IPI Vacancy: Turkey Programme Manager

Deadline for applications: 3 February.

However, applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible as interviews may be conducted on a rolling basis.

Description:

IPI is seeking a driven, dedicated project manager to lead its #FreeTurkeyJournalists (#FTJ) programme.

#FTJ is a media freedom campaign for journalists in Turkey entering the third year of a three-year campaign cycle.

The campaign:

  • Monitors and documents all media freedom violations in Turkey.
  • Organizes campaigns around individual cases.
  • Researches and advocates against media censorship in all its forms including judicial harassment of journalists, the targeting of independent media by regulatory authorities, and the closing down of online space for free expression.
  • Leads an annual media freedom mission and coordinates a coalition of journalist and freedom of expression organizations.
  • Gives voice to the plight of Turkey’s journalists in international intergovernmental organizations including the EU, Council of Europe, and the OSCE.
  • Builds support for quality journalism through IPI’s Turkey National Committee.

The Turkey programme has been implemented by IPI since 2018 and the programme manager will take over the current three-year project with one year to go, joining an established team in Vienna and in Turkey. The programme manager will be responsible for successfully concluding the project, including finalizing all grant reporting requirements.

IPI’s Turkey programme is a long-term project with the possibility of renewal. The programme manager will also play a key role in preparing the proposal for the next programme round.

Duties and responsibilities, in line with the project plan, include:

  • Managing and completing the third year of IPI’s current #FTJ programme, which is primarily supported financially by a grant from the European Commission. This includes ensuring that all project activities are successfully concluded.
  • Managing and maintaining the project work plan in line with the project budget.
  • Coordinating with IPI’s team and partners and members in Turkey, including the IPI Turkey National Committee, and IPI’s broader project and advocacy teams in Vienna.
  • Initiating communication and advocacy responses to media freedom violations and broader advocacy strategies on media freedom.
  • Managing IPI’s Turkey-based project officer responsible for in-country activities
  • Communicating IPI’s press freedom monitoring and advocacy work in Turkey.
  • Overseeing and carrying out robust research and data collection on press freedom violations in Turkey.
  • Overseeing and producing regular advocacy materials highlighting press freedom violations in Turkey, including drafting and editing of statements, reports, newsletters, fact sheets, annual reports, and policy briefs that support national, regional, and global advocacy.
  • Coordinating panel sessions and side events at key international forums related to press freedom in Turkey.
  • Driving and coordinating other aspects of IPI’s engagement in Turkey, including safety and countering online harassment
  • Together with other members of IPI’s team, representing IPI at international events, on panels, and in interviews to the media on issues related to media freedom in Turkey.
  • Coordinating donor communications and grant reporting.
  • Coordinating all actions with IPI’s Turkey National Committee and supporting the committee’s strategy to expand its membership, actions, and ability to influence and lead debates among the country’s journalists on the future of Turkey’s journalists

2023 is a particularly exciting year as IPI plans to mark the Republic’s centenary by celebrating the central role that journalism has played in it over the past 100 years.

Candidates should have the following skills and experience:

  • Proven experience in EU grant management.
  • Demonstrated press freedom advocacy experience, with strong networking and partnership development skills and instincts.
  • Strong organizational skills including the ability to prioritize in a busy and challenging environment.
  • Ability to communicate clearly with a project team on actions and priorities, with strong writing and editing skills
  • The discipline to focus on maintaining a project work plan while also having the flexibility to respond to urgent situations in real time.
  • Excellent communication skills in English; knowledge of Turkish is not required but would be an advantage
  • Strong collaborative working skills, and ability to generate working relationships with sources and partners
  • Ability to think strategically about how to use IPI’s voice to combat attacks on the media

The position is expected to involve regular travel to Turkey and may also include other travel within Europe.

The Turkey Programme Manager should have at least five years of relevant professional experience. Journalistic experience and/or experience working for a related human rights organization is highly valued.

Location and term

This position would ideally be based at IPI’s headquarters in Vienna, Austria. However, a flexible arrangement may be negotiated with the successful candidate.

IPI is an equal opportunity employer and supports the diverse cultures, perspectives, skills, and experiences in our organization.

All nationalities are eligible to apply. A successful candidate who is not a citizen of the European Union/European Economic Area will be eligible for a work permit in Austria.

The successful candidate would ideally start from 1 March 2023.

As this position is cover for a professional leave, it is initially foreseen as a one-year appointment.

Remuneration

IPI offers a competitive salary based on experience and qualifications.

How to apply

Interested applicants should send a cover letter and CV, including the names of at least three references, to [email protected], with the headline “Turkey Programme Manager”.