Remote Freelance Opportunity: MiCT is Hiring a Media Research and Evaluation Specialist – East Africa

Join Media in Cooperation and Transition’s Critical Voices Fellowship 2025

Organization Overview

Media in Cooperation and Transition (MiCT) is an acclaimed non-profit organisation dedicated to delivering expert media services in complex and challenging environments worldwide. With a footprint spanning three continents and 15 countries, MiCT empowers local partners through training journalists and media producers, content development, radio and film production, publishing, and media research and monitoring. Committed to fostering transparent, inclusive, and fair dialogue, MiCT supports the development of resilient societies that thrive on open communication and democratic values.

Through collaborative efforts, MiCT strengthens the financial viability of its partners and enhances the quality and impact of independent media, especially in crisis and conflict contexts.

Program Overview: MiCT Fellowship for Critical Voices 2025

The MiCT Critical Voices Fellowship is a flagship initiative that supports media professionals from conflict-affected countries who demonstrate a commitment to journalistic integrity. Currently, the program focuses on journalists and media makers from Afghanistan, Belarus, Ukraine, Sudan, and Myanmar, but holds a global mandate to support critical voices worldwide.

Fellows benefit from financial and health assistance, expert safety and legal advice, psycho-social support, online and offline training, production guidance, and access to an international network of peers dedicated to independent media and free expression.

Role Description: Media Research and Evaluation Specialist

MiCT invites proposals from qualified freelance specialists to support the implementation of the Critical Voices Fellowship program in East Africa, particularly with a focus on Sudan and surrounding countries in the Horn of Africa. This role involves up to 40 days of work spread over the contract duration, expected to run until June 2026.

The specialist will undertake critical research and evaluation tasks including:

• Conducting comprehensive research on the current status and challenges faced by independent media in Sudan and other East African countries.
• Reviewing and synthesizing detailed background information on journalist candidates nominated by partner organisations.
• Performing rigorous background and credibility checks on candidates, including identity verification, assessment of affiliations, and previous work, while maintaining sensitivity to security risks and the delicate nature of exile and displacement contexts.
• Managing all candidate data and documents with the utmost confidentiality and applying a risk-informed approach tailored to the complex operational environments and the personal security needs of candidates.
• Working closely with MiCT’s partner teams and community managers to ensure alignment and effective program delivery.
• Participating in regular coordination meetings with MiCT’s headquarters in Berlin to report progress and receive guidance.

Applicant Requirements

Successful candidates will demonstrate:

• A minimum of five years’ professional experience in journalism or media development specifically focused on Sudan, East Africa, and/or the Horn of Africa region.
• Proven expertise in vetting or evaluating candidates for fellowships, grants, or other sensitive and competitive positions.
• Strong knowledge of the political, social, and media landscapes within Sudan and East African countries, with an ability to navigate complex and often high-risk environments.
• Fluency in English and proficiency in at least one additional language commonly used in the region, such as Arabic or a relevant local language.
• A demonstrated capacity to work independently, handle sensitive and confidential information judiciously, and apply sound, risk-aware judgment in decision-making.

What MiCT Offers

MiCT embraces a diverse, global team culture and welcomes applications from qualified candidates worldwide. Preference is given to those regionally based in Nairobi, Kenya, though remote applicants will be considered.

Work locations may include safe, creative hubs such as Tbilisi (Georgia), Islamabad (Pakistan), Chiang Mai (Thailand), Kyiv (Ukraine), or Berlin (Germany), with flexibility to work remotely as needed. This freelance contract provides an excellent opportunity to engage with a pioneering media development organisation, contributing to vital work supporting independent journalism in fragile contexts.

The contract is expected to run until June 2026 with the potential to split responsibilities among multiple specialists if a single candidate does not cover all geographic or technical requirements.

Application Process

Interested applicants should submit the following documents by 23:59 CET on 10 June 2025:

• A detailed cover letter specifying relevant experience and motivation for the role.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV) outlining professional background and qualifications.
• Proposed daily rate in Euros (including VAT).
• References or recommendation letters supporting the candidate’s suitability.

Applications must be sent by email to [email protected] with the subject line:
“East Africa – Media Research and Evaluation Specialist”

Equal Opportunity Commitment

Media in Cooperation and Transition is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion in its hiring practices. It actively encourages applications from candidates of all backgrounds and identities, recognizing the value of diverse perspectives in strengthening independent media and democratic discourse.

This freelance position represents a remarkable opportunity for seasoned media researchers and evaluators to contribute to the protection and empowerment of critical journalistic voices in East Africa and beyond. By joining MiCT, candidates become part of a dedicated global effort to safeguard free, fair, and impactful media in some of the world’s most challenging environments.

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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the hiring company. For any inquiries, please contact the hiring organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.