Gender/Media Expert: Development of a code of ethics for media institutions

1. Project Synopsis
The project is funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Through the Building Alliance for Local Advancement, Development and Investment – Capacity Building (BALADI CAP) and it aims to promote national policies and action plans that can help eliminate discrimination on mainstream media outlets. To this end, the initiative will build on the efforts previously undertaken by the CSO Human Rights Network and advocate for mainstreaming gender equality and the protection of vulnerable groups within local TV stations in Lebanon.

2. Project Objective

The project’s overall objective is to reduce the actions of discrimination and stigmatization among vulnerable Lebanese populations. The project’s specific objective will focus on enhancing the commitment of national mainstream media institutions and university faculties toward responding to the elimination of discrimination and stigmatization. To this end, the initiative will build on the efforts previously undertaken by the CSO Human Rights Network (HRN) and advocate for mainstreaming gender equality and the protection of vulnerable groups through different channels including university faculties.

3. Scope of Work

The gender/media expert will be responsible for developing a Code of Ethics targeting administration and management teams of Lebanese TV stations, in conjunction with the members of the Human Rights Network (HRN). The Code will include the guiding principles and values in relation to the abolishment of all forms of discrimination against vulnerable groups (domestic workers, refugees, sex workers, drug users, and others as relevant) and the rejection of stigmatization when referring to individuals or groups.

4. Expected Deliverables

The consultant is expected to produce the Code of Ethics for media institutions, in conjunction with the members of the HRN and is expected to provide the following deliverables

Task 1: Develop a Code of Ethics for media institutions that includes main values and guiding principles for the protection of the rights of vulnerable groups in media

• The Selected consultant must work closely with the network members
• A first draft must be submitted for initial review by the HRN
•  A final draft must be submitted based on  the HRN’s comments and feedback
• The Code of Ethics must be written in Arabic
• All drafts must be submitted electronically to the HRN

Task 2: Consult with stakeholders on the desired content for the Code of Ethics

• The selected consultant must take into consideration the input of the different stakeholders related to the desirable content of the Code of Ethics and the main axes and topics that should be included. This input will be provided at two half-day consultation sessions held by the network.
• Based on the consultation sessions held with the different stakeholders, the gender/media expert will amend the code of conduct and finalize it.

Task 3: Advocate for the adoption of the Code of Ethics in Lebanese media institutions

• The HRN and the consultant will advocate for the adoption of the Code of Ethics on the rights of vulnerable groups in media through one-on-one advocacy meetings with TV stations and production houses as relevant.

5. Experience & Qualifications

The successful candidate should possess the following experience and qualifications to be considered for this post:

Professional Experience

• At least five years’ experience in the development of code of ethics for professionals
• Experience working on Gender Issues in the Arab World
• Outstanding communication skills, with excellent command of spoken and written Arabic
• Proven ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
• Ability to work with minimal supervision
• The consultant might apply as an individual or as a consortium

Educational Qualifications

• Advanced degree (Master’s Degree or equivalent) in media, law, gender studies (or a related field) from a recognised and reputable institution.