Position: Consultant

Location: New Delhi, India (Desk Assignment)

Period of the assignment: 16 May 2021 – 15 December 2021

About the Media and Freedom of Expression Programme

The Media and Freedom of Expression programme documents, researchers and advocates for media freedom, rights of journalists and free expression. The programme focuses on issues such as misinformation, digital security, local media capacity building, safety and security of journalists, media independence, among others. It also documents and reviews intimidation and attacks against freedom of expression as well as builds networks of support.

The South Asia Media Defenders Network (SAMDEN), founded in 2017 and anchored in this programme, has a membership of more than 60 media professionals across South Asia. It seeks to support media workers by helping them work securely, while pressing for greater openness and accountability. The North East Media Collective is another pan-Indian group of journalists that is anchored in the Media and Freedom of Expression programme. It works for strengthening local media capacity for better reporting from the region.

Job Description

CHRI (India) is looking for a consultant to undertake a comparative research study on laws and policies in South Asian countries on media freedom, including safety and security of journalists and digital security. The consultant shall work out of CHRI’s Delhi office.

Responsibilities include:

• Conducting secondary research on the national and international legal framework on media freedom, including review of academic literature, legal discourse, code of ethics
• Documenting and building relevant case studies
• Preparing a briefing paper/report based on the research
• Organising insight building and learning sessions with individuals/organisations across South Asia on issues related to the study
• Conceptualising and developing infographics and videos on the issues and findings

Essential Qualifications and Skills:

• Master’s degree or PG Diploma in law, social sciences, mass media/journalism 
• High levels of competence in understanding laws and policies, and how these work
• High English language skills, writing and editing abilities
• Proven research, analysis and communication skills
• Proven ability to prepare clear and concise research reports
• Multimedia competence, displaying the ability to work with text, video or image formats
• Familiarity with filing Right to Information (RTI) requests

Qualifications:

• Experience of at least three years in law and human rights, including research; law professionals are encouraged to apply
• Work experience as a reporter or editor in a professional media organization would be to the advantage of the applicant
• Knowledge of key issues around media freedom, freedom of expression and digital security
• Experience of networking with academics and media professionals

Remuneration will be commensurate with knowledge and experience levels.

Interested candidates should apply with:

• Current CV
• Cover letter
• At least three samples of recent writing (preferably research papers and reports)
• Complete contact details of two professional references

The deadline for applications is April 30, 2021. Please send applications to vinu@humanrightsinitiative.org, marking a copy to aditya@humanrightsinitiative.org. As CHRI’s office is not fully functional due to the COVID pandemic, applications sent by post are likely to remain undelivered.

Please use this subject line: Consultant– Media and Freedom of Expression. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.