Team Leader - Citizen Journalism in Syria

Democracy International; United States; Remote; USD 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative organization is seeking a Team Leader for a citizen journalism initiative in Syria. This role involves designing and implementing a remote training program for 50 journalists, enhancing civil society engagement and independent media development. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in conflict-sensitive journalism training, a strong network within local media, and fluency in both English and Arabic. Join a dedicated team committed to empowering voices in fragile contexts and making a significant impact in the field of journalism.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in journalism and media in fragile contexts.
• Strong connections with Syrian media actors and civil society organizations.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design of a citizen journalism curriculum tailored to local needs.
• Oversee remote training of 50 citizen journalists across Syria.

Skills

Citizen Journalism Training

Curriculum Development

Media Support

Conflict Management

Fluency in English

Fluency in Arabic

Education

University Degree in Journalism

Degree in Social Sciences

Job description

Team Leader- Citizen Journalism in Syria

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, focusing 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.

Essential Job Duties:

1. Lead the design of a conflict-sensitive citizen journalism curriculum tailored to local needs.
2. Oversee the remote and hybrid training of 50 citizen journalists across multiple regions of Syria.
3. Coordinate closely with GIZ, local Syrian partners, trainers, and media networks.
4. 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.
5. Ensure administrative compliance and timely invoicing.
6. 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 for the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the U.S. State Department, and other development partners. 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 over 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.