Expression of Interest – Call for Applications for Project Manager – Brave Media Project2026-2027 in Pakistan 

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) is calling for applications for its next round of Brave Media  project in Pakistan under the themes of media labour law awareness, lobbying, and unionism in Pakistan's media industry. 

The aim of this project is to explore media viability models and approaches cultivated at a small industry scale but driven and enhanced at national level as part of a broader media development strategy by a coalition of key media actors. Overall, the interventions would be invested in the wider benefits of a national strategy focused on sustainability and trust in media as a foundation of democracy. Such strategies and best practices would then be developed and shared with coalition partners and fed into global campaigns and the development of a global action plan for media development and sustainability.

Applicants are invited to submit proposals that foster a more inclusive and progressive environment for Pakistani media professionals, to design Implement and coordinate the project in Pakistan. 

Terms of Reference (ToRs)

Position: Project Manager – Brave Media Project (Pakistan)

Organization: International Federation of Journalists (IFJ)
Project Duration: One Year (24 months - full-time)
Duty Station: Pakistan (with travel as required)
Reports to: IFJ Asia-Pacific Office / IFJ-AP Director 

1. Background

The Brave Media Project is a regional initiative implemented by a consortium of partners across Myanmar, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan, aimed at strengthening independent journalism ecosystems in challenging media environments. The project focuses on promoting media resilience, innovation, and sustainability, particularly in contexts where press freedom and economic viability of media outlets are under increasing pressure.

The Brave Media  project will explore media viability models and approaches cultivated at a small industry scale but driven and enhanced at national level as part of a broader media development strategy by a coalition of key media actors. Overall, the interventions would be invested in the wider benefits of a national strategy focused on sustainability and trust in media as a foundation of democracy. Such strategies and best practices would then be developed and shared with coalition partners and fed into global campaigns and the development of a global action plan for media development and sustainability.

Within this broader regional framework, the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) is responsible for implementing the project in Pakistan and Indonesia, working closely with national stakeholders, journalists’ unions, and independent media actors.

In Pakistan, the project places a strong emphasis on supporting independent digital media, enhancing their viability, innovation capacity, and sustainability, and exploring alternative business models. This includes strengthening the ability of media organizations—especially small and emerging independent digital platforms—to adapt to the rapidly evolving media landscape, diversify revenue streams, and maintain editorial independence and public interest journalism.

The project also contributes to building a more inclusive and resilient media sector by supporting journalists—particularly women and marginalized groups—through capacity building, networking, and advocacy initiatives.

To ensure effective implementation and coordination of project activities in Pakistan, IFJ seeks to hire a Project Manager  who will lead the design, execution, coordination, and reporting of the project.

2. Overall Objective (Impact Level)

To contribute to a sustainable, independent, and resilient media ecosystem in Pakistan, with a particular focus on strengthening independent digital media and innovative business models.

3. Specific Objectives (Outcomes Level)

1. Enhanced capacity of independent digital media to adopt innovative and sustainable business models.

2. Improved collaboration and networking among media stakeholders, including journalists’ unions, digital platforms, and civil society.

3. Increased adoption of innovative practices that strengthen media resilience, editorial independence and public interest Journalism.

4. Scope of Work

The Project Manager will be responsible for the design, implementation, coordination, monitoring, and reporting of project activities in Pakistan, ensuring alignment with IFJ strategies and donor requirements.

5. Purpose of the Assignment

The Project Coordinator will be responsible for the design, implementation, coordination, and reporting of the Brave Media Project in Pakistan. The role requires close collaboration with consortium partners, national stakeholders, and IFJ teams to ensure timely, high-quality, and results-oriented delivery of project outputs.

6. Key Responsibilities

A. Project Design and Planning

• Develop detailed project implementation plans, including timelines, work plans, and activity schedules.

• Adapt and refine project strategies in line with IFJ objectives, consortium priorities, and donor requirements.

• Conduct stakeholder mapping, particularly focusing on independent digital media outlets and innovative actors.

B. Project Implementation

• Lead and oversee the implementation of project activities, including trainings, workshops, innovation labs, consultations, and campaigns.

• Ensure timely delivery of outputs related to media viability, digital innovation, and business model development.

• Coordinate logistical and operational arrangements for all project activities.

C. Coordination and Stakeholder Engagement

• Liaise with BRAVE consortium partners at regional level for alignment and knowledge sharing.

• Engage with journalists’ unions, independent digital media outlets, media startups, and civil society organizations in Pakistan.

• Maintain regular communication with IFJ regional and headquarters teams.

D. Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL)

• Develop and implement monitoring frameworks aligned with project indicators.

• Track progress on media viability, innovation initiatives, and capacity-building outcomes.

• Document lessons learned, best practices, and innovations emerging from the project.

E. Reporting and Documentation

• Prepare high-quality narrative and financial reports in line with donor and consortium requirements.

• Document case studies on digital media innovation and sustainability models.

• Maintain comprehensive records of all project activities and outputs.

F. Financial and Administrative Oversight

• Support budget planning, tracking, and compliance with donor guidelines.

• Coordinate with finance teams to ensure transparent and efficient use of project resources.

G. Communication and Visibility

• Support development of communication materials highlighting project achievements and innovations.

• Ensure donor visibility and compliance with branding guidelines.

• Contribute to regional knowledge-sharing within the BRAVE consortium.

7. Key Deliverables

The Project Coordinator will be responsible for the following deliverables:

1. Inception Report (Month 1)

• Detailed work plan, stakeholder mapping, and implementation strategy.

2. Quarterly Progress Reports

• Updates on activities, outputs, challenges, and mitigation measures.

3. Activity Reports

• Documentation of all trainings, workshops, and innovation-related activities.

4. Knowledge Products

• Case studies, success stories, and documentation of business models and innovations.

5. Final Project Report

• Comprehensive narrative and financial report, including impact, lessons learned, and recommendations.

8. Required Qualifications and Experience

• At least 5–7 years of experience in project management, preferably in media development, digital innovation, or media sustainability.

• Strong understanding of Pakistan’s media landscape, particularly independent and digital media ecosystems.

• Demonstrated experience working on donor-funded and/or multi-country projects.

• Experience in working with media business models, innovation, or digital transformation is highly desirable.

• Excellent coordination, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills.

• Strong analytical, documentation, and report-writing skills in English.

• Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks under tight deadlines.

9. Duration and Level of Effort

• Duration: 12 months (full-time)

• Possibility of extension subject to performance and project continuation.

10. Payment and Contract Modality

• Competitive remuneration based on qualifications and experience.

• Payment terms linked to deliverables, as per IFJ contractual arrangements.

11. Ethical Considerations

• Adherence to IFJ policies on safeguarding, gender equality, inclusion, and ethical journalism.

• Ensure confidentiality and integrity in handling project information and stakeholder data.

12. Application Process

Interested candidates should submit:

• Updated CV

• Cover letter outlining relevant experience

Application Deadline: April  23, 2026

Please Note: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted

Applications should be submitted to IFJ regional director, Jane Worthington, at [email protected]