ACME is undertaking research that seeks to document the factors, actors, behaviours, trends, developments, issues and influences that have shaped Uganda’s journalism and news media landscape, including the state of media freedom, by compiling, synthesizing, and making sense of all available information and evidence to provide a comprehensive and current snapshot of the sector.
The significance of this study is based on the fact that the journalism and news media landscape, the media consumption patterns and the regulatory regime are fast changing, necessitating empirical evidence that tracks contemporary trends in the industry. This study is both important and timely because it will collect and analyse the most recent information about the industry and interpret it through the lenses of journalists, editors, newsroom leaders, media owners, regulators, trainers and audiences.
Objective
ACME is seeking the services of a Principal Researcher to lead in researching, documenting and mapping the state of Uganda’s media landscape. The results of the study will support evidence-based programming, advocacy, civic engagement, public dialogue, as well as capacity and professional development initiatives.
Scope of the assignment
The Principal Researcher will:
- Plan and conduct systematic research to generate information and data on the state of Uganda’s media landscape in 2024.
- Draft a comprehensive high-quality State of Uganda’s Media Landscape Report 2024.
- Draw on the research results to extract and/or develop content for complementary information and knowledge products in appropriate formats.
- Assist ACME to manage all elements of the research project.
Duration
The research project will be conducted and completed between January and June 2025.
Tasks and deliverables
- Liaise with ACME to organise a media research agenda workshop to guide the focus and direction of the research.
- Prepare and submit a concept note that lays out a detailed roadmap for the research in accordance with the guidelines provided by ACME.
- Present the concept note for validation in an inception meeting to be convened by ACME.
- Collect information, gather data and prepare and submit a draft report in accordance with the guidelines provided by ACME.
- Present the draft report for validation in a stakeholder meeting to be convened by ACME.
- Prepare and submit the final report in accordance with the observations and recommendations by independent reviewers and from the stakeholder validation.
- Prepare and submit content or material generated from the research for assorted information and knowledge products in accordance with guidelines provided by ACME.
Payment
Competitive and based on market rates, qualifications and experience.
Minimum qualification
- An advanced degree in journalism, media, communication or a related field from a recognised university or institution of higher learning.
- Demonstrated familiarity with the media landscape in Uganda.
- Proven competence in media and social research methods with proof of experience in conducting similar research.
- High-level writing and analytical skills as attested to by three (3) technical or academic written works or reports for which you are the sole or lead/primary author.
How to apply
Interested applicants should submit:
- As one consolidated PDF file, a short expression of interest (maximum 400 words) including their daily rate for professional fees; an indicative work plan (maximum one page) including estimated number of days to be spent on the project; and a CV that speaks directly and clearly to competencies relevant to the assignment.
- Online links or copies of 3 writing samples as described in the minimum qualifications.
Submit the above-listed requirements by email to admin[at]acme-ug.org with the following subject line: Application for principal researcher. The application deadline is 10 January 2025.
Download the request for consultancy services here.
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Feature photo by cottonbro studio: https://www.pexels.com/photo/person-in-pink-long-sleeve-shirt-writing-on-white-paper-6334779/
