Project Duration: 8 Months
Location: Zambia
About MISA Zambia
MISA Zambia, established in 1995, is a membership-based organization that promotes media freedom, freedom of expression, and ethical journalism in Zambia. Governed through a democratic structure comprising the AGM, National Governing Council, and Secretariat, it works with media, communities and various partners to advance its vision and mission. As part of the regional MISA network across 11 SADC countries, it aligns with the regional vision of a pluralistic and free media. Its 2025–2029 strategy is guided by the core values of Virtue, Innovation, Transparency, Adaptability and Objectivity -VITAO.
Call for Election Monitors
MISA Zambia invites applications from qualified, motivated, and experienced individuals to serve as Election Content Monitors under an upcoming media monitoring project focused on the electoral cycle in Zambia and media coverage.
This project aims to strengthen media accountability, promote balanced reporting, and enhance the role of the media in Zambia’s electoral processes through systematic monitoring, analysis, and reporting of electoral related content. The reports will be shared with the media and public.
Key Responsibilities
- Selected candidates will be responsible for:
- Monitoring radio, television, and print media content related to the electoral cycle from targeted media houses across Zambia
- Recording and coding media content using standardized monitoring tools and frameworks
- Capturing key indicators such as:
o Topic coverage
o Political actor visibility
o Tone (positive, neutral, negative)
o Balance and fairness in reporting
o Adherence to electoral codes
- Entering and managing data accurately and consistently
- Submitting daily or weekly monitoring logs as required
- Archiving recorded programmes and newspaper clippings systematically
- Producing brief analytical summaries of monitored content
- Participating in training and regular review meetings with the research team
- Drafting analytical reports for submission to the Lead Researcher
- Producing bi-monthly reports and contributing to a consolidated final report
- Supporting the planning and implementation of dissemination activities
- Assisting in developing strategies to address challenges affecting media performance in the electoral process
- Compiling infographics for online dissemination of findings
- Preparing press statements and speeches for report launch events
- Filing and organizing recorded news programmes and newspaper clippings related to elections
- Developing summaries of reports for publication on MISA Zambia social media platforms
- Responding to media queries related to project findings.
Qualifications and Experience
- A Diploma or Degree in Mass Communication, Journalism, Media Studies, Political Science, Social sciences or a related field
- Proven experience in media monitoring, content analysis research, reporting, or data collection
- Strong analytical and report writing skills
- Familiarity with Zambia’s media landscape and electoral processes
- Experience in content creation, including infographics and social media summaries, is an added advantage
- Excellent communication and organizational skills
- Ability to work independently and meet deadlines.
Work Modality
- Monitors will be assigned specific media outlets and/or geographic areas
- Work will involve daily monitoring of selected programmes/publications
- Regular submission of monitoring data will be required according to project timelines
Commitment
Successful candidates must be available for the full duration of the project.
Application Process
Interested candidates should submit:
- A cover letter detailing suitability for the role
- An updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Relevant supporting documents (if applicable)
Applications should be sent to: pm@misazambia.org.uk copy po@misazambia.org.uk
Subject line: Application – Election Content Monitor
Deadline for submission: 10th April 2026, 17:00hrs
