ARIJ is seeking an experienced Lead Academic Expert to oversee and strengthen its partnerships with universities and academic institutions across the Arab region. The expert will lead the integration of ARIJ’s Investigative Journalism and Fact-Checking curricula into university programs, coordinate faculty capacity-building, support research and events, and monitor impact.
Position Title: Lead Academic Expert – Universities Partnership and Integration of ARIJ Investigative Journalism & Fact-Checking Curricula
Organization: Arab Reporters for Investigative Journalism (ARIJ)
Duration: January – December 2026
Reporting to: ARIJ Management / Program Manager
Final deadline for application: November 13, 2025.
- Purpose of the Role
The Lead Academic Expert will serve as ARIJ’s focal point with universities and academic institutions, leading the integration of ARIJ’s Investigative Journalism and Fact-Checking curricula. The Expert will manage relationships, coordinate faculty capacity-building, facilitate academic activities, and monitor impact.
This role bridges ARIJ’s training work and academia, ensuring ARIJ’s resources, curricula, and expertise are effectively embedded within university environments.
- Key Responsibilities
- Faculty Development: Establish and maintain a peer network of academic professionals for continuous exchange and best practice sharing. Design and implement training programs, including Training-of-Trainers (ToT), to integrate curriculum enhancements and support faculty during implementation.
- Partnership Management: Identify, negotiate, and formalize new partnerships with universities and journalism institutions. Sustain strong relationships with existing partners, maintaining a comprehensive database of engagement. Facilitate connections between universities and industry professionals for internships and joint projects.
- Program Coordination: Design and deliver academic activities such as guest lectures, workshops, and student-centered events like competitions and fellowships, in coordination with internal teams. Promote the integration of our organization’s online courses and materials into university teaching.
- Outreach & Representation: Serve as the primary liaison with university partners, managing communication and visibility efforts. Represent the organization at academic and media events.
- Monitoring & Strategy: Define and track Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for all partnership and training activities. Gather continuous feedback and prepare progress reports. Provide strategic input on trends in journalism education to contribute to the development of new academic programs and modules.
- Required Qualifications
- PhD degree in Mass Communication, Journalism, or related field.
- Minimum 7 years of university-level education.
- Proven knowledge of ARIJ curricula, investigative journalism, and fact-checking practices.
- Understanding of academic systems and media education in the Arab region.
- Excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation skills.
- Strong research, organizational, and project management skills.
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
- Fluency in Arabic, English and French.
Please fill out the below application form by November 13, 2025.
