Vaclav Havel Journalism Fellowship in Prague

Deadline: 31 May 2015
Open to: journalists from Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, Ukraine and the Russian Federation
Fellowship: monthly stipend, housing, insurance and travel arrangements to and from Prague

Description

Applications are currently being accepted for the 2015-2016 Vaclav Havel Journalism Fellowship (VHJF). The purpose of the Fellowship is to support aspiring journalists from countries lacking media freedom and independence to pursue their profession in support of pluralism. It is inspired by former Czech President Vaclav Havel’s belief in the transformational role of journalism in challenging tyranny. The Fellowship is a joint initiative of RFE/RL and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic, and is generously supported by the Prague Freedom Foundation and the Dagmar and Vaclav Havel Foundation VIZE97. Selected Fellows are placed with a language service at RFE/RL’s headquarters in Prague, where they receive on-the-job training and mentoring while working alongside RFE/RL’s seasoned professionals. The program will help position the selected Fellows as standard-bearers of their profession and leaders in their communities, on-line, on air, and in the world.

The Vaclav Havel Journalism Fellowship is made up of five main components:

  • Professional development alongside RFE/RL’s seasoned professionals;
  • On-the-job training, to include daily multi-media programming and reporting;
  • New skills development;
  • Participation in the daily editorial debates and discussions that inform a professional and independent press;
  • Public outreach;

The Fellowship also features workshops with experts on digital media, roundtables with journalists and policymakers, visits to local media and news agencies in Prague, and professional development opportunities in the Czech Republic and elsewhere. Fellows will be expected to represent themselves and the Fellowship in public events and discussions relating to media conditions in their country. Fellows may be invited to propose projects related to their journalism and receive funding as a follow-on to the Fellowship.

Eligibility

This year, the Fellowship accepts applications from journalists in Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, Ukraine, and the Russian Federation. Eligible applicants are expected to:

  • have a minimum of two years experience working as a journalist in their native language;
  • have a demonstrated commitment to journalism as a profession;
  • be proficient in English.

Fellowship

Fellowships are for a term of eight months, including one month spent at the beginning and end of the program at a local RFE/RL bureau. A monthly stipend, housing, insurance and travel arrangements to and from Prague are provided.

How to apply?

The deadline for applications is 31 May 2015. A complete application includes the following information:

  • Personal data;
  • Personal statement;
  • Work samples;
  • Two letters of recommendation;
  • Curriculum Vitae;
  • “Letter to Vaclav Havel”;
  • Copy of an English language certificate (optional);

In addition, please do mention how you learned about the Fellowship (e.g., RFE/RL’s website, Facebook, a professional or academic reference, etc.). Application materials must be submitted in English to havelfellowship@rferl.org. Candidates may be contacted and asked to participate in a telephone, Skype or in-person interview as part of the application process.

For more information please check the Call for Applications or the official website.

If you have any questions please contact a coordinator at kubaskovai@rferl.org

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