Location: New Delhi, India

Period of the assignment: 16 June 2021 – 15 June 2022

Type of contract: Consultancy

About the Media and Freedom of Expression Programme

The Media and Freedom of Expression Programme in CHRI documents, researchers and advocates for media freedom, rights of journalists and free expression. The programme focuses on a range of issues such as misinformation, digital security, local media capacity building, safety and security of journalists, media independence, among others. While building networks of support, it also documents and reviews pressures on media professionals as well as attacks against freedom of expression.

The South Asia Media Defenders Network (SAMDEN), founded in 2017 and anchored in this programme, has a membership of more than 60 media professionals from across South Asia. It seeks to support media workers by helping them work securely, while pressing for greater openness and accountability. The North East Media Collective is a pan-Indian group of journalists that is anchored in the Media and Freedom of Expression programme. It works to strengthen local media capacity for better reporting from this region.

About the Project

The project seeks to develop and disseminate multimedia educational resources on fundamental rights and civil liberties, particularly the right to peaceful assembly. This would include developing briefers, infographics, case-studies, videos etc., and organising insight building and learning sessions.

Terms of Reference

The Consultant will ideally be based in Delhi, and work closely with the Media and Freedom of Expression programme team.

Key responsibilities would include:

• Working with the team to fulfil project objectives and execute production schedule
• Conducting secondary research on the national and international legal framework, including review of academic literature, legal discourse
• Documenting and building relevant case studies, including anecdotes and stories
• Preparing briefers, infographic materials, concept notes and scripts
• Organising insight building and learning sessions with individuals/organisations
• Developing support material for multimedia products

Essential Qualifications and Skills

• Undergraduate degree in law, social sciences or mass media/journalism
• Knowledge of fundamental freedoms and civil liberties, especially relating to freedom of expression, assembly, association and information will be of advantage to the applicant
• Proven communication, documentation and external engagement skills
• High levels of competence in research and coordination
• Proven ability to articulate lucidly (verbal and writing) in English and Hindi
• Proven ability to carry out documentation and insight building
• Multimedia savvy, displaying the ability to work with text, video or image formats
• Ability to work independently but also as part of a team

Experience 

• Experience of at least 3 years in  social research, communications or campaigns
• Work experience as a professional journalist would be to the advantage of the applicant
• Experience of working with media professionals, filmmakers and editors

Interested candidates should apply with

• Current CV
• Cover letter
• At least 3 writing samples (preferably reports/videos and scripts)
• A multimedia projects portfolio will be especially useful
• Complete contact details of two professional references

The deadline for applications is June 1, 2021.

Applications may be sent to Ms. Vinu S (vinu@humanrightsinitiative.org), with a copy to Mr. Aditya Sharma (aditya@humanrightsinitiative.org). Use subject line:  Project Associate – Media and Freedom of Expression.

Incomplete applications will not be considered. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Kindly note that due to the current pandemic, CHRI’s head office in Delhi is currently closed. All applications and correspondence must be by email as we are not in a position to physically receive letters and packages.