Free Press Unlimited based in Amsterdam, the Netherlands strongly believes that all people are entitled to have access to unbiased, reliable and timely information. This enables them to assess their own living conditions, influence these and make better decisions. Press freedom and freedom of information are vital for gathering and spreading reliable, unbiased information. Media play a crucial role in providing people free and unrestricted access to information.
By supporting media professionals and journalists, we want to make and keep objective news and information available to everyone, especially to people in countries without or with limited (press) freedom. Over the past few years, the hostility towards the media has led to an unprecedented level of danger for journalists. If media professionals are unable to do their work without risking harm, they will be unable to function as watchdogs; to expose crimes and injustice; and to provide reliable information and independent news to the public.
The Safety of Journalists team works towards a safer environment for journalists globally. The team provides emergency and legal assistance to journalists and media in distress through its Reporters Respond programme, and works on the prevention and protection of media workers worldwide.
The Safety team is currently looking for a Team Leader (38 hours a week) who will lead the organisations’ emergency response work for journalists at risk.
Starting date: As soon as possible
The position is based in the Amsterdam office.
What you will do
– Responsible for HR and supervision of the safety team (currently 7 internal staff and 2 external consultants) while contributing to a safe and healthy work environment for their staff members.
– Plans, coordinates and monitors the execution of projects of the team, being responsible for strategy and budget, in close collaboration with the grant manager and programme coordinator of the team.
– Representative of Free Press Unlimited in international coalitions and networks on safety such as ACOS, GFMD and Journalists in Distress Network.
– Responsible for coordination with other departments within Free Press Unlimited to share expertise and best and worst practices.
– Continuously improving the safety strategy and responsible for international relations and collaborations in the field of emergency support to journalists at risk.
– Maintaining and building a relevant network with organisations, networks and individuals working on journalist safety globally that are important for achieving our objectives.
– Media outreach and external representation on the topic of journalist safety.
– Proposal development and acquisition.
What we are looking for
We are looking for a passionate and skilled team leader, with appropriate sensitivity for cultural differences. Our ideal candidate is independent, self-confident, decisive, has strong organisational skills and the ability to keep an overview while setting priorities. A strong people’s manager with the aim to get things done.
In addition the following requirements apply:
– A Bachelor degree in a relevant field of studies such as Journalism, Conflict Studies, International Law or International Development Studies or similar qualification.
– At least 5 years of professional experience in managing a team, preferably in an international work environment, especially fragile or repressive countries.
– A hands-on mentality and eagerness to take on challenges with creativity.
– Ability to take initiatives and take responsibility of allocated tasks while being a team player.
– Excellent communication skills, both written and oral. Excellent command of English, an additional language as Spanish, French or Arabic is a plus.
– High level of empathy, integrity and accountability.
– Strong affiliation with press freedom and the safety of journalists.
– Eligibility to work in the EU.
What we offer
We offer you the opportunity to contribute to a special mission. You will work in an exciting and challenging international working environment of 80 colleagues who work both from home and in a nice office in the heart of Amsterdam. We are curious about your talents and your social drive to work with us on our mission.
In addition we offer:
– An employment contract for one year, with the possibility of extension depending on performance and funding.
– Depending on your expertise and experience, the salary is a minimum of EUR 5,300 and a maximum of EUR 6,400 gross per month based on a full-time employment.
– 8% holiday allowance.
– Excellent pension scheme.
– 25 days of leave per year.
– Vitality allowance.
– A good work-life balance; e.g. exchange national holidays for your own important ones.
– Laptop and phone.
– Compensation for travel and work from home costs.
Interested?
Then we would love to hear from you! Please apply by sending your English CV and short cover letter (both in PDF format) no later than June 24 to Tamara Lunacek (HR Officer) via this application form.
For questions about the position you can contact Evelien Wijkstra, Director of Policy and Advocacy at wijkstra[at]freepressunlimited.org. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. If we appoint a suitable candidate before the given closing date, we reserve the right to remove the vacancy from our website before that date.
Free Press Unlimited is an organisation that upholds the importance of diversity, and where everyone feels welcome and appreciated. We believe that our differences enable us to be a better organisation – one that makes better decisions, drives innovation and delivers better results. That is why we encourage everyone to apply.
An assessment and screening will be part of the selection process.
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