MEDIA CONSULTANT TERMS OF REFERENCE

Media Focus on Africa invites applications from eligible media consultants to develop an E-based manual/guide for gender sensitive reporting on Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV) targeted at women in politics. This is part of the larger Ms President project aimed at increasing the participation and media coverage of female leaders in elective politics in Kenya.

The Organisation

Media Focus on Africa (MFA) is a not-for-profit organization founded in 2006. It represents a long-standing and unique International, African and East African knowledge base and expertise of the media industry and the political environment in which it operates.

Since 2006 MFA has in close collaboration with CSO/CBO organizations and the media implemented some ground breaking multi media campaigns on leadership and good governance; free and fair elections and peace building and reconciliation among others.

Background
What is Ms. President?
Ms President is an entertaining, educating, and thought-provoking Reality TV show that seeks to portray to a national audience the capacity and ability of women to lead effectively. The objective of Ms President is to change Kenyans’ perception and attitude towards leadership by women in communities and in the country. Learn more about Season 1 here.

Why is Ms President important?

Kenya’s constitution provides for equality in representation between men and women. However, in political leadership, women are significantly underrepresented. For instance, following the 2022 election, female MPs (82) make up only 23.5% of the National Assembly, 31% of the Senate (21), 14% of the Governors (7) and 8% (115) of elected Members of County Assembly.

SGBV targeting Women in Politics
Kenya’s electoral processes precipitate politically motivated violence. The threat or the use of violence, including sexual violence, intimidates female candidates in political processes and forms a major deterrent to equal participation. Universally, the increase in women’s political representation has been accompanied by a rise in Violence Against Women in Politics (VAWP) . For instance, in 2008, the Commission of Inquiry into Post-Election Violence reported 900 cases of sexual violence between 2007 and 2008 . In 2017, the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNHRC) recorded 2011 sexual offences cases during the 2017 electoral violence. It further documented that 96.26% of victims of violence were female and 3.74% were male . While the internet and social media are useful tools for campaigning, they have become platforms for misogynistic threats and harassment to deter women from leadership. The viral nature of the distribution afforded by social media aggravates the threat .

Summary of Position
The Media consultant will support Media Focus on Africa to develop an E based manual for gender sensitive reporting on VAWP.

Key Deliverables
E based manual for gender sensitive reporting on VAWP for use by journalists, editors, media practitioners and stakeholders, Women’s Rights Organizations, Human Rights and Gender activists and Civil Society Organizations.

Duration of Consultancy
This will be agreed on with the Consultant once he/she is selected.

Logistical Support
Media Focus on Africa will provide preparatory and logistical assistance to the consultant as and when necessary.

Minimum Qualifications
Minimum of 7 years’ experience of relevant work e.g., developing reporting manuals and/or training for journalists and media practitioners.
Familiarity with contemporary media reporting and consumption trends straddling television, radio, newspaper and social/digital media.
Experience in and deep understanding of gender and Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV) including VAWP. Professional writing on this is an added advantage.
Minimum of a Master’s Degree in media and journalism studies or any other relevant fields.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

Application Process
Interested candidates should submit their expression of interest, CV, evidence of previous work, expected compensation and references via email to harrison@mediafocusonafrica.org by close of day on 10th August 2023.

Only short-listed applicants will be contacted.