Programme Lead Safety of Journalists Collapse

Please note: Candidates must have a valid residence and work permit for the Netherlands to be considered.

Free Press Unlimited is an international press freedom organisation supporting journalists and media professionals worldwide.Access to information, independent media and freedom of expression are crucial to citizens and social organisations that want to combat poverty and inequality in their society. By reporting independently, and making public debate possible, independent media can contribute to positive change in their society. Free Press Unlimited offers worldwide support to journalists and media professionals through its advocacy work, emergency assistance, advice, trainings, capacity building and awareness raising.

Over the past few years, the hostility towards the media has led to an unprecedented level of danger for journalists. If media professionals are unable to do their work without risking harm, they will be unable to function as watchdogs; to expose crimes and injustice; and to provide reliable information and independent news to the public. 

The Safety of Journalists team works towards a safer environment for journalists globally. The team provides emergency and legal assistance to journalists and media in distress through its Reporters Respond programme, and works on the prevention and protection of media workers worldwide.
 

What you will do:

• Responsible for HR and supervision of the safety team (currently 5 internal staff and 2 external consultants) while contributing to a safe and healthy work environment for their staff members.
• Plans, coordinates and monitors the execution of projects of the team, being responsible for strategy and budget, in close collaboration with the grant & compliance manager programmes.
• Representative of Free Press Unlimited in international coalitions and networks on safety such as ACOS, GFMD and Journalists in Distress Network. 
• Responsible for coordination with other departments within Free Press Unlimited to share expertise and best and worst practices. 
• Continuously Improving the safety strategy and responsible for international relations & collaborations in the field of emergency support to journalists at risk. 
• Maintaining and building a relevant network with organisations, networks and individuals working on journalist safety globally that are important for achieving our objectives.
• Media outreach and external representation on the topic of journalist safety.
• Proposal development and acquisition. 

What we are looking for:

We are looking for a passionate and skilled people manager, with strong sensitivity to cultural differences. Our ideal candidate is independent, self-confident and decisive, with strong organisational and fundraising skills, an understanding of humanitarian aid and/or emergency response, and the ability to maintain oversight while setting priorities. A strong people manager who gets things done.

In addition the following requirements apply:

• A Bachelor degree in a relevant field of studies such as Journalism, Conflict Studies, International Law or International Development Studies or similar qualification;
• At least 5 years of professional experience in managing a team, preferably in an international work environment, especially fragile or repressive countries.
• A hands-on mentality and eagerness to take on challenges with creativity;
• Ability to take initiatives and take responsibility of allocated tasks while being a team player;
• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral. Excellent command of English, an additional language as Spanish, French or Arabic is a plus;
• High level of empathy, integrity and accountability;
• Strong affiliation with press freedom and the safety of journalists;
• Starting date: 1st of October.

What we offer:

We offer you the opportunity to contribute to a special mission. You will work in an exciting and challenging international working environment of 50 colleagues who work both from home and in a nice office in the heart of Amsterdam. We are curious about your talents and your social drive to work with us on our mission.

In addition we offer:

• An employment contract for one year, with the possibility of extension depending on performance and funding. 
•  The gross monthly salary for this position is €5,300–€6,500, depending on experience and expertise (full-time).
• 8% holiday allowance
• Excellent pension scheme
• 25 days of leave per year
• Vitality allowance 
• Fresh fruit at the workplace 
• Two additional public holidays that are important to you
• Laptop and mobile phone;
• Compensation for travel and work from home costs. 

Interested?

Then we would love to hear from you! Please apply by sending your English CV and a short cover letter (both in PDF format) no later than September 12 to Ruth de Vries via vacanies@freepressunlimited.org.

For questions about the content of the position you can contact Ruth Kronenburg at +316 53823523.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. We reserve the right to close the vacancy before the stated closing date if we have received a sufficient number of suitable applications. We encourage interested candidates to apply as soon as possible.

Free Press Unlimited values diversity and aims to be an inclusive organisation where everyone feels welcome and respected. We believe that our differences strengthen our work, drive innovation, and improve results. We therefore encourage all candidates to apply.

An assessment and screening will be part of the selection process.

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