Senior Thematic Adviser, Governance & Democracy

Job Introduction

This post is responsible for providing in-depth knowledge and specialist technical advice to BBC Media Action’s portfolio of governance and democracy projects and the development of new projects in this area.

This post will guide BBC Media Action’s strategy on governance and democracy work (including the role of media and communication in supporting political participation, civic space, accountability, transparency, anti-corruption, conflict-prevention and social cohesion), contributing to the organisation’s ‘stronger democracies’ impact area, and ensuring that the organisation becomes increasingly respected for its practice, evidence and impact in this area.

Main Responsibilities

Advisory: Ensuring the best learning, evidence and technical advice on how media and communication can support political participation, civic space, accountability, transparency, anti-corruption, conflict-prevention and social cohesion is made available across the organisation.

Business Development: Supporting the development of external international donor and other business development relationships on governance and democracy support, exploring and generating business development opportunities.

Evidence: Working closely with BBC Media Action’s research team to drive the development of an evidence generation strategy sufficient to improve the organisation’s reputation for impact supporting good governance and stronger democracies.

External Policy Engagement: This post supports the organisation’s external evidence-based policy engagement in this field. This will involve building the institutional reputation of the organisation and its influence in deploying its own experience, insight and evidence to inform and help shape donor and development strategies.

Are you the right candidate?

Strong experience of, and a proven reputation in, the role of media and communication in supporting political participation, civic space, accountability, transparency, anti-corruption, conflict-prevention and social cohesion (or some combination of these).

Proficiency in adapting programming strategies to diverse political environments, including those with varying levels of democratic freedoms.

Possess a nuanced understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities for civic engagement in the global majority, and particularly for those most marginalized.

Experience of working with multi-disciplinary, diverse and geographically dispersed teams, to mobilize resources and achieve impact.

Demonstrate a commitment to inclusive and equitable approaches to governance and democracy support work.

Experience in forming and maintaining relationships with expert external stakeholders in the governance and democracy support sector.

Excellent communication and writing skills.

A relevant post graduate qualification or demonstrable record in delivering relevant projects, research or learning.

Ability and willingness to travel as required to deliver the job.

Able to drive and support performance while embodying BBC values.

Industries:Media Production

Function: Others