PACMAS Pacific Broadcast Technical Coordinator

Seeking Expressions of Interest:PACMAS Pacific Broadcast Technical CoordinatorSpecified task contract: 1 July 2013 – 30 June 2014 (with a possible 12-month extension)Full time; based in Port Vila, or from a Pacific, Asian, Australian or New Zealand base byagreement.Salary: AUD $100,000 per annumThe Pacific Media Assistance Scheme is an AusAID-funded regional media program that aims tosupport better governance in the Pacific region through the development of a diverse, independentand professional media that promotes informed and meaningful public discourse throughout theregion.PACMAS is working with media in these countries to:1) Strengthen the financial viability of public broadcasters;2) Develop content and exchanges;3) Develop access to technical coordination and distribution.The PACMAS Project Short to Medium Term Goals in the technical area are:1) Development of technical staff.2) Improved Technical budgeting.3) Ensuring spectrum allocation for broadcasting.4) Maintain Awareness on digital broadcasting.5) Contributing to a website to improve communication between & information available toEngineering depts.6) Create document templates (tech risks, budgets).7) Implement accredited basic technical training.Position DescriptionPACMAS is seeking a Pacific Broadcast Technical Coordinator to oversee a program of support anddevelopment of the technical capacity of Pacific broadcasters through:a) The development of a Pacific wide Broadcasting Technical Training programme;b) The development of a Pacific Broadcasting Technical section of the PACMAS website;c) The purchase and management of broadcasting tools and test equipment for usethroughout the Pacific;d) The provision of co-ordinated technical support, networking and representation for Pacificbroadcasting technical staff.BackgroundMany broadcasters in the Pacific struggle to keep their stations on air and to deliver an acceptablesignal to rural audiences. Equipment and facilities provided at the time of independence in mostcountries have reached the end of their expected life. Inadequate budgets (operational and capital),limited revenue opportunities, organisational and technical challenges hinder their capacity to fulfiltheir mandate.

Stations are often forced to pull apart, re-work, and make do, with old equipment to remain on air.Technicians have little access to technical training and limited contact with other colleagues. Thisprofessional isolation prevents access to knowledge and advice on problem solving and equipmentpurchase. It is recognized that unless there are improvements in the management of technicalresources and development of the capacity of technical staff, large numbers of Pacific Islanders willcontinue to be deprived of essential public interest broadcasts.For many years, some of the Pacific’s communication broadcast technicians have been informallydiscussing the state of their industry and the need for collaboration, along with their other needs.In 2009 during the inaugural Pacific Media Summit in Port Vila, Vanuatu, a Pacific Technicalrepresentative group was supported under PACMAS Phase 1 to brainstorm ideas and work towardsrealising their objectives.The Pacific Technical representative group was again supported by PACMAS to attend a pre-PacificMedia Partnership workshop in Samoa in September 2012 where they built on the progress since2009. They “brainstormed” the issues of training, networking and information sharing anddeveloping:1) a training framework for Pacific Technicians,2) a database structure for a Pacific Broadcasters database, and,3) the framework for a “Pacific Broadcast Technical Coordinator” position to ensure that thetraining, database and networking structures are developed as quickly as possible. Withoutsomeone in this position these initiatives will fail.The workshop also recommended that a pool of critical test equipment be sourced and stored inPort Vila (PACMAS office) to assist Pacific Broadcasters who have little or no test equipmentavailable to them. The list of equipment required has been detailed, however further work isrequired to see what is available and affordable.PACMAS has agreed to support and develop the technical capacity of Pacific broadcasters soaudiences have improved reliability and access to public interest content. Where appropriate,advances in digital technology will be explored, including opportunities offered by the Pacific DigitalStrategy. The development and implementation of a Pacific wide training and accreditationtechnical training program will also be pursued.The establishment of a “Pacific Broadcast Technical Coordinator” position is seen as vital for thesuccess of the training program, database setup and management, and the development ofinformation sharing and networking among Pacific Technical Staff.Scope of workThe Pacific Broadcast Technical Coordinator will be required to:1) Plan and manage the regional technical training program;2) Manage a Pacific technical database, to be hosted on the PACMAS website. The databasewill include Pacific Broadcast Services, technical staff details, studio and transmissionequipment and spares, test equipment, equipment suppliers, training providers andproviders of technical support;3) Deliver technical support to the region as required;4) Co-ordinate the provision of other technical support to the region as required;5) Purchase tools and test equipment for regional use;

6) Manage the regional tools and test equipment inventory;7) Co-ordinate technical workshops;8) Co-ordinate regional events from a technical perspective;9) Act as spokesperson for the region pertaining to technical issues;10) Manage (and report on) a budget allocated to this program of support;Interest is primarily sought from individuals who can supply all or most of the skills required.PACMAS has a Technical Advisory Group (TAG) which can support this role and provide someadditional specialist skills if required (particularly in relation to the establishment of the technicaldatabase).As the required activities involve a wide set of skills and experience, applications from organisationswith the complete set of skills may also be considered.Key Selection Criteria:a) Relevant Tertiary qualifications and /or equivalent experience;b) Good general technical skills in Radio and Television studio and transmission, and IP basedcontent management and delivery systems;c) Demonstrated experience working in a technical support /management role;d) Proven technical research skills;e) Experience working in a cross-cultural environment and ability to work with a wide range ofcounterparts;f) Good knowledge of the region;g) Proven self-management and organisational skills;h) Good networking skills;i) Strong written and spoken English.Desirable Skills and Experience:a) Experience working in the Pacific in a technical role would be an advantage.b) Pacific language skills would be an advantage.c) Website / database development and management skills.d) Experience in the development of and /or delivery of training programs.4. ApproachIt is anticipated that the appointment to this position will be made by 1 July 2013, and the term willbe for a period of up to two years, ending on 30 June 2015.It is expected that the first group of technical staff will start progressing through baseline trainingfrom the start of 2014.The website and technical database should be operational and available to technical staff by thefourth quarter of 2013, from which point it can be developed to maximise its usefulness to theregion throughout the remainder of the term.5. Output / Performance Measures1) Training Planning and Implementation in place.2) Website/Database operational.3) Regional tools and test equipment purchased and in regular use.

4) Support network developed including international organisations.5) Appropriate and timely monthly reporting to the PACMAS Program Manager.DurationThe initial contract will be for 12 months, with an option of extension until the end of thecurrent phase of the program (June 2015). There will be a probationary period of threemonths.How to applyPlease submit a written application, including a current CV and letter addressing the KeySelection Criteria, and Desirable Skills and Experience, to:Pacific Broadcast Technical Coordinator RecruitmentPacific Media Assistance Scheme (PACMAS)PMB2076,Port VilaVanuatuor by email to: francis.herman@pacmas.orgApplications close Friday 7 June 2013, at 11:55pm Aus. Eastern Standard TimeFor further information contact:Francis Herman on +678 242 63 or at francis.herman@pacmas.org,or Kate Raseta on +61 3 9626 1934 or at raseta.kate@abc.net.auor check the PACMAS website www.pacmas.org