Projects - Training

Iraq and Jordan: Media Training for Iraqi Ministry of Human Rights staff to contribute to spreading “Human Rights Messages’

Client: UNOPS

Date: May 2009

In consultation with the Government and civil society of Iraq, an umbrella programme to support the rule of law and justice in Iraq was prepared by UNDP, UNOPS and the UNAMI Human Rights Office and delivered by Albany Associates and Jordan Pioneers. The programme was funded by the European Commission (EC).

One component of the project, designed and implemented by Albany Associates in cooperation with UNOPS, addressed the need to promote human rights awareness in Iraq through the use of mass media. Upon specific request by the Minister of Human Rights of Iraq, this included training of the staff of the Media Unit of the Ministry of Human Rights (MoHR) to lead the establishment of a human rights culture in Iraq and channeling of ‘human rights messages’ through conventional media channels.

The training was set up with a dual focus on enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of the Media Unit’s use of mass media, while simultaneously raising their knowledge of human rights principles; developing their understanding in areas related to the promotion, protection and respect of human rights in Iraq.

During the three week course in Baghdad and Amman, Albany trained the Media Unit staff in the following modules:

Introduction to human rights, including freedom of expression and freedom of information.
Basic journalism, including interview skills, media report writing and how to conduct a media campaign.
Web and film skills, including print design, photo treatment, film editing, preparation of documentaries and short movies.
Public relations.

The sessions included workshop style learning in a classroom environment as well as practical components where participants use acquired skills to begin a Human Rights Media Campaign. As part of exploring the use of “New Media” techniques, increasingly popular across the Middle East, the Media Unit staff were also trained in the use of blogging techniques and open source reporting (youtube/facebook) and were tutored by Jordan Pioneers in making short films.

Iraq: Capacity Building and Comprehensive Training of National Media and Communications Regulator

Client: United States Government, Iraqi Reconstruction & Management Office

Dates: November 2006 to November 2008

Albany was awarded a $2.4 million contract to provide a comprehensive training and capacity-building program in order to strengthen the independence of Iraq’s converged regulator of broadcasting and telecommunications, the Communications and Media Commission. This program includes:

Broadcast regulation
Licensing policy for broadcasting
Dispute resolution and enforcement
Public relations and consultation
Assessment of legal landscape
Training on law and policy
Telecommunications issues, such as numbering and interconnection
Soft skills, such as English language, management, business and computer skills

Iraq: International Public Relations and Capacity Building

Client: Communications and Media Commission of Iraq (CMC)

Dates: Nov 2005 to Nov 2006, April to July 2007

A key goal of this project was to build, manage and enhance the reputation of the CMC, its Chief Executive Officer and Commissioners through a comprehensive targeted strategic communications and public relations program. Additionally, Albany provided advice on how to build the necessary technical and staffing capabilities to meet the demands of the fast-moving communications sectors in Iraq. This project also required liaising with international organisations on behalf of the CMC and developing publications to communicate on important issues and events.

United Arab Emirates: Broadcast Regulatory Master Class

Client: Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) of the UAE

Dates: October 2006

Albany tailored its Broadcast Regulatory Master Class for delivery to the TRA in Abu Dhabi. The four-day course was specially designed to assist the TRA in its deliberations on whether and how to take on broadcast regulation (previously with the government) and become a converged communications regulator.

Broadcast Regulatory Master Class

Client: Various Broadcast Regulatory Authorities

Dates: September 2006

Albany designed and delivered a four-day Broadcast Regulatory Master Class in London in September 2006 where experts discussed a variety of issues fundamental to running a broadcasting authority, including content standards, enforcement of codes of practice, and licensing procedures. Attendees included representatives of regulators from various countries around the globe, including Tanzania, Czech Republic and South Africa.