• Classification: International Aid & Development, Project Management, Communications, Grant Administration, Legal and Human Rights, Finance, Unions and Workers Rights, Media and Arts
• Job Location: Sydney, Australia
• Job Type: Part Time (Contract)

About the IFJ

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) is the global voice of journalists. Founded in 1926, it is the world’s largest organisation of journalists, representing 600,000 media professionals in 187 unions and associations in more than 140 countries. The IFJ works to defend and promote press freedom, social justice, and trade union rights for journalists through its campaigns, advocacy, international projects and programs. The IFJ Asia-Pacific Regional Office (IFJ APRO) is based in Sydney, Australia, within the offices of its affiliate union in Australia, the Media, Entertainment & Arts Alliance (MEAA).

About the Traineeship

This is an exciting new opportunity for an energetic graduate to join the IFJ Asia-Pacific team to gain hands-on experience in the dynamic field of international media development and support. In taking on this role, you will be working closely with the IFJ APRO team, contributing to the day-to-day operations and functions of the regional project office, including general project administration, as well as advocacy and communications. This traineeship provides a valuable introductory learning experience for individuals passionate about a future in media, trade unionism, human rights, and/or the international development sector. It includes on-the-job training and mentoring support aimed at building a range of practical capacities, skills and experience to support a future career in the development/media/project sectors.

The IFJ traineeship is aimed at recent graduates looking to build and strengthen their skills and capacities to make a break into the expanding areas of donor and/or government project management, trade unionism and international/media development. The position is a part-time contract position (based on a minimum five-day fortnight) for a period of six months, with possibility of extension. Work days may also be increased (pending your availability) at times of high work demand. The contract includes a three-month probation period.

We offer:

• A part-time contract position (Trainee – first six months), in line with the Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance staff agreement (host of the IFJ AP regional office).
• An open and respectful organisational culture advocating for press freedom, labour rights, diversity and gender equality.
• The successful IFJ trainee will join a small, dynamic and committed team of IFJ staff working throughout the Asia-Pacific region on a range of media development and sustainability work, trade union strengthening projects, gender equality strategies and press freedom programs.

Job Responsibilities

As an IFJ International Media Development Trainee, you will assist in the administration of IFJ APRO’s project and communication activities, gaining specific experience in:

• Project Support: Assisting with project administration, communications and monitoring and evaluation (M&E) processes and maintaining, creating and compiling materials needed for project quarterly and annual narrative reporting.
• Communications: Drafting and publication of IFJ communications, including social media content, media statements, violation monitoring, liaison with IFJ affiliates throughout the AP region and creation of content for IFJ regional and global bulletins.
• Financial Coordination: Project grant and office administration including activity financial reconciliations, drafting of project sub-grant MOUs, preparation of financial transfer requests to field partners and regular processing, acquittal and review of payments in the office general ledgers You will also assist with project reconciliations, quarterly financial reporting, and budget administration together with all members of the IFJ team.
• Office Administration: General administrative support to support the functions of the IFJ office.
• Network Support: Assisting the IFJ team in the management and maintenance of IFJ affiliate networks.

Skills and Experience

• University degree/qualification (or working towards) in a relevant field, such as journalism, media, communications, international studies, or development.
• Strong interest in the principles and values of professional journalism, trade unions and worker rights, media freedom, and international development and human rights.
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills and a readiness to communicate with a range of stakeholders from a variety of cultural backgrounds.
• Ability to work to deadlines and adapt swiftly and calmly to urgent priorities as they arise.
• While financial experience in expenditure management is not essential, attention to detail and accuracy is essential in the handling of donor funds and reporting – and is an expected and important part of the traineeship training and skills of this role and a vital skill for any future project manager.
• Ability to work independently and actively contribute to the IFJ team and philosophy.
• Strong organisational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize and/or seek guidance when needed.
• Competence in using Microsoft Office and familiarity with using and posting to social media platforms and using Canva.
• An eagerness to learn CRM tools and website management.

Key Learning Outcomes

• Practical experience in international development project coordination and administration.
• Creating and managing communications materials, including media statements and social media content and campaigns.
• Financial administration and reporting of donor and grant programs.
• Organisational and time management of project work and administration duties set to key milestones and benchmarks.
• Strengthened verbal and written communication skills in a dynamic, fast-paced and creative environment.
• Invaluable all-round experience working within a respected global NGO.

Contract Details

• Six-month traineeship contract (part-time): Working Tuesday to Thursday on a rotating five-day fortnight schedule.
• Location: Redfern, Sydney - Australia
• Remuneration: MEAA Trainee Rate (six months) pro rata to 5 days per fortnight.
• As a traineeship, this is an office-based position.

Contact: [email protected] using the subject line: International Media Development Trainee (Graduate Position) enquiry via EthicalJobs for further information.

A position description is attached.