International Media Expert

Background:
The impact of uncontrolled proliferation and possession of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW), ammunition and explosives continue to constitute a major threat to public safety, social and economic development in Albania. Poorly controlled and illegal SALW, ammunition and explosives sustain criminal elements and organized crime, by enabling violence and insecurity. All of these aspects have very negative effects on security and confidence–building measures in the country and the region. 
Therefore, the project “Assisting the national authorities of the Republic of Albania to decrease the risk of weapon proliferation and misuse of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW)” aims to support the Republic of Albania’s efforts to implement OSCE commitments in the field of preventing and combating SALW proliferation, thus contributing to the national and regional security and stability. Furthermore, it will contribute to one of the main priority areas as identified by the Ministry of Interior of the Republic of Albania and the Albanian State Police by increasing the capacities of Albanian authorities in raising public awareness of the dangers of misuse and proliferation of SALW.
SALW project organizes several activities in the framework of the project results, based on the OSCE international and local commitments.  In this context the Project is recruiting an international expert for developing a handbook in line with ethical and professional reporting guidelines for the journalists covering SALW and gender-based violence affairs. 

Objective of Assignment: 
The Handbook for the journalists covering security, SALW and gender-based violence affairs will be developed based on the assessment of media reporting and capacity building needs of journalists . The handbook includes a set of theoretical and practical guidelines for Albanian public and private media outlets, broadcast, print and online media. Through this handbook, SALW project aims to improve media professional standards and enhance the media engagement in the initiatives that would increase the public knowledge on the risks and dangers of illegal possession of firearms.
The handbook will be developed based on international standards of freedom of expression, and in line with Code of Ethics and Audio-visual Media Law.

Duration of Assignment:
This consultancy is envisaged to be completed during a period of 6 months, starting potentially from August 2024.

Tasks and Responsibilities:
1.    Zero draft of the handbook that includes a framework of a set of theoretical and practical guidelines and principles regarding media coverage and reporting on SALW and gender-based violence related to firearms. Topics that will be integrated in the handbook will include the following list, but not limited to:
o    Summary/introduction of analysis of media coverage of security, SALW and gender-based violence related to firearms misuse;                             

o    Introduction to rules and principles for ethical media reporting on security, crimes, law enforcement, gender-based violence and other related subject matters;  
o    Timing and reasoning behind the media reporting related to security, crimes, law enforcement, gender-based violence and other related subject matters;
o    Characteristics of portrait reporting 
o    Gender sensitive reporting;
o    Revile of the unnecessary details during the reporting;
o    Sensationalism and stereotypes
o    Basics of journalism, interviews and the ready-made videos/materials;
o    Access to information and cooperation of media with Ministry of Interior, Ministry of justice, Albanian State Police and other relevant structures;
o    Types of misinformation and disinformation (Matrix of misinformation and dissemination mechanisms);    
o    Responsible and ethical reporting in an age of disinformation (especially online and tools to verify facts);
o    Newsgathering and monitoring on the social web (learning what you should be asking yourself to report 

1.    Zero draft of the handbook that includes a framework of a set of theoretical and practical guidelines and principles regarding media coverage and reporting on SALW and gender-based violence related to firearms. Topics that will be integrated in the handbook will include the following list, but not limited to:
o    Summary/introduction of analysis of media coverage of security, SALW and gender-based violence related to firearms misuse;                             
o    Introduction to rules and principles for ethical media reporting on security, crimes, law enforcement, gender-based violence and other related subject matters;  
o    Timing and reasoning behind the media reporting related to security, crimes, law enforcement, gender-based violence and other related subject matters;
o    Characteristics of portrait reporting 
o    Gender sensitive reporting;
o    Revile of the unnecessary details during the reporting;
o    Sensationalism and stereotypes
o    Basics of journalism, interviews and the ready-made videos/materials;
o    Access to information and cooperation of media with Ministry of Interior, Ministry of justice, Albanian State Police and other relevant structures;
o    Types of misinformation and disinformation (Matrix of misinformation and dissemination mechanisms);    
o    Responsible and ethical reporting in an age of disinformation (especially online and tools to verify facts);
o    Newsgathering and monitoring on the social web (learning what you should be asking yourself to report ethically and effectively on disinformation);
o    Media’s role to raise awareness on the misuse and the risk of firearms 

