Programme Manager for regional initiatives in IMS’ Asia Department

Are you experienced in programme cycle management and media development? Do you have an interest in promoting independent journalism in challenging environments in Asia?

Who we are?
International Media Support supports local independent media and media advocacy groups in countries affected by conflict, political transition and authoritarian rule. Set up in 2001, the organisation has since then worked with hundreds of local and international partners to support independent journalism, freedom of expression and the safety of journalists.

Department
In Asia, we work with partners to enhance people’s access to relevant and reliable journalism by supporting independent media and their content production, safeguarding journalists and other media workers, building institutions and promoting freedom of expression and combatting disinformation and hate speech. IMS has country programme activities in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Cambodia, Philippines, and Indonesia, as well as regional initiatives spanning across the Asia region.

Regional programme
This position relates among others to IMS’ upcoming DDI (Digital Democracy Initiative) programme which aims to combat climate disinformation and enhance digital resilience for Indigenous Peoples Forest and Climate Activists (IPFCA) across Africa, Asia, and Latin America through collaboration, training, and technology. It will be implemented in collaboration with a consortium led by the international NGO IWGIA and local partners in IMS’ programme countries in Asia and Africa.

Job summary
IMS is seeking an experienced and dedicated Programme Manager to join the Asia team for management and coordination of regional initiatives. One focus is to manage a new regional programme on countering disinformation. More specifically this programme focuses on the use of digital technologies and the production and distribution of public interest content on climate change, deforestation and Indigenous Peoples in South-East Asia. The programme manager will also be in charge of coordinating with other members of the consortia in both Asia and Africa. A key task will be ongoing coordination with participating programme countries and country-based programme managers.

The programme manager will also be working towards establishing other regional initiatives for IMS in Asia and help to coordinate partnerships related to the DDI and other upcoming initiatives including fundraising for these.

The programme manager will work in close collaboration with the regional director for Asia, IMS advisors, country programme managers in the region as well as IMS HQ in Copenhagen. The Programme Manager will be based in the successful applicant’s home country (preferably in Southeast Asia), with frequent travel to IMS activity countries in Asia and occasional travel to IMS HQ.

Key functions and key responsibilities

• Programme cycle management: ensure rollout of new grant periods, including elaboration of annual plans; conduct partner assessments; elaboration of agreements with partners and consultants; keep track of and ensure compliance with deadlines for donor requirements and progress reporting. Monitor and maintain financial overviews and make sure programme and partners comply with donor and IMS requirements, as well as foster close contacts with national and international partners.
• Programme coordination: ensure efficient and timely implementation of programme activities according to agreed plans and budgets. This entails close coordination with consortium members and partners to align on objectives and timelines, as well as addressing any challenges that arise during implementation. Regularly update and consult with IMS HQ to ensure strategic alignment and adherence to donor guidelines.
• Programme design and preparation for future engagements: Development of context-specific needs assessments, programme strategies, theory of change and design of interventions with partners including implementation plans, budgets, funding and resource mobilisation.
• Monitoring and evaluation: to ensure that the monitoring, evaluation and learning plan are developed alongside a results matrix to ensure that outcomes, outputs and activities, indicators and monitoring mechanisms are correctly in place. Monitor and review progress and impact on an ongoing basis and collect the necessary data to ensure regular adjustments that match the country context.
• Team and project leadership: to lead a small team and supervise an extended team including thematic advisors, partners and consultants on specific assignments and produce terms of references, contracts and time allocation. Work in close collaboration and liaise regularly with the HQ-based Asia team members assigned to the programme, as well as other cross-cutting functions.
• Partnership coordination and development: Work closely with the regional director in exploring possible regional partnerships and work to establish these with a view to strengthening localised leadership efforts. 
• Fundraising: In close cooperation with advisers and regional director of the Asia department, be responsible for further fundraising in Asia by ensuring an overview of relevant present donors, ongoing screening of opportunities and dialogue/meetings with key donors. Overview of possible opportunities with private sector and foundations
• Communicating results: work with the IMS Communications Unit to develop communication and media strategies for the programme and contribute to content on the IMS website, media and for IMS publications.

Qualifications

• Relevant higher educational background (e.g., within the fields of social sciences, political science, international development, etc. and/or communications, media and journalism), preferably on an advanced university level (Master’s degree or equivalent).
• At least 8 years’ relevant professional experience, including at least five years managing an international development, donor-funded project or programme.
• Working experience from the SEA region and within the field of media development is an advantage.
• Experience in programme cycle management including monitoring and evaluation is a prerequisite.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English at business level is a prerequisite.  
• Excellent communication, organisational and planning skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and to meet targets and deadlines.

Duration and location

• Expected length of employment: 24 months, with a probation period of 3 months, with possibility of extension.
• Place of employment: South East Asia region
• Employment type: Full-time
• Starting date: As soon as possible
• Salary will be commensurate with experience and IMS policies.

Organisation
The Programme Manager will report to the Regional Director for Asia (based in Singapore) and work closely with IMS colleagues at HQ, as well as country programme managers and advisers in the region. 

How to apply
You apply by submitting your resume and application in English through the link to the right no later than the 12th of January 2025. Interviews will be held ongoingly therefore we advise you to send in your application as soon as possible.

Please direct questions about the position to IMS Regional Director for Asia, Lars Bestle on lb@mediasupport.org

Who can apply
IMS encourages everyone with the required qualifications and skills to apply, regardless of their racial, ethnic, religious and cultural background, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity.

Code of conduct
IMS shows no tolerance to any kind of unwanted behaviour at work, including sexual harassment, exploitation and abuse, lack of integrity and financial misconduct. Therefore, all employments will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks, which can include criminal records and terrorism finance checks.