The Ethiopia Media Support project aims to strengthen the training skills of the media self-regulatory body, Ethiopian Media Council (EMC), to cement its legitimacy and credibility within the media sector, where it works to promote the freedom of the press and guarantee that journalists take ethics into account. The EMC will benefit from two train-the-trainer training programmes. The first will focus on combating misinformation and hate speech, while the second will cover journalism in sensitive contexts and the safety aspects of reporting. This project is part of a programme implemented in partnership with the Cooperation and Cultural Action Service of the French Embassy in Addis Ababa, which supports the EMC in its media self-regulation role, and the Institut National de l'Audiovisuel (INA – France’s national audiovisual institute), which helps to preserve and promote the Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation’s archives.

Goal

Strengthening the capacity of the media in Ethiopia, by helping to strengthen the Ethiopian Media Council (a self-regulatory body for the media), particularly in its role of training its members.

Course of the project

The training of Trainers programme for trainers will run from February 2024 to September 2024. The training activity will be divided into two cycles, one devoted to combating disinformation and hate speech, and learning how to use fact-checking tools, and the otherto journalism in sensitive contexts. The beneficiaries will be trained in the practice of adult education.Each cycle will include 3 courses of 6 days each. The courses will involve a large proportion of practical exercises and role-playing so that trainees can gradually acquire and consolidate the skills they need to become trainers in one of the areas covered by the programme. The people selected will have to commit to taking part in the entire training cycle, and will receive the support of their superiors if they are employed by a media organisation or training institute.

1. The training courses will be run by experts selected by CFI and EMC. The training cycle on combating disinformation and hate speech will include modules on the basic principles of fact-checking in journalism (processing and cross-checking offline and online sources) and modules on getting used to fact-checking techniques and tools.
2. The training cycle devoted to journalism in sensitive contexts will provide trainees with the methods and tools needed to train journalists who wish to work in sensitive areas or on sensitive subjects. It will include the following modules: i/ journalism in sensitive contexts; ii/ the "do no harm" approach; iii/ safety in reporting.

A total of 30 people will be trained

• 15 people will be selected to follow the first cycle of training (combating disinformation and hate speech);
• 15 people will be selected to follow the second cycle of training (journalism in sensitive context).

Practical details

The training of trainers’ sessions will be delivered in English and local languages (Amharic, Oromo, etc.) by international and national trainers with a good knowledge of the Ethiopian context. The participation of journalists and media professionals in the program requires them to be fully available for the duration of the training courses. The managers of the journalists undertake to release them from all professional obligations for the entire duration of the training course. A certificate must be signed by the hierarchical superiors, confirming the journalist's complete availability during the training period.The training courses will be held in person in Addis Ababa, and some may be organised in peripheral regions (this remains to be determined during the implementation of the project). They will take place in a quiet room with a good internet connection, the contact details of which will be provided at a later date. Teaching tools and documentation will be made available to journalists during the training sessions. Journalists are asked to bring their own computers if possible.Coffee breaks, lunches and transport within Addis Ababa will be provided by CFI as part of the training. For journalists coming from outside Addis Ababa, accommodation, dinners and reimbursement of transport costs will also be covered by CFI.An indicative training and coaching schedule will be given to the selected journalists and media professionals.

Who is this call for applications intended for?

Target audienceEditors-in-chief, editorial directors, programme directors or heads, experienced journalists; living in Ethiopia and wishing to become professional trainers or any other person with experience in the field of training.Applications from women are strongly encouraged.Number of places available: 30 persons are expectedQualifications required:

• At least five (5) years' professional experience in journalism or equivalent field;
• Professional experience in radio or TV broadcasting;
• Good knowledge of continuing education issues;
• Experience of running educational modules;
• A good level of general knowledge;
• Advanced digital skills;
• Computer skills;
• Presence on social networks would be appreciated (Facebook and/or Twitter accounts created and active, WhatsApp, etc.);
• Availability of a laptop;
• Available to take part in the 1st training of trainers, scheduled for November 2024;
• Availability to act as a trainer for the benefit of EMC.
• A good command of one of the following local languages would be an asset: Amharic, Oromo, Somali, Trigrigna;
• Residence in one of the following four areas would be an asset: Amhara regional state; Oromia regional state; Tigray regional state; Addis Ababa administration.

Applications from media featuring women journalists will be considered with particular care.

Application documents

The application file must include the following items:

1. The completed "Application form”
2. A detailed, signed CV (max. 3 pages)
3. A copy of your valid passport or national identity card.

*Please specify for which cycle training you applied:

• for the first cycle of session: combating disinformation and hate speech;

• for the second cycle of session: journalism in sensitive contexts.

Evaluation criteria

Participants will be selected by the "Ethiopia Media Support" project team, which means: one representant from EMC, one representant from CFI, on the basis of an assessment of professional experience and motivation.Applications will be examined by a panel of judges who will assess the media applications according to the criteria set out in the table below (out of 100 points):

Assessment grid

Key dates

Wednesday 03 January 2024: call for applications opensFriday 26 January 2024: deadline for receipt of applications (6pm GMT)From Friday 27 January to Wednesday 10 January 2024: selection of participating journalistsFrom mid-February 2024 to end of July 2024: training courses

Template for the commitment letter

Letter of commitment signed by media management (text below)I hereby certify (Name and title of person) that (Name of media/company) undertakes, if our applicant is accepted by CFI, to take part in all the activities of the "Ethiopia media Support, Train, Protect & Value" project and to commit the journalist required for the cycle of trainings dedicated.

APPLY!