Would you like to help us promoting independent journalism in Tanzania?

Who are we? IMS (International Media Support) supports local independent media and media advocacy groups in countries affected by conflict, political transition and authoritarian rule. Established in 2001, the organisation has since worked with hundreds of local and international partners to support independent journalism, freedom of expression and the safety of journalists.

Department In the Africa region, we work with partners to further the safety of journalists, promote freedom of expression and media reform, build institutions, and develop media content.

IMS in Tanzania In January 2025, IMS began work on its 2025-2028 programme strategy, Strong media, good journalism and informed public discourse for accountability in Tanzania. This country strategy includes the EU funded Action, Empowering Journalists for Informed Communities in Tanzania and aims to strengthen public interest media, content production and distribution, promote active and engaged citizenry, good governance and accountability through media. It will do so by pursuing an overall objective of increasing public access, especially amongst women, youth and rural communities, to balanced and high-quality media content that holds power to account, promotes public participation in democratic and developmental processes, and counters mis/disinformation. The programme is community centred and aligned with international, regional and national frames. Key programme approaches include strategic funding and core support to partners, expert input and capacity development, coalition-building and coordination, human rights-based and trust-based local partnerships and local leadership. Particular emphasis is placed on gender mainstreaming

Job Summary As Programme Officer, you will contribute to to the design, planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation and communication aspects of the IMS programme in Tanzania. You will work directly with IMS partners and consultants in Tanzania as well as colleagues at IMS headquarters to realise programme results.

Key Functions and Responsibilities

1. General programme cycle management

•  Collects and organises data and information for context analysis, and project planning, management, monitoring, evaluation and learning purposes
•  Contributes to programme design, planning and strategy development
•  Assists in the preparation of funding gap analyses, funding proposals, budget utilisation reports and analyses and other relevant documentation ensuring accuracy
•  Assists in developing and monitoring annual work plans and budgets, as well as associated deliverables and results/outputs
•  Undertake follow-up action on programme implementation

2. Oversight, management and support of IMS partners in Tanzania

•  Prepare partner contract documents as requested.
•  Identifies partner capacity needs and facilitates partner training and orientation
•  Ensure close oversight over implementing partners’ activities, through periodic partner visits and reports.
•  Evaluate and analyse partner reports to ensure appropriateness of documentation, and that expenditures are within allotments.
•  Plan, organise and coordinate all partner meetings, workshops, conferences, learning forums and webinars as is necessary
•  Communicate with partners on project feasibility and effectiveness including monitoring the implementation and collection of results
•  Create forums for coalition building, coordination, information sharing and raising awareness

3. Reporting and donor relations

•  Support the programme manager to ensure that the programme is implemented in a manner that is consistent with donor requirements.
•  Draft relevant sections of various reports, such as for donors, management, etc.
•  Attend bilateral and multilateral meetings with donors, prepare notes and undertake follow-up action and coordination related to programme implementation and monitoring

4. Other

•  Initiate or participate in procurement of technical services and supplies for the IMS programme in Tanzania
•  Participate in the develop ment and implement ation of a communication and visibility plan for the IMS programme in Tanzania
•  Represent the programme at meetings and events related to the programme
•  Create content for the programme website, social media and other communication platforms
•  Participate in IMS institutional learning, knowledge sharing and other activities
•  Work in close cooperation with IMS local and headquarters support functions
•  Work in alignment and compliance with all IMS strategy, policies , procedures and processes eloiMfy DmwsIO
•  Develop personal performance objectives, targets and performance criteria
•  Develop, promote and adhere to good practice and to agreed systems and procedures across all areas of work

Qualifications

Required Qualifications and Experience

•  At least a university degree in media studies, journalism, development studies or related fields. A Master’s degree is preferred
•  At least three years of progressively responsible experience in programme management or related work in media development and development communication
•  Fluency in spoken Swahili and English and good writing skills in both is required
•  Prior work on donor-funded projects is highly desirable
•  Computer skills, including proficiency in various MS-Office applications.
•  Ability to perform a variety of specialised tasks related to programme cycle management, particularly monitoring and evaluation

Technical knowledge requirements and attitude specific to the job

•  Technical and professional knowledge of media, media development, journalism, governance and civil society in Tanzania as well as global media development challenges and opportunities
•  Committed to and passionate about media freedom, freedom of expression and access to information in Tanzania
•  Able to work in a multi-cultural and inclusive environment, demonstrating awareness of gender and diversity and establishing harmonious and effective working relationships both within and outside the organisation

Key Competencies

•  Innovation
•  Accountability
•  Service excellence
•  Effective communication (oral and written)
•  Strategic thinking
•  Advocacy
•  Collaborativ

Duration and Location

• •  Expected length of employment: 12 months (with possibility for extension)
  •  Place of employment: Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
  •  The candidate must be able to work in Tanzania as a work permit cannot be sponsored
  •  Employment type: Full-time
  •  Starting date: 1st of April or as soon as possible
  •  Salary will be commensurate with experience and IMS policies

Organisation You will report to the Programme Manager for Tanzania, work closely with the team in the Africa Department, and liaise frequently with IMS’ Finance and Administration Department, the Communications Unit, and other cross-cutting units where needed.