About Sawt

The Strengthening Civil Society and Media Systems (Sawt) Activity is implemented by Internews in partnership with Mercy Corps and the International Center for Non-Profit Law (ICNL). Sawt aims to foster sustained civic engagement in Jordan through civil society and digital media innovations through two objectives: 1) Good, Trusted Knowledge-Building Resources: Citizens and civil society build knowledge through accessing and engaging critically with accurate and fact-based information and 2) Participation & Advocacy: Citizens and civil society organizations (CSOs) in Jordan effectively participate in civic spaces and advocate for policies through knowledge-based collective action.

About Internews

Internews is an international nonprofit operating in 100 countries. At Internews, we believe everyone deserves trustworthy news and information to make informed decisions about their lives and hold power to account. We train journalists and digital rights activists, tackle disinformation, and offer business expertise to help media outlets become financially sustainable. For more information about the organization please visit: www.internews.org.

Summary

The MIL training for Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) seek to provide a comprehensive introduction to key concepts to equip participants with foundational MIL knowledge. The training will be delivered in Arabic and will cover key MIL capacities, such as understanding the media landscape, critical thinking, basic digital safety and security awareness, and integrating MIL in advocacy strategies. The training empowers CSOs to enhance their impact by establishing themselves as a credible infomediary. Participants will also gain insights into digital communication tools for effective outreach, ethical considerations in media engagement and user-generated content, as well as basic cybersecurity and data privacy awareness. By providing a sufficient level of competencies in MIL, the training enables CSOs to apply these skills confidently in their advocacy efforts, ultimately strengthening their capacity to navigate the media landscape and advocate for their causes effectively.

Accordingly, Internews is actively seeking a qualified trainer to implement its MIL training program, specifically designed for CSOs. This program aims to empower CSOs to develop evidence-based advocacy strategies, engage effectively with communities, navigate legal complexities and information disorders, and adopt best practices in media literacy. The primary focus of this role is to enhance the capacity of CSOs through advanced knowledge enrichment in key MIL capacities including fact checking, discerning mis- dis and mal-information, as well as digital literacy.

This training is part of efforts targeting CSOs under the Sawt Activity, with the aim of promoting MIL awareness, capacities, and skills within CSOs, ultimately contributing to information integrity and a healthy information ecosystem.

Objectives

The MIL Trainer for CSOs should achieve the following key objectives:

1. Foundational Knowledge: Provide CSOs with a sufficient understanding of key MIL concepts, emphasizing their relevance and importance in today’s information-rich environment.
2. Navigating the Media Landscape: Equip participants with the skills to critically navigate a diverse media landscape, fostering the ability to discern credible information, identify mis- dis- and malformation, and engage with various forms of media safely and responsibly.
3. Advocacy Empowerment: Empower participants to leverage MIL skills for effective communication, awareness campaigns, cultivate trust among their audiences and the development of evidence-based advocacy initiatives.
4. Strategic Engagement: Foster strategic engagement with media channels for the amplification of CSO voices. Provide insights on how MIL can be leveraged to effectively communicate organizational messages and advocate for social change.
5. Digital Literacy: Instill good digital practices among participants, increasing their awareness of potential threats and vulnerabilities, and increasing their knowledge about the importance of safeguarding sensitive information and respecting privacy rights.  

Scope of Work

The delivery of MIL training sessions should be done in Arabic utilizing Sawt MIL resources, which include a curriculum, handbook, ToT guide and 10-video series. Trained CSOs will be grouped regionally in North, Center, and South Jordan. The training seeks to equip CSO members with essential media literacy skills to bolster their advocacy efforts and amplify their impact.

The training will target up to 90 representatives from 45 CSOs across Jordan, representing a diverse cohort with varying levels of MIL knowledge. Customized to meet the unique needs of these CSOs, the program prioritizes the development of advocacy skills. From grassroots initiatives to well-established entities, these beneficiaries represent diverse local communities, each contributing to the dynamic tapestry of Jordan’s civil society. By enhancing their MIL capacities, particularly in relation to advocacy, these CSOs will gain the tools needed to navigate the ever-evolving media landscape adeptly and spread this culture in their respective locales. The MIL trainings aim to leave a lasting impact by equipping beneficiaries with essential tools and knowledge for effective engagement and advocacy within their areas of work. Furthermore, by integrating digital literacy, CSOs will develop the essential skills necessary to protect themselves and their organizations securely and responsibly in the digital world.

