Capacity Building Specialist (Media development, journalism and strategic communication)
Organizational Context
The UNOPS Europe and Central Asia Regional Office (ECR) manages operations across a wide region, supporting sustainable development through project implementation, advisory services, and capacity building. The South East Europe Multi-Country Office (SEEMCO) specifically supports Serbia, North Macedonia, Montenegro, and Bosnia and Herzegovina, partnering with national institutions and civil society to advance the EU integration agenda and Sustainable Development Goals.
Job Purpose
The Capacity Building Specialist will provide expert technical advice, training, and mentoring to enhance media development, journalism, and strategic communication within North Macedonia's EU integration and governance reform processes. The role focuses on improving journalists' skills in editorial planning, reporting, fact-checking, and countering disinformation. It aims to build sustainable media capacities through tailored resources and strategic public engagement approaches, fostering informed public debate while respecting editorial independence and navigating politically sensitive contexts.
Responsibilities
Provide strategic and technical guidance for capacity-building activities, adapting international best practices to North Macedonia's context. Coordinate and deliver training for journalists, focusing on practical knowledge sharing and regional exchanges. Offer advice on communication planning, messaging, and public engagement regarding EU integration and reforms, addressing information gaps and countering misinformation. Guide journalists on editorial planning and story development, and facilitate regional peer learning through study visits. Develop practical learning materials and tools, providing feedback on reporting and verification while upholding editorial independence. Deliver key outputs including an inception report, capacity-building packages, strategic communication guidance, regional exchange support, and a final report.
Work Experience
A minimum of five years of relevant experience in journalism, media development, editorial management, strategic communication, or related areas is required. Desired experience includes capacity building through training and mentoring, developing learning resources, and working with media organizations or public institutions across different countries.
Skills
Capacity Building, Ethics, Facilitation, Information Literacy, Investigative Reporting, Media Relations, Mentoring, Strategic Communications, Integrity.