Program Director for Africa and Middle East at Media Development Investment Fund - MDIF

Key Responsibilities

• Work with MDIF’s Investment Committee (IC), develop strategies for and manage MDIF’s work in Africa and Middle East, taking account of needs of local media and risks and opportunities presented by the local political and economic environments.
• Build MDIF investment pipeline in Africa and the Middle East by identifying potential loan and equity candidates; prepare materials for programmatic assessment of candidates, including analysis of applicants in respect of their importance, impact, compatibility with MDIF mission, business prospects, and other relevant criteria.
• Research and prepare materials for country updates and approvals by MDIF Board of Directors.
• Be a point of contact for candidates and clients on non-financial issues; working with other MDIF staff in and outside Africa and the Middle East, be responsible for managing all non-financial elements of the investment process for projects in the region.
• Lead the monitoring of the mission-related aspects of clients’ work.
• In close collaboration with MDIF Media Advisory Services (MAS) co-ordinate technical assistance for MDIF clients and candidates in Africa and the Middle East; in cooperation with project teams identify needs of specific candidates, clients, and cohorts of similarly situated clients.
• Provide strategic advice to clients within the areas of Program Director’s media management expertise.
• On a case-by-case basis, sit on investees’ Boards of Directors as MDIF’s nominee.
• Network, build relationships, and drive partnerships with other media support organisations in Africa and the Middle East, and represent MDIF at events.
• Participate in fundraising efforts with local funders and media investors; prepare program reports for funders and investors.
• In close collaboration with our Managing Director, Media Programs, initiate and manage special media programs in Africa and Middle East on behalf of MDIF.

Requirements

• Proven experience in management of a news organisation and in journalism. Additional experience in finance and/or media support is a plus.
• Understanding of media environment in some Africa and the Middle East countries with a strong interest in deepening it further.
• Degree in media, journalism or similar is preferred.
• Fluency in spoken and written English; knowledge of Arabic an advantage.
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work both independently and as a part of an international team.
• The Program Director shall be based in Africa or the Middle East, in a location of their choosing which must allow easy communication with clients and stakeholders in the region, including the ability to make frequent company visits.