Fact-checking trainer / Consultant-IFES Retour vers les opportunités

IFES in Tunisia

The International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) is a non-governmental, non-partisan, nonprofit organization committed to providing technical electoral assistance worldwide. It has been operating in Tunisia since February 2011, supporting the democratic transition through innovative electoral assistance and civic education programs.

Description of IFES Tunisia media projects 

IFES has a strong background in working on media in Tunisia. Through its media program “Mourasiloun:” Local Democracy Reporters (LDRs) and the existent IFES-network of journalists, IFES seeks to expand Tunisia’s information space by promoting a diverse and responsible narratives, countering misinformation, and strengthening factual discourse. 

The project 

The International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) has launched the “Mourasiloun” program: Local Democracy Correspondents, since 2021, aimed at contributing to the establishment of effective local journalism through a network of local correspondents from various governorates. These correspondents will cover local news and work on in-depth journalistic projects in their region after undergoing a series of training sessions.

IFES is organizing a specialized factchecking training for a diverse group of 30 Local Democracy Reporters (LDRs) previously trained by IFES. The training aims to equip LDRs with advanced verification techniques, data analysis, source credibility evaluation, and debunking strategies. The trained LDRs will mentor junior journalists, contributing to the sustainable capacity-building of the project. 

 Post description 

IFES is recruiting an experienced national trainer in fact-checking and content verification techniques to provide training, coaching, support, and follow-up for participants in the program, in close collaboration with an international media expert. The primary objective of this training is to equip participants, previously trained by IFES, with the advanced knowledge, skills, and tools necessary to critically assess information, identify misinformation, and verify the accuracy of content across various media platforms. The second objective of this training is to prepare IFES-trained LDRs to become mentors. Upon the completion of the training workshop, the participants will select their mentees and will work closely with them on identifying False Information/Suspicious Content, Research and Factchecking, Disseminating Corrective Information.

A part of this training workshop will also be dedicated to tips and methods on effective mentorship, facilitating participants’ transition from IFES developed fact-checking curriculum to skilled mentors. 

Responsibilities: 

Under the direction of IFES’s Deputy Director and in close collaboration with an international media expert, the trainer will perform the following tasks: 

• Prepare and deliver high-quality fact-checking training for a group of 30 LDRs.
• Collaborate with an English-speaking international trainer to ensure a diverse range of perspectives and insights in the training.
• Facilitate interactive training sessions that include presentations, hands-on exercises, and group discussions.
• Provide insights into advanced verification techniques, data analysis, source credibility evaluation, and debunking strategies.
• Conduct practical exercises and interactive simulations to allow participants to apply newly acquired skills in real-world scenarios.
• Offer tips and methods on effective follow up, facilitating LDRs’ transition from subject matter experts to skilled mentors.
• Assess participants’ progress and adapt the training approach based on their needs and feedback.

Duration and Timeline:

• The proposed training program is anticipated to span over 4 days in early October 2023 in Tunis and it will be delivered in-person in collaboration with an English speaker international expert. The participant follow-up program will occur between October 2023 and January 2024. 

Qualification and experience

• • Having between 5 and 9 years of professional experience in the field of journalism, media literacy, or related fields with a minimum of Master’s level. 

• Proven experience in fact-checking, content verification, and information credibility assessment in Tunisia. 

• Demonstrated track record in designing and delivering fact-checking workshops and coaching, preferably for journalists.

• Familiarity with the latest trends, tools, and technologies in the field of fact-checking and content verification. 

• Expertise in data collection and analysis to support monitoring, research, and counter-disinformation efforts. 

• Strong understanding of the psychological and societal factors contributing to the spread of mis/disinformation. 

• In-depth knowledge of the Tunisian media industry and policies. 
• Proficiency in English, both spoken and written. 
• Strong communication skills, including interpersonal relations, and writing skills. 
• Self-motivated, responsible, and punctual.

Contract

Candidates will be evaluated based on their qualifications, experience, training approach, and alignment with the organization and the program’s goals

The proposed contract is a short-term consulting contract. Compensation is determined based on the position’s profile and candidates’ professional experience. 

IFES is an employer that values diversity and supports the principle of equal access to employment. Women, minorities, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. 

Please send a CV and a cover letter to the following address, indicating “Fact-Checking Trainer/ Consultant” in the subject line: ifestunisierecrute@ifes.org 

Deadline for receiving applications: August 27, 2023, at midnight.