Call for applications: media consultants

Work with us to support  IPI’s Media Innovation and Sustainability portfolio

Are you an experienced media professional passionate about driving innovation and sustainability in the media industry? Do you have expertise in fields related to news product development and innovation methods for journalism and a desire to coach and advise independent media organizations? If so, apply to our programme as a consultant and join us in driving creativity, strategy and positive change! 

About the Program

At IPI’s Media Innovation and Sustainability programme, we guide media through innovation and business development activities, to help independent media organizations pursue financial, technical and editorial sustainability.

Our support programmes each last for 7-8 months, subsequently fostering ongoing engagement through a dynamic ecosystem of alumni media organizations and practitioners. Our activities go beyond just theory – we offer a hands-on mix of skills-development and training, coaching, mentorship, strategic advice, funding and networking.

Our programme creates a vibrant space to learn from each other and engage in a community of practice, connecting experienced media professionals with new and established media organizations seeking guidance and learning. Consultants will be strategically matched with media tackling challenges in their field of expertise.

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Once matched with a media organization facing a challenge in your fields of expertise, you will

  • Be the media’s thematic touch-point for participation in different IPI programmes
    • Develop and track objectives and key results for each media
    • Review and answer questions related to their participation in IPI training modules
    • Support their delivery of a final project
  • Provide group and one-on-one coaching and advisory support 
    • Offer actionable guidance on best practices, strategies, and approaches for developing and implementing innovative media projects
    • Share insights and practical advice based on your own experiences and expertise in the field
    • Engage in regular communication and feedback sessions with mentees to track progress and provide ongoing support
  • Keep in touch with our innovation projects manager at IPI
    • Provide regular updates to the project manager, including monthly surveys on the coaching experience
    • Inform the project manager of progress, questions and challenges media face, in order for IPI to coordinate supplementary coaching

  • You’re a practitioner. Proven expertise in fields relevant to media innovation, including for example audience research, product development, technological innovation or revenue diversification, with a track record of successful project development and implementation.
  • You keep up with trends and skills. Strong understanding of emerging trends, technologies, and methodologies shaping the global media industry. Knowledge of regional media landscapes is a plus.
  • You are a people person. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively mentor and advise individuals and teams and simplify the complex.
  • You are fluent in English. Any additional language proficiency is a plus. We also host full coaching arrangements in Arabic, Spanish, French, BSK, and more.

Curious to share your expertise and connect with your future mentees? To apply, please submit the following via the application form:

  1. A current CV highlighting your relevant experience, expertise, and qualifications.
  2. A cover letter outlining why you are interested in serving as a consultant for this programme and how your skills and experience align with the responsibilities outlined above.
  3. A clear outline of the areas you can advise on, including 
    1. Specific expertise and specialization
    2. Skills and tools
    3. Case studies and past projects
    4. Regional and language expertise

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, so do not hesitate to reach out! This is a paid position – the hourly rate ranges from approximately €80 to €160, depending on qualification. The estimated time commitment is a maximum of two hours a week, and a maximum of six hours a month. If you have any questions on the call and position, go ahead and drop us a line at [email protected]. We look forward to receiving your application and joining forces to empower independent media to reach editorial and financial sustainability.

Application form