VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT
Position Title: Operations and Program Manager
Location: Thailand
Position Type: Full-Time
Reports To: Executive Director / Board of Directors
About Us
Kachin News Group is an Ethnic independent media organisation dedicated to impactful Indigenous journalism, public-interest reporting, and fostering informed, diverse communities in Northern Myanmar and internationally.
Position Overview
We are seeking a dynamic, strategic, values-driven Operations and Program Manager to lead our day-to-day operations, drive media program implementation, and spearhead organisational sustainability. This dual-focused role requires an adaptable leader who thrives in a fast-paced journalism environment, managing both internal systems and external impact programs while ensuring robust safeguarding and equity standards across all operations.
Key Responsibilities
As an OPM you will work closely with the Executive director, Newsroom team and orhter organiatioanal the management team to responsible in three key areas such as organizational and operational management, Program development and Management, Resource and Business development.
- Organisational & Operational Management
- Oversee day-to-day administrative operations, legal contracts, and IT infrastructure to ensure smooth media production and organisational governance.
- Manage organisational budgets, track expenditures, analyse financial figures, and work with the finance team.
- Lead recruitment, onboarding, contractor management, and team workflow coordination across editorial and administrative units.
- Implement risk mitigation protocols to protect organizational assets, staff, and journalists operating in sensitive reporting environments.
- Program Development & Management
- Plan and develop media grants, project activities, training programs, collaborative reporting initiatives from inception to delivery.
- Lead the program team and develop program MEL plan, track program impact, gather qualitative/quantitative metrics, and compile reports for donors, partners, and internal learning.
- Coordinate as a bridge between management, internal newsroom team, academic scholars, researchers, institutions, freelancers, and civil society partners to ensure timely project deliverables.
- Resource & Business Development
Lead organisational financial strategy to identify and pursue institutional grants, media development funding, and commercial revenue/sponsorship opportunities.
Develop draft high-quality grant proposals, project concepts, and donor pitches tailored to press freedom and media development funders.
Maintain relationships with donors, ensuring timely progress reporting, budget compliance, and grant renewals.
Requirements & Qualifications
- Masterโs degree in Media and Communication Studies, Business Administration, International Development, or a related field. (or a Bachelorโs degree plus equivalent practical experience in media operations is acceptable.)
- Professional experience of at least 4โ5 years in progressive management in program management, operations, or resource development, preferably within media, journalism, or civil society sectors.
- Proven and demonstrated track record in grant writing, donor reporting, and grant management (e.g., media funds, international donors).
ย Core Competencies:
- Operational Agility: Proficiency in managing multi-faceted operations in small, resource-conscious teams.
- Financial Literacy: Strong capability in budget creation, monitoring, and basic financial analysis.
- Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English, Burmese and Kachin (Jinghpaw), with strong proposal-writing capabilities.
- Digital Literacy: Familiarity with modern project management tools (e.g., Notion and Trello), secure messaging apps, and cloud productivity suites.
- Safeguarding Expertise: Deep understanding of ethical reporting, PSHEA, gender-mainstreaming, and child protection principles.
Mandatory Safeguarding and Ethical Commitment
KNG is strictly committed to safety, dignity, and fundamental rights across all journalistic and operational practices. The Operations and Program Manager will actively enforce and mainstream the following policies:
- Do-No-Harm Media Principles: Conduct harm-minimisation checks on all stories. Prioritise source identity protection (e.g., blurring, voice modulation, pseudonyms), secure data handling, and avoid sensationalised coverage that risks endangering interviewees or communities.
- Child Safeguarding Policy: Strictly enforce ethical reporting involving minors (under 18). Always obtain informed, written parental/guardian consent, conceal child identities in sensitive cases, and ensure no minor is subjected to re-traumatising questions or harmful exposure.
- PSHEA Compliance (Protection from Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Harassment): Maintain a strict zero-tolerance policy regarding any abuse of power, sexual misconduct, exploitation, or harassment, both within the newsroom workspace and during field operations with vulnerable community members.
How to Apply
Interested candidates are requested submit the following documents to adminhr@kachinnews.com, with the subject line “Application: Operations and Program Manager – [Your Name]”:
- A tailored Cover Letter highlighting relevant operational and program management experience, as well as your alignment with our safeguarding values.
- An up-to-date CV.
- Contact details for two professional references from reliable institutions or organisations.
Application Deadline: 20, October, 2026
Thank you for your interest in contributing to the journey with KNG.