budget, as well as planning and steering assignments and supporting local and international short-term experts.
• Ensure administrative compliance and timely invoicing.
• Provide regular reporting in accordance with deadlines.

Qualifications

• University degree in Journalism, Organizational Change Management, Human Capacity Development, Social Sciences, or relevant field.
• At least 10 years of professional experience in journalism and media in fragile contexts, with proven experience conducting citizen journalism training programs in Syria.
• At least 10 years of experience providing local media support and capacity building, with demonstrated experience designing citizen journalism curricula.
• Strong network of connections among Syrian media actors and local civil society organizations.
• At least 5 years of management/leadership experience.
• At least 5 years of relevant experience in the Middle East.
• Experience working with donor-funded development cooperation projects (GIZ experience an advantage).
• Fluency in English and Arabic.

Application Process

Interested applicants must submit a CV by May 2, 2025. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and the position will be filled as soon as a qualified candidate is identified. DI will only contact candidates of interest.

Democracy International maintains the highest ethical standards. We are committed to the prevention of sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment as well as other ethical breaches. All our positions are therefore subject to stringent vetting and reference checks.

About the Organization

DI provides technical assistance, analytical services and project implementation for democracy, human rights, governance and conflict mitigation programs worldwide. Since its founding in 2003, Democracy International has worked with civil society organizations, political parties, election-management bodies, government agencies, legislatures, justice-sector institutions, and others in 80+ countries.

DI welcomes and supports a diverse and inclusive work environment. We are committed to equal employment opportunities (EEO) for all applicants seeking employment and for DI employees. DI makes employment decisions