2. Closely coordinate with the local expert on the localisation of handbook to the local contexts, as well as with Ministry of Interior (MoI) and Albanian State Police (ASP), as well as with journalists if needed;
3. Reflect the feedback of OSCE, MOI, Albanian State Police, as well as the local expert and submit the final draft of the handbook.  

Deliverables:

1. Minimum 50 pages, Times New Roman format, 12 font 

2. Regular coordination meetings between  project team, local expert, as well as MOI and ASP representatives throughout the assignment and as needed for the development of the handbook.   
3. Finalised handbook, minimum 50 pages, Times New Roman format, 12 font. 

Necessary Qualifications:

•   Graduate with a BA level diploma in journalism, communications, public relations, or other relevant media fields; Master’s level diploma preferred, both from an accredited international university. Or equivalent experience in lieu of university credentials, acceptable. 
  •    15-20 years of journalism experience reporting on domestic and international subject matter and news events for television, radio, print, and online. 
  •    Field reporting experience in local and international contexts is preferable, with a familiarity and experience on reporting on issues related to security, crimes, law enforcement, gender-based violence and other related subject matters.
  •    A familiarity with the cultural, political, and geographic background of Albania and the region. 
  •    A track record of preparing materials to an international audience or set of participants that are operating as working journalists.
  •    Experience in drafting content and publications investigative journalism, field reporting skills, and on-air/on-camera and in-studio experience.
  •    Experience in covering police, security services, and relevant line ministries. 
  •    Where possible, experience conducting training for law enforcement and security services.   
  •    Proficiency in drafting publications and collaboration with counterparts, fellow contributors, editors, publishers, and project managers. 
• •    Capacity to work remotely with independent guidance, prompt communications skills online and in conference call platforms to work collaboratively and meet tight-editing deadlines.  
  •    Capacity to professionally proof-read, copy-edit, and provide constructive editorial critique of content.  Ability to accept editorial, legal, and professional guidance to ensure alignment with protocols of internationally mandated institutions.  (UN, Council of Europe, OSCE, European Court of Human Rights, et al.)  
  •    A global outlook that incorporates international best practices while contextualizing content and a working publication for journalists and subject matter experts operating in an international media landscape.
  •    An unwavering dedication to the principles of fact-based reporting, with the goal to counter the proliferation of small arms and light weapons, reduce the prevalence and impact of gender based violence, and mitigate the effects of misinformation and disinformation that often accompany reporting on such topics.    

Remuneration Package:

Remuneration will be based on the selected consultant’s/expert’s qualifications, experience, the tasks and deliverables for this position and in accordance with the OSCE established rates.

If you wish to apply for this position, please use the OSCE’s online application link found under https://vacancies.osce.org/.

The OSCE retains the discretion to re-advertise/re-post the vacancy, to cancel the recruitment or to offer an appointment with a modified job description or for a different duration.

Only those candidates who are selected to participate in the subsequent stages of recruitment will be contacted.

The OSCE is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages qualified female and male candidates from all religious, ethnic and social backgrounds to apply to become a part of the Organization. 

Candidates should be aware that OSCE officials shall conduct themselves at all times in a manner befitting the status of an international civil servant. This includes avoiding any action which may adversely reflect on the integrity, independence and impartiality of their position and function as officials of the OSCE. The OSCE is committed to applying the highest ethical standards in carrying out its mandate. For more information on the values set out in OSCE Competency Model, please see https://jobs.osce.org/resources/document/our-competency-model.

Please be aware that the OSCE does not request payment at any stage of the application and review process.