Call for applications 2023 : Wiki Loves Africa Facilitator

Wiki In Africa 2023 Open Position

(applications now closed)

Wiki In Africa believes that all peoples should see themselves and their experiences reflected online in order to be part of and make sense of the world. We believe in the transformative power that comes with free access to decolonised knowledge, information and education in all its forms. 

Wiki In Africa is a South African-based NGO that initiates and manages knowledge contribution programmes across Africa and beyond. The most notable of these are Wiki Loves Africa, Wiki Loves Women (including Focus Group, SheSaid and Inspiring Open), WikiAfrica Hour, WikiChallenge Ecoles d’Afrique and WikiFundi, although there are smaller drives, and associated projects and movement campaigns that we proudly create, support and take part in.  

2023 will be the 6th year since Wiki In Africa was officially registered, although some of the projects are now in their 8th year. 

The programmes are designed and integrated to encourage and support the transfer of skills and knowledge to a growing community of Wikmedians to facilitate their contribution of content from Africa to the Wikimedia projects. It runs four exceptional knowledge contribution programmes, and one community engagement programme, that support the growth and expansion of content creation communities across Africa, and beyond.

Links: 

Wiki Loves Africa Facilitator

Now in its 9th year, Wiki Loves Africa is one of the largest photography and media contests on the African continent. It is run across the whole continent, however, some specific actions (training, communication, etc.) are held in some countries with national organisers. 

The theme for the 2023 Wiki Loves Africa is Climate and Weather.

Wiki Loves Africa has achieved much over 8 years:

  • Over 88,640 images collected
  • 10,380 unique submitters
  • Images viewed 1,044,490,672 times altogether (June 2022)
  • 337+ events in 26 African countries
  • Submitted images viewed 25,072,328 times each month (June 2022);
  • 80%+ of the competitors are newb to the Wikimedia projects;
  • A Wiki Loves Africa winning image was included in the Journeys Through Our Fragile Heritage exhibition at the UNESCO, Paris; and
  • Wiki Loves Africa’s ISA tool is the Winner of the Best Multimedia Tool Prize at WikiData Conference 2019

The role

We are looking for a Wiki Loves Africa Facilitator to heighten awareness of, support during, and participation in the Wiki Loves Africa contest and related activities. The Wiki Loves Africa Facilitator will manage and coordinate the project throughout 2023. This includes the creation and development of vital, relevant and timely information about this flagship project to facilitate the involvement of, and provide opportunities for, the larger photographic, media and Wikimedian communities across Africa.

The facilitator will provide support to WIA global organisers with the organisation of the contest itself. They will provide support to local organisers and competitors during the contest. Finally, they will engage with the communities for year-round engagement and training to support and grow Wiki Loves Africa-related activities.  Specifically, the Wiki Loves Africa Facilitator will focus on engagement with Africa’s photographic, media, and Wikimedia communities and improve access to opportunities and skills development. 

We are looking for a person who has experience within the Wikimedia community, significant participation experience, and a passion for photography and other media. The position is entirely remote. 

Responsibilities may include, but are not be limited to, the following:

Administrative and project management assistance for Wiki Loves Africa 2023 contest and associated projects throughout 2023. This includes (but is not limited to) timeline and task management and implementation, community engagement (organisers and photographers), skills building, online events, jury process facilitation, and report writing.

On-Wiki and photographer-focused communications and events to focus awareness, and build understanding and skills toward quality contributions over the long term. This includes (but is not limited to) masterclass and webinar planning, database management, collaborations on campaigns, awareness of opportunities, and community engagement.

Community awareness to support organiser participation in Wiki Loves Africa by ensuring visibility on community channels. This includes (but is not limited to) communication, alerts, content production, and community empowerment and engagement.

Community health monitoring (in line with UCoC) through feedback meetings, polls and surveys, metrics assessments, documentation, and reports.

The person

Consider applying if you have the following: 

Essential skills

  • 2+ years experience in a project management or community development role
  • Photography as a passion or profession
  • Wikimedia Commons knowledge, including licencing, permissions, etc.
  • Experience in facilitating groups and building communities,
  • Organising events (online or offline),
  • Wikimedia experience across multiple platforms
  • Exceptional and demonstrable writing and interpersonal communication skills in English
  • Time management, organizational skills, and ability to meet deadlines.
  • An analytical mind and ability to think critically.
  • Managing tasks independently and as part of a team
  • Experience contributing to websites (wordpress), social media platforms (such as Facebook, Twitter, Linked In, Youtube,  and/or Instagram), word processing and spreadsheets.

Nice to haves

  • Has fine-tuned knowledge of a range of community and project management-related software (e.g. Qualtrix, etc.)
  • Experience in design and communications platforms (e.g. Canva, Hootsuite, Mailchimp, etc.),
  • Can read and write French (not mandatory, but would be very appreciated).

Eligibility

Candidates should be gender-sensitive, and live on or be from the African continent. We will accept candidates from outside Africa, as long as they have direct and recent African experience.

This is a remote position to be conducted from the successful candidate’s place of residence or alternative space. As such, they are expected to have the correct visa or work permit to reside in the country they will be working from. As such, Wiki In Africa will not facilitate the application of visas or work permits, or the transition from one country to another. 

To be considered, the applicant should have access to a personal computer and reliable internet.

Allowance and duration:

  • This is a paid position.
  • 12 month duration; start 1st January – ends 31st December 2023.
  • The tasks are pegged at 0.5 FTE over 12 months (allowance should be made for expected peak periods).
  • As a contract position, this does not constitute ongoing employment with Wiki In Africa. However, there is an opportunity for growth within the organisation (to be discussed in the performance review).
  • No additional payments will be made for national holidays, holiday leave, or sickness. Local tax obligations or other legal implications are the responsibility of the contractee.    

Application requirements

  • Apply via this linked form
  • Attach CV + motivation letter as to why you are eager to be considered for this role
  • Application deadline: 5 December 2022 at 24:00 (everywhere on Earth)