Local consultant to provide Training on Police and Media Awareness during Media Crisis Management (SSA)

Background:

Freedom of expression and media freedom are pivotal for the democratic progress of Kosovo. Since early 2023, the journalism landscape has increasingly become precarious, with journalists often finding themselves on the frontlines of various crisis situations. Their unwavering commitment to uncovering truths, even amid danger, remains paramount. However, ensuring the safety of journalists and media professionals, especially women, is an urgent concern as they frequently become targets of various forms of violence. These attacks not only jeopardize media freedom but also the public’s right to receive crucial information.

Between May and June 2023, Kosovo witnessed an unprecedented surge in attacks against journalists and media professionals. The Association of Journalists of Kosovo (AJK) in 2023 reported an alarming 74 cases of intimidation, threats, and assaults, marking a significant increase from the 33 cases documented in 2022. This escalation can be largely attributed to incidents arising from heightened tensions in the northern municipalities of Kosovo during that period.

In response to these challenges, a 20-day training program on crisis reporting was developed through a collaborative effort between the Kosovo Police and local journalists. The training will take place in April with 20 participants per session, for a total of 5 training sessions.  This initiative aims to foster mutual understanding, co-operation, and effectiveness during crisis situations. It recognizes the indispensable roles that both the police and journalists play in disseminating accurate and timely information to the public, thereby ensuring transparency and maintaining public safety.

The primary goal of this training is to equip journalists with the specialized skills necessary to navigate the complexities and high-pressure environments of crisis reporting. By providing journalists with tools for safety, accuracy, and integrity in their reporting, the initiative aims to empower them to fulfil their critical role even in the face of adversity.

Furthermore, the training serves to enhance the understanding of the Kosovo Police of the unique challenges and needs faced by journalists in crisis situations. This understanding fosters a co-operative environment that benefits both parties and, ultimately, serves the interests of the public.

Through this collaborative effort, the training seeks to empower journalists to report on crises with accuracy, integrity, and most importantly, safety. It also aims to strengthen the Kosovo Police’s ability to effectively collaborate with the media, acknowledging the pivotal role of media in informing the public and contributing to a well-informed society.

In conclusion, the training on crisis reporting represents a proactive step towards addressing the significant challenges faced by the media landscape in Kosovo. It signifies a commitment to upholding media freedom, fostering transparency, and ultimately enhancing public safety. These efforts are essential elements for the democratic development and stability of Kosovo, ensuring that the voices of journalists and the public are heard and respected.

The consultant hired for this training program will deliver a comprehensive curriculum aiming to achieve critical objectives. They will equip journalists with specialized skills necessary for crisis reporting, focusing on safety, accuracy, and integrity. The training will cover risk assessment, conflict-sensitive reporting, digital security, and ethical considerations in crisis situations. Practical exercises, case studies, and simulations will provide hands-on experience for swift and responsible decision-making.
Additionally, the training seeks to deepen the Kosovo Police’s understanding of journalists’ challenges during crises, enabling effective collaboration. This mutual understanding fosters a supportive environment benefiting both parties. Ultimately, the training ensures timely and accurate information dissemination, promoting transparency and public trust.
The local consultant will conduct interactive sessions for Kosovo police and journalists, enhancing their communication skills with the media. The training includes examples of proper and improper police conduct, dealing with accessible media, and understanding media in the digital age. It emphasizes interactivity and hands-on learning, with a focus on building the legal capacity of police officers to address media inquiries effectively.

 

Objective of Assignment: 

The Mission seeks to hire a local trainer to conduct training sessions focusing on essential aspects for journalists in crisis situations, such as risk assessment, conflict-sensitive reporting, digital security, and ethical considerations. Hands-on exercises will prepare participants to make informed decisions swiftly. The training aims to deepen Kosovo Police’s understanding of journalists’ challenges, fostering effective collaboration. This mutual cooperation ensures timely information dissemination, promoting transparency, accountability, and public trust. This empowers journalists to serve as reliable sources, while the Police are better equipped to support public safety and security.

 

Duration of Assignment:

The Consultant will be hired for 20 working days.

 

Tasks and Responsibilities:

Develop five – day training programe from 25 – 29 April to equip journalists and Kosovo police with specialized skills essential for navigating the intricate and high-pressure environments characteristic of crisis reporting.
To conduct pre-evaluation test of the participants and share the results of the test with the Activity Manager.
Provide the necessary tools and equipment for the simulation purpose of the training programme for both Kosovo Police and journalists.
To conduct post-training evaluation.
A final report including conclusions and recommendations to be submitted upon completion of the training to the Activity Manager, for the purpose of drafting guidelines on reporting in crisis situations.

Deliverables:

• By 18 April, the work plan to be submitted to the Activity Manager for approval;
• Performance Indicator: Workplan, Agenda, material to be distributed for the simulations of the trainings and other relevant material;
• Pre-evaluation test conducted and shared with Activity Manager by 25 April;
• Performance Indicator: Pre-training evaluation of participants conducted and shared duly with the PM indicating the results of the evaluation;
• By 30 April, conduct the training in a satisfactory manner, for both target groups;
• Performance Indicator: At least 70% of the participants are satisfied with the training conducted, through their evaluation forms;
• Post-training evaluation conducted and results shared with the Activity Manager by end of April.
• Performance Indicator: Post-Training evaluation of participants conducted and shared duly with the PM indicating the results of the evaluation;
• By 5 May submit a final report, conclusions and recommendations to be included in guidelines how to report on crisis situations;
• Performance Indicator: Final report, containing conclusions and recommendations for upcoming activities and guidelines on crisis                   reporting situations;

 

Necessary Qualifications:

• University degree in social studies, languages, journalism, general law or media law, or political sciences;
• At least five years of relevant working experience in the field of media and human rights;
• Professional knowledge of media landscape and media legislation in the South-eastern Europe;
• Professional experience in drafting understanding of media ethics, legal framework;
• Familiarity with justice issues;
• Professional knowledge of  Albanian and Serbian, good command of English language;
• At least ten years of experience in providing relevant trainings.
• Computer literacy.

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.

In order to apply for this position, you must complete the OSCE’s online application form, found under OSCE Careers – Jobs Applicants are encouraged to use the online recruitment and only fully completed OSCE applications will be accepted. However, if you have technical difficulties with the system, you may use the offline application form found at Offline application form tendersglobal.net OSCE Employment and forward the completed form quoting the vacancy number by e-mail to: consultancy.omik@osce.org. In line with your qualifications please indicate a preference for one or more fields of expertise listed above (while using the online application the field of expertise preference can be indicated in
the cover letter part). Kindly note that applications received after the deadline, submitted in different formats than the OSCE Application Form or other languages than the English language would not be considered. The OSCE is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce and encourages qualified female and male candidates from all national, religious, ethnic, and social backgrounds to apply.