> THE FORD FOUNDATION
> POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT
> 
> Program Officer
> Advancing Public Service Media ­ East Africa
> Freedom of Expression
> Education, Creativity and Free Expression
> 
> SUMMARY DESCRIPTION:  The Program Officer will be responsible for developing
> and managing a portfolio of grants and related activities focused on advancing
> public service media in East Africa.  The goals of the initiative are to
> foster debate and dialogue, promote learning, increase awareness of the media
> as an instrument for exploring social justice issues, and enhance public
> access and contributions to targeted campaigns as well as to assist in the
> emergence of an independent, journalistic and storytelling community committed
> to social justice content.  The Initiative promotes the public media sphere as
> a platform to give voice and visibility to the marginalized, and to add
> diverse perspectives to everyday struggles for social change while
> simultaneously transforming alternative media into a critical and cohesive
> voice of civil society. Additionally, a principal focus of the grant making is
> to encourage the development of content and institutions that further the
> goals and work of the broader East Africa field office strategy, which focuses
> on ³Fulfilling the Promise of Democracy².
> 
> Under the supervision of the foundation¹s representative in East Africa and
> the director of the Freedom of Expression Unit in New York, the Program
> Officer will develop grant making strategies and related activities to:  1)
> promote fair practice and strengthen public service media both within and
> beyond the region¹s currently existing media platforms; 2) support grantees to
> better engage with media to attain visibility, scale and impact; 3)
> innovatively stimulate the creation and wide dissemination of high-quality,
> independent, diverse, appropriate and targeted content that supports and
> deepens the impact of other office Initiatives; and 4) build strategic
> communications and investigative journalism skills, tools and practices of
> development stakeholders.  To these ends, grant making could support film
> production, radio programming, (citizen) journalism, and the use of mobile
> phones and web-based media as essential tools in promoting the office's social
> change strategies, or the development of distribution platforms and print or
> online destinations to serve as hubs of social justice content.
> 
> Working as part of the East Africa program team, the Program Officer will
> review existing lines of work; formulate grant making strategies; identify
> potential grantees; solicit, review and respond to grant proposals; monitor
> grants and other developments in the field; and prepare recommendations for
> foundation funding. S/he will develop and maintain close working relationships
> with existing and potential grantees, and with relevant leaders in
> governments, the media, research institutions, civil society and other
> funders. S/he will provide intellectual leadership in the field, and promote
> coordination and cumulative learning among key stakeholders.
> 
> As the Program Officer¹s efforts will contribute significantly to the office¹s
> wider goals, s/he will work collaboratively and in tandem with other
> Nairobi-based Program Officers to advance the objectives of other Initiatives
> focused respectively on strengthening civil society; protecting women¹s
> rights; expanding livelihood opportunities for poor households; and expanding
> community rights over natural resources. S/he will also collaborate with
> colleagues in New York and other foundation officers worldwide to support
> regional and global networks and initiatives.
> 
> 
> QUALIFICATIONS:  Substantive knowledge of the media field in East Africa and
> its potential to drive social change at scale. Significant professional
> experience working to advance development/social change through diverse
> platforms in the media, public or non-governmental sectors. A good
> understanding of the role, power, and likely impact of digital innovation and
> social media in the emerging new media landscape.  Relevant educational
> background, including an advanced degree in journalism, media and development,
> the social sciences and/or public policy. The ability to conceptualize program
> ideas and strategies and translate them into practice. Demonstrated
> creativity, analytical and organizational skills. Possess the knowledge and
> vision to strategically identify opportunities for the foundation to promote
> social justice.  Excellent written and oral communication skills. Strong
> interpersonal skills and ability to work with colleagues of diverse
> backgrounds and perspectives.
> 
> Location: Nairobi, Kenya
> 
> Salary is based on experience and on the Foundation¹s commitment to internal
> equity. A benefits package is provided.
> 
> To apply for the position visit www.fordfoundation.org/employment.  The
> application deadline is July 25, 2012.
> 
> Equal employment opportunity and having a diverse staff are fundamental
> principles at The Ford Foundation, where employment and promotional
> opportunities are based upon individual capabilities and qualifications
> without regard to race, color, religion, gender, pregnancy, sexual
> orientation/affectional preference, age, national origin, marital status,
> citizenship, disability, veteran status or any other protected characteristic
> as established under law.