CALL FOR ELECTION CONTENT MONITORS

Job description

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