International Expert for a Capacity Development Programme on Explanatory Journalism

IDLO in Mongolia, project objectives and outcome   

IDLO Mongolia is implementing the “Judicial Engagement and Transparency (JET) 2024-2026” project, funded by the European Union Delegation in Mongolia. The project’s main objective is to enhance participation of civil society and the media in accountability of the justice system with effective working mechanisms between CSOs, media, and justice system actors through a series of dialogues, capacity-building programmes, advocacy events, and development of support services in designated courts.

Objectives, scope, and tasks of the assignment 

The objective of this assignment is to develop and deliver a capacity development program that empowers journalists to write clear, concise, and informative case summaries while using explanatory methodologies and court journalism techniques that enhance public understanding of the judiciary. The international expert will work closely with a national consultant throughout all phases of the assignment, including a training needs assessment consultations with relevant stakeholders, and developing a training program as well as delivering training.. Throughout the development of the training program, the international expert will ensure that feedback from IDLO and other key stakeholders is incorporated. Additionally, the international expert will select 2 best articles/ case summaries for publishing while providing ongoing support to the trainee journalists. Under the guidance of the Field Program Manager/Project Coordinator, the international expert shall perform the following tasks:

1. Prepare and submit an inception report indicating detailed work plan, timeline and proposed outline of the training program in collaboration with the national consultant.
2. Conduct desk review of the materials related to explanatory journalism, particularly international best practices, methods and methodologies.
3. Take an online IDLO Training of Trainers (ToT) course and obtain a certification of completion.
4. Conduct a training needs assessment to determine the current level of understanding and capacity of journalists regarding case summaries and explanatory writing.
5. Facilitate 2 consultations engaging relevant stakeholders in collaboration with the national consultant.
6. Prepare a training program, pilot it and improve it by incorporating feedback and comments from IDLO and other relevant stakeholders.
7. Deliver an in-person training session for 25 journalists on explanatory journalism and the writing of case summaries with explanatory methodologies.
8. Select the 2 best articles/case summaries among the trainee journalists for publication, while providing ongoing support to all journalists.
9. Prepare a completion report indicating all tasks achieved within the assignment, including key challenges, and further recommendations.
10. The inception and completion reports should be prepared in English to meet IDLO and EU administrative regulations and standards.

The international expert will be engaged from 15 April 2025 to 30 April 2026.

The expected deliverables are outlined in the table below:  

Each deliverable is linked to a specific portion of the payment, provided that quality, satisfactory performance, and agreed products are delivered on time, and accepted by the Field Program Manager/Project Coordinator of IDLO Mongolia Country Office. The payment will be approved by the Field Program Manager/Project Coordinator

Qualifications:

The international expert will have professional expertise with the following qualifications:  

1. At least a master’s degree in journalism, communication and/or a related field;
2. At minimum of 8 years of experience in journalism, media training, or related fields;
3. Proven experience in writing case summaries, particularly in the judiciary and law enforcement contexts;
4. Experience in developing and delivering training programs for journalists or media professionals;
5. Demonstrated experience in applying explanatory journalism methodologies to simplify complex topics for a general audience;
6. Ability to work as a team;
7. Excellent communication skills.

IDLO reserves the right to revise the TOR upon consultation with all parties involved in the assignment based on potential risk prevention identified during the implementation.

The international expert is expected to arrange and cover all administrative expenses of the assignment with the allocated budget to deliver the products. This includes, but is not limited to, the following: office facilities; equipment and communications costs; and report preparation. Travel and accommodation costs for facilitating the training session will be covered by the project.

IDLO is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity in all areas of its operations. We welcome applications from qualified and diverse candidates. 

IDLO is committed to achieving a 50/50 gender balance at all levels within its workforce. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for IDLO vacancies.

The application expires on 31 March 2025 at 23:55 (Rome time)