The scope of work encompasses the following:

1. Preparation:
   • Reviewing and adapting Sawt resources, MIL curriculum, digital security guide, and ToT guide, to suit the context and requirements of CSOs in Jordan. This includes surveying the trainees level of MIL knowledge and awareness to design effective trainings.
   • While retaining the original substance of Sawt’s MIL training resources, the trainer should introduce updates, changes, and customizations to the material to ensure meeting trainees’ needs and effective delivery. 
2. Training Delivery:
   • Conducting up to 4 full day training sessions across North (1 day), Center (2 days), and South (1 day) Jordan.
   • Each session will cover key topics outlined in the Sawt resources.
   • Employing interactive training methodologies and practical exercises to engage participants and reinforce learning objectives.
3. Reporting:
   • Providing comprehensive reports for each training session, summarizing topics covered, participant feedback, and recommendations for future training initiatives.
   • Submitting a consolidated final report, integrating insights from all training sessions, and analyzing overall outcomes and impact.

Deliverables

Milestone	Description	Deliverables	Number of Days or Dates
1	Training Preparation	– Training materials based on Sawt’s Media and Information Literacy (MIL) curriculum and Training of Trainers (ToT) guide tailored specifically for Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in Jordan. – A training plan that includes an agenda reflecting the proposed design for addressed topics, delivery approach, and intended learning outcomes. In addition to any other suggested trainers who will support in training delivery and their bios.	4 Days 1-25 May 2024
2	Training Sessions	Successful delivery of four MIL training sessions in North (1 day), Center (2 days), and South (1 day) Jordan targeting up to 90 participants	4 Days 26 May – 30 June
3	Sessions Reporting	Detailed reports for each training session.	1 Day 26 May – 30 June
4	Final Reporting	Comprehensive final report encompassing insights and outcomes.	1 Day 30 June

Required Qualifications

• Educational Background: The trainer must hold a relevant degree or equivalent qualification in Journalism, Media, Communications, Education, Community Development, Social Sciences or a relevant field.
• Expertise in Media Literacy: The trainer, should demonstrate a strong understanding of media literacy principles, including critical thinking skills, media analysis, as well as digital literacy and communication strategies.
• Training Experience: Demonstrated 3-5 years of experience in delivering training sessions or workshops, particularly in the field of media literacy. In addition to effectively delivering localized training curriculum in Arabic.
• Top of Form
• Subject Matter Knowledge: Knowledge of Jordan’s media landscape, digital media trends, information verification techniques, and ethical considerations in media engagement.
• Curriculum Adaptation Skills: Ability to develop training materials, using localized resources such as the Sawt MIL curriculum and ToT guide, to suit the specific needs and context of CSOs in Jordan.
• Facilitation Skills: Proficiency in facilitating interactive learning activities, group discussions, and practical exercises to promote active participation and learning.
• Evaluation and Feedback: Ability to design evaluation mechanisms to assess the effectiveness of training sessions and gather feedback for continuous improvement.
• Professionalism and Integrity: Demonstrated professionalism, reliability, and integrity in all aspects of training delivery, including adherence to ethical standards and respect for participant confidentiality.

Preferred Qualifications

• Communication Skills: Strong communication and presentation skills to effectively convey complex concepts and engage participants from diverse backgrounds.
• Cultural Sensitivity: Sensitivity to cultural nuances and an understanding of the social and political context in Jordan, enabling the trainer to effectively relate to participants and address local concerns.
• Professional Experience: Possesses professional experience in working with community and civic media initiatives and CSOs.

Application Instructions

Interested individuals are invited to submit their resumes, technical proposals, and financial proposals, addressed to: [email protected], by April 23^rd, 2024, 17:00 Amman time making sure to write “MIL Training, Sawt Activity” in the subject of your e-mail.

Sawt encourages applications by a leading consultant able to mobilize a pool of co-trainers specialized in MIL topics. Logistic needs and arrangements such as venue booking, AV needs, and coffee breaks will be arranged by Sawt.

Duration

The duration of this program is 10 days, during the period May 1 – June 30, 2024, subject to extension if needed.