Media Monitoring & Analysis – UNDP Malawi Country Office

Volunteering

Overview

Support media monitoring and analysis for UNDP Malawi's communications objectives.

You have:

• Prior experience in research, analysis, journalism, media monitoring, communication, or related fields.
• Ability to synthesise large volumes of information into clear, concise summaries.
• Familiarity with Malawi’s political, economic, and social context is a strong asset.
• Strong analytical and critical-thinking skills.
• Excellent written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and meet deadlines.
• Ability to verify credibility of sources and detect bias or misinformation.
• Reliable internet connection.
• Access to and familiarity with local Malawian media sources.
• Ability to track content across digital and traditional platforms.
• No specific degree required, though backgrounds in journalism, political science, communications, public policy, development studies or related fields are an asset.
• Areas of Expertise: Communication, Research & Analysis, Media and Public Information.

Contract

This is a UNV contract. More about UNV contracts.

The Malawian media landscape is dynamic, influenced by political developments, economic shifts, social issues, climate events, and governance reforms. The Country Office requires structured, timely, and accurate monitoring of media content—including radio, online portals, newspapers, and social media to capture trends relevant to programme work, public opinion, and reputational considerations. Online Volunteers will support the Communications and Programme teams by generating regular monitoring reports, synthesising key developments, and providing analytical insights to guide decision-making. This mirrors the approach used in other UNDP media-monitoring deployments.

Under the supervision of the Communications Team and in close collaboration with programme staff, the Online Volunteer(s) will:

A. Daily and Weekly Media Monitoring

• Conduct daily monitoring of Malawian media outlets, including: o Online news platforms o Radio news summaries o Newspapers and digital publications o Verified social media accounts (as relevant) • Track issues linked to governance, development, climate, human rights, economic trends, and UNDP programme areas.

B. Production of Media Monitoring Reports

• Compile daily and/or weekly summaries of key media stories, similar to the reporting approach in other UNDP media-monitoring assignments. • Highlight major themes, emerging risks, misinformation flags, and opportunities for engagement. • Flag mentions of UN/UNDP Malawi, its partners, activities, or leadership.

C. Analytical Insight & Thematic Mapping

• Provide short analytical commentary on trends, cross-cutting issues, and narratives affecting development work. • Identify shifts in public sentiment, political developments, or sector-specific dynamics relevant to UNDP projects. • Compare weekly developments to regional or global influence when applicable.

D. Collaboration with Programme Teams

• Engage programme teams to understand their information needs. • Map programme-specific topics (e.g., climate resilience, elections, governance, youth, innovation) within media coverage. • Produce tailored briefs to support programme planning, advocacy, and risk identification.

E. Feedback & Coordination

• Join short weekly online check-ins to discuss outputs, receive feedback, and refine methodology—similar to the weekly coordination used in reference DoAs. • Adjust monitoring focus areas based on evolving priorities.

F. Deliverables

By the end of the assignment, the Online Volunteer(s) are expected to deliver: • Daily monitoring summaries (if requested). • Weekly comprehensive media monitoring reports (5–10 pages). • A final synthesis report highlighting patterns, narrative trajectories, reputational issues, and opportunities. • A curated list of key media sources relevant to UNDP Malawi. • All raw notes and source links used for analysis.

A. Required Experience • Prior experience in research, analysis, journalism, media monitoring, communication, or related fields. • Ability to synthesise large volumes of information into clear, concise summaries. • Familiarity with Malawi’s political, economic, and social context is a strong asset.

B. Skills • Strong analytical and critical-thinking skills. • Excellent written communication skills. • Ability to work independently and meet deadlines. • Ability to verify credibility of sources and detect bias or misinformation.

C. Technical Requirements • Reliable internet connection. • Access to and familiarity with local Malawian media sources. • Ability to track content across digital and traditional platforms.

D. Education • No specific degree required, though backgrounds in journalism, political science, communications, public policy, development studies or related fields are an asset.

E. Area of Expertise • Communication • Research & Analysis • Media and Public Information

F. Additional Information Volunteerism is is understood as work undertaken of free will for the public good, without monetary reward.

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Potential interview questions

Added 6 months ago - Updated 5 months ago - Source: unv.org