Programme Manager at The Media Council of Tanzania (MCT)

This is a Senior Managerial position. Reporting to the Executive Secretary, the Programme Manager shall oversee Programme implementation, leading the team in implementing MCT activities such as advocacy, mediation and arbitration, media monitoring, and press freedom violation register, as well as projects for specific outputs.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Oversee and ensure the implementation of programme activities of the Council as per Programme Strategy and approved Annual work plans.
• Provide support to the Executive Secretary (ES) in handling complaints brought against media outlets at Secretariat level.
• Assist the Executive Secretary in identifying, developing, and maintaining useful networks.
• Assist the Executive Secretary in fundraising for Council activities and sustainability.
• Take lead in research and development activities.
• Take lead in Council advocacy activities.
• Develop and implement a communication strategy.
• Ensure Code of Ethics for media professionals is up to date.
• Identify problems and any irregularities in the process of implementing programme activities and advise the ES accordingly.
• Participate in and give quality input to Management Team and Tender Board deliberations.
• Liaise with MCT Zanzibar office to ensure effective and timely implementation of Programme activities on the Isles.
• Supervise and mentor programme officers, other staff, volunteers, and interns as required.
• Prepare departmental plans and budgets and participate in Council planning, review, and budget process.
• Ensure the work of contracted programme consultants, contributors, and editors is of high quality and standards.
• Prepare analyses on policies and media laws.
• Provide technical backstopping to Government officials, MPs, MHRs, and relevant House Standing Committees on matters related to MCT agenda.
• Liaise with stakeholders in the media sector and with all those involved in the media sector for relevant interventions.
• Oversee the usage of NACTE validated standardized journalism curricula and benchmarks for certificate, advanced certificate, and diploma levels (NTA levels 4 – 6).
• Oversee preparation and production of annual State of the Media Report.
• Write activity reports and keep records of the same.

Key Qualifications and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree or its equivalent with 8 years of experience in journalism, mass communication, laws, or relevant social sciences. A relevant Masters degree would be an added advantage.

Competencies:

• In-depth understanding of media self-regulation, press freedom, and freedom of expression issues.
• Broad knowledge of the Tanzania media sector dynamics.
• Strong managerial and administrative skills.
• Proven experience and competence in advocacy work.
• Ability to lead in a participatory, roll-up-your sleeves manner.
• Strong analytical skills.
• Solid communication skills, both written and oral, in English and Kiswahili, and ability to produce concise reports.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Results-oriented.
• Ability to proactively work independently with minimum supervision and as an effective team member.