Job Title: Media Lawyer

Job Type: Full-Time

Location: Monrovia, Liberia

Supervisor: Senior Advisor

About Internews:

Internews is an international non-profit organization dedicated to giving people the news and information they need, the ability to connect, and the means to make their voices heard. Since its formation in 1982, Internews has worked in more than 100 countries worldwide. Working in Sub-Saharan Africa since 1998, Internews currently has offices and projects throughout the region with its regional office in Nairobi. Internews USAID Media Activity program seeks to enhance the human and institutional capacity of the media while advocating for and maintaining current media freedoms to reliably carry out responsible journalism, drive reforms, and increase revenue, with the goal of expanding Liberians’ engagement with government and increasing accountability.

Position Overview:

The Media Lawyer supports the design of the Political Economic Analysis with Internews consultant and local partners. Coordinate, design, and implement of policy advocacy strategy with partners. Provide expert support to all policy advocacy activities—from reviewing documents to mentoring local organizations. Act as legal reform focal point to engage the Government of Liberia, media, civil society organizations (CSOs), and private sector. Provide regular feedback to the Chief of Party (COP) and Senior Advisor to adapt strategy.

The Media Lawyer will also lead and advice on efforts in strengthening the normative legal enabling environment for freer and stronger media and freedom of information.

Description of main duties and responsibilities:

• Support Media Activity legal consultant to conduct one Political Economic Analysis (PEA) of the media legal environment
• Leads Internews efforts in reviewing the current status of the Freedom of Information law in Liberia
• Provides legal advice/support to Liberian partners for improved legislation governing media
• Conducts seminars/outreach and advocacy activities to create support for Freedom of Information
• Advise partners such as the Press Union of Liberia in reviewing and improving Journalism Ethics policies and self-regulation mechanisms
• Support partners in the review and development of media and public information related polices and legislations.
• Support the Association of Liberia Community Radio to develop a national policy for community radio management
• Support the updating of Media Activity community radio partners legal status with Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA) and Ministry of Information Cultural Affairs and Tourism
• Coordinate with LTA to finalize the new FM frequency regulatory policy
• Work with the Press Union of Liberia to lead advocacy efforts for the establishment of an Independent Media Commission to enhance media regulation

Qualifications, Skills and Abilities

• A law degree with more than five years of advocacy in media law and reform or a degree in the social sciences with more than ten years of high-level experience in the media including drafting of media laws, advocacy for media reform and media stakeholders’ engagement in Liberia
• Experience in media management or management of media organizations
• Experience working on freedom of and access to information
• Extensive knowledge of the media and information ecosystem and media reform environment in Liberia
• Experience in providing high technical advice to national and international entities
• Established networks in the media sector and in Government
• Excellent oral and writing skills
• Excellent representation skills
• Strong commitment to teamwork
• Effective communication, motivating leadership and interpersonal skills.

How to Apply

1. Write a short cover letter that includes your telephone number and email.

2. Include your CV

3. This position is for Liberian nationals only. Qualified and experienced Liberian female applicants are encouraged to apply.

4. Email your application to HRLiberia@internews.org stating the name of the position in the subject line.

5. Applications must be received by October 26, 2021.

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