Vacancy Announcement: Fact Checking Assistants

Panos Institute Southern Africa (PSAf) is a Lusaka based non-profit, non-governmental and evidence-based media advocacy and communication for development organisation that uses innovative communication methodologies to amplify voices of the poor and marginalized to advance social change and foster social accountability. PSAf advances social change and social accountability by promoting informed and inclusive participation of marginalised people in governance and development processes by creating opportunities and platforms for informed and inclusive dialogue.

Through support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and in collaboration with the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) Zambia and the Bloggers of Zambia, PSAf is in the process of operationalizing a fact-checking mechanism that will streamline reporting, analysis and responses to mis/disinformation and hate speech during and beyond the electoral season in Zambia.

To that effect, PSAf is looking for suitably qualified Zambia-based candidates to be engaged as Fact Checking Assistants, with the following responsibilities:

Key Responsibilities

The purpose of the position will be to fact check all the data/information channeled to the hub/platform by various sources, using set tools and channels. The specific roles of the fact checkers will be to:

• Capture, collate and enter into the system all data coming from the project associated platforms, including but not limited to: SMS, i-Verify online platform, social media platforms, newspapers, radio, television, email, observer reports, phone ins, stakeholder reports;
• Regularly and systematically verify all identified facts with relevant stakeholders and trusted/credible sources;
• Triangulate and validate referenced data, including but not limited to reports, photos, videos and surveys;
• Treat manual inputs through the platform: assign, Group reports into cases;
• Fact check each case presented by among other means calling trusted sources and institutional focal points, collecting and documenting evidences and redacting fact checking report;
• Routinely update database of sensitive accounts and news sources, narratives and artifact and responses and counter messages;
• Participate in brainstorming and planning meetings/engagements;
• Carry out any other tasks as assigned by the project team or PSAf management.

 

Skills and competence:

• High computer literacy
• • Good interpersonal communication (written and oral) skills and self-drive
  • Good report writing and presentation skills.
  • Good knowledge of and contacts with Zambia’s community, mainstream and online media
  • Knowledge of Zambia’s social, political and economic context and environment and its potential impact on the upcoming elections
  • Knowledge and experience of electoral developments and trends in Zambia
  • Understanding of the electoral cycle and approaches in election monitoring and observation.
  • Ability to work under pressure and quick turn-around time frames.
  • Ability and experience in management of election related activities or coverage of elections.
  • Ability to troubleshoot, perform root cause analysis, identify and isolate technical issues and present solutions.

  Education

  Diploma or higher in Journalism or media Studies; Development studies; Information Technology; Communication; Information Systems Management or equivalent.

   

  Experience

  • Experience in NGO or related fields.
  • Experience working with and knowledge of Windows, Mac OS and Linux Operating systems and related applications.

  Applications:

  Suitably qualified persons should send their application letters, detailed CVs with traceable references, and copies of certificates to: The Executive Director, Panos Institute Southern Africa, P.O. Box 39163, Lusaka, Zambia.

  All applications must be submitted by email to: applications@panos.org.zm, and copy cathy@panos.org.zm. Applications must be clearly marked “Fact Checker”

  Closing Date:

  The closing date for the receipt of applications is Friday, 11^th June 2021, at 14:00hrs. Applications received after this date will not be accepted.

  Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

  ……………………………Ends……………………..