The spread of COVID-19 continues to affect countries around the world, impacting societies and communities, particularly the most vulnerable. In light of this crisis, and as part of the Journalists for Transparency (J4T) Initiative, the International Anti-Corruption Conference (IACC) and Transparency International as its Secretariat are looking to support journalists worldwide who are covering the COVID-19 pandemic.
About J4T
Funded by the German Corporation for International Cooperation (GIZ), J4T is an initiative by the IACC that hosts and supports a global network of young journalists who work to uncover corruption, highlight social injustice and give voice to the most vulnerable people. Through investigative reporting, these journalists actively promote transparency, integrity and accountability.
Overview
J4T is looking for two young journalists to cover investigative stories focusing on the COVID-19 pandemic from a social, economic, humanitarian and equality perspective. Applications that focus on these issues, rather than medical and health problems, will be prioritised.
Who can apply?
If you fit the following description and align with our values, we invite you to apply to join the J4T initiative. Applicants are expected to meet the criteria listed below:
1. You work as a journalist reporting on the current COVID-19 crisis and are covering the issue from a social, economic, humanitarian or equality perspective, as it relates to corruption.
2. You are skilled in one or more of the following areas: digital/print Journalism, broadcast journalism, photojournalism, Digital Storytelling, social media, and video editing.
3. You are passionate about fighting corruption and social injustice and keen to learn more about Transparency International, the IACC Series and the issues we work on.
4. You are under 35 years old and fluent in English.
**Note that if selected, the IACC Series and TI reserve the right to publish your story on their websites and social media channels**
What we are looking for:
Reporting may cover any aspect of COVID-19 and its implications, including but not limited to:
*Social consequences of COVID-19, particularly related to equality, social injustice, corruption, accountability and public spending;
*Restricted access to information, limited civil society space, challenges to the rule of law or law enforcement, issues of public procurement and accountability measures as a result of the general management of COVID-19;
*Implications on migration/refugee movements or abuse by government officials, members of international organisations, police forces etc.;
*Stories of resilience and solutions on a regional or global scale;
*Lessons learned from local/global response/s to COVID-19 that could be applied to other large-scale challenges, such as climate change or the refugee crisis.
Deadline for applications is 8th May 2020. Please submit your application (CV, reporting pitch, indicative budget, 1-2 work samples) to iacc@transparency.org
What to expect if you are selected?
*Selected journalists will receive a research & reporting grant in line with the budget submitted up to a maximum of 10,000 Euro. (For group work, an increased amount may be considered). The grant is intended to support selected journalists to conduct their research, including any fieldwork or related travel, visas and insurance and to publish the results in a media outlet.
*Selected journalists will be supported by an assigned Senior Editor throughout their reporting. They will work in close contact with the Senior Editor and the IACC Team and inform them of updates regularly. The chosen journalist(s) must ensure that the Senior Editor and peer review recommendations are closely followed.
*Stories may be published on the IACC and Transparency International social media platforms, as well as the J4T website.
We ask recipients to please prioritize your health and the health of the communities in which you work. While some journalists may put themselves in harm’s way or unnecessary legal risk in pursuit of a story, we ask that you please take all precautions to protect yourself and the communities you cover. Please follow local, regional, and national guidelines for accredited journalists in your region. This guide provides advice for visual and other journalists.