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Apply Today to Report on Peacebuilding and Conflict Resolution in Africa

About this Fellowship

The International Reporting Project is accepting applications from professional journalists to report on issues related to peacebuilding and conflict resolution across the African continent. The deadline for submissions was 11:59pm EST on Friday, June 30, 2017.

Applicants may propose any stories that relate to post-conflict peacebuilding. Topics might include but are not limited to:

 leadership: local, national, individual and organizational;
 human rights initiatives;
 access to education, healthcare and judicial bodies;
 status of marginalized communities and familial hierarchies;
 women and gender;
 violence and threats to safety and security;
 power imbalances and early warning signs;
 migration, land rights and borders;
 opportunities created by shifting dynamics;
 religion, culture and holistic reform;
 climate change, food security and natural resources;
 change-makers, creative approaches and conditions necessary for peace;
 multi-country/cross- border solutions and strategic partnerships.

Time spent in the destination country is flexible; fellowships typically last between two and seven weeks.

Proposals may focus on any African country, though special consideration will be given to projects in Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Mali, Sudan, South Sudan and Zimbabwe. Citizens of all countries are eligible; journalists from across the continent are especially encouraged to apply, though proposed projects should take place in a country other than the journalist’s home country.

We encourage applicants to propose stories and destinations not recently covered by IRP fellows, although some exceptions may be made. Additionally, we are looking for applications in which journalists are proposing to cover new territory rather than stories they have been focusing on for years. Similarly, we are not likely to support book-related projects.

Staffers and freelancers alike are encouraged to apply, and should note their projected outlets for publication as part of their pitch. The fellowships are intended for experienced professional journalists who have a record of outstanding achievement in reporting for influential media outlets. This fellowship is not intended for students or for recent graduates without professional reporting experience.

IRP considers and encourages stories in a variety of media, including print, online, radio, television, photography, social media and video. Candidates will be asked to indicate whether they have undergone safety/security and first-aid training for hostile-environment reporting.

How to Apply

All applicants must fill out an application form in which they should write an essay of at least 1,000 words describing the stories they would pursue during the fellowship. Applicants should note their expected output (e.g. longform, short articles, radio or video documentary, photo essays, etc.). In order to be considered, all application essays must be submitted in English. However, the stories and other updates produced by the fellows may be in English or in other languages.

All applications must include a detailed budget proposal outlining how the funding will be used (i.e. airfare, accommodations, fixer fees, meals, etc.), which assists in determining the amount of the stipend awarded. Fellows are not required to submit receipts or post-fellowship expense reports. 

All of the fellow’s stories will be republished on the IRP website and co-owned by the fellow (or his/her distribution partners, depending on arrangements) and the IRP. In addition, the work produced as a result of the trip may be posted on the social media channels of the IRP funders. These fellowships are supported by a grant from Humanity United.

Because of the high volume of applications we receive, we are unable to respond to every applicant, and we do not send automated confirmation receipts. You will be contacted by a member of the selection committee for additional follow-up only if your proposal is selected as a finalist for further consideration.

Please read our frequently asked questions before applying.

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