Media Relations Consultant, Poland (Hybrid)

Contract type: Consultant
Duration: 30 days (Over a maximum of three months)

ABOUT IWPR:

Founded in 1991 and operating currently in three dozen countries around the world, the Institute for War & Peace Reporting (IWPR) is an independent nonprofit organisation that supports journalists and civil society to help drive change in countries experiencing conflict, crisis, and transition. Our work includes:

• Training and mentoring: IWPR trains and mentors journalists and rights activists to improve their ability to identify and present factual information.
• Providing platforms: IWPR helps local talent establish and strengthen media outlets and civic groups.
• Removing barriers: IWPR works with partners to remove barriers to free expression and citizen engagement
• Strengthening media and civil society: IWPR helps strengthen the ability of media and civil society to speak out.
• Empowering societies: IWPR helps societies find their own solutions.

IWPR’s reporting has exposed violations, led to political and legal reform, and improved people’s lives. 

PROJECT BACKGROUND:

Hostile state actors use gender and identity disinformation (GID) to target individuals based on gender and sexual orientation. This approach aims to discredit, intimidate, and silence high-profile women, gender-diverse, and LGBT+ individuals, including politicians, activists, and journalists, undermining democratic participation and threatening individual rights.

The Artemis Alliance is an international network of women's and LGBT+ CSOs that aims to counter GID. To contribute to the emerging understanding of GID and effective countermeasures, the Alliance has been piloted in Poland, Georgia and Armenia.

The Artemis Alliance members will receive funding and support via an expert consortium, including Zinc Network, the Institute for War & Peace Reporting, Kvinna till Kvinna Foundation and International Alert.

SUMMARY:

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Media Relations Consultant to play a crucial role within our local partner CSOs. The consultant will establish and nurture relationships with Polish media outlets, support Polish partner CSOs in delivering high-quality media outputs, and assist in the setup and delivery of media stipends within the project's framework. The focus will be on engaging with media representatives and developing a communications and media relations strategy for local media networks.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Establish, facilitate and nurture relationships with Polish media outlets;
• Support Polish partner NGOs in delivering and editorializing high-quality media outputs;
• Assist in the setup and delivery of media stipends within the project framework;
• Develop and implement a strategy to raise awareness about gendered disinformation in Poland;
• Establish connections with relevant Polish media outlets and journalists to promote project activities and amplify its messaging;
• Map out and identify suitable media outlets for potential partnerships with project partner CSOs in Poland;
• Organise and participate in meetings, webinars, or workshops aimed at engaging the media on GID issues;
• Work on the Polish two pager document about gender-sensitive reporting, dos-and-don’ts, what GID is. To be completed ahead of the media stipends round;
• Assist IWPR in the design, setup, and administration of media stipends aimed at encouraging the production of content addressing GID in Poland;
• Prepare and deliver regular project reports in accordance with the reporting structure;
• Ensure a work environment that is non-discriminatory and promotes open dialogue on gender-related and culturally sensitive issues;
• Undertake other duties and assignments as may be assigned from time to time.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• In-depth understanding of the Polish media landscape and industry practices;
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to make informed decisions quickly;
• Effective in written, oral, interpersonal, and intercultural communication;
• Skilled in facilitating and leading discussions and meetings (if required);
• Proficient in English and Polish (knowledge of additional languages relevant to project geography is an advantage);
• Willingness to travel as needed.

EDUCATION:

• Master’s degree in journalism, communications, media studies, or a related field;
• Over 10 years of experience in media development, project management, strategic communications, journalism, media stakeholder; relations, and research;
• Extensive knowledge of Polish commercial and public media, with strong professional networks;
• Proven experience in media engagement, communications, or journalism in Poland;
• Experience working with think-tanks, academia etc, preferably with familiarity with gender and identity-based disinformation issues;
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in both Polish and English.