Call for applications: INVESTIGATIVE JOURNALISM WORKSHOP

About Thomson Foundation

Thomson Foundation is a British non-profit, non-political, and independent organization
working to promote free and independent journalism. With a 60-year track record, the
Foundation has trained journalists in ethical standards and high-quality reporting in over 100
countries. The Foundation works with media organizations, governments, civil society
organizations, and commercial entities, particularly in Eastern Europe, Africa, Latin America,
Asia, and the Middle East, who wish to uphold professional standards in factual content.

Project Overview:
In partnership with the Legal Aid Forum (LAF) and funded by the Foreign Commonwealth
Development Office (FCDO), the Thomson Foundation is implementing a significant project
to support media sector reforms in Rwanda. This initiative aims to improve the implementation
of Rwanda's new media policy and legal reforms, fostering a vibrant, accountable, and
inclusive media environment.

About the Training
Building on e-courses previously developed, the Thomson Foundation will conduct a 3-day
training program for 15 journalists. This workshop is designed to equip journalists with
essential skills and knowledge to conduct investigative journalism in sensitive environments,
while maintaining high ethical standards and ensuring digital security.

The workshop aims to:

• Enhance journalists' capacity in investigative reporting.
• Provide comprehensive training in digital security.
• Promote ethical reporting practices.
• Facilitate discussions on self-regulation and ethical decision-making within the
  journalism community, fostering accountability and integrity.
  
  

Workshop Language:

Kinyarwanda and English will be the primary languages of the training workshop.
Application Requirements:

• Journalists working in any medium or multiple media are welcome to apply (print,
  online, radio, or television).
• Applicants must be journalists with a valid Rwanda Media Commission (RMC) card.
• Applicants should be based in Rwanda and working for local or international media
  organizations.
• Participants must have a proven track record with articles published within the past
  year. Experience in investigative reporting is desirable but not mandatory.
• Participants will need to provide a letter from their editor consenting to their
  participation and confirming that they will publish any story produced through the
  program. The letter must be signed and on official letterhead.
• Applicants must have proven professional experience in preparing and writing
  journalistic reports within the Rwandan context.
• Applicants must be willing to learn through active participation and exchange of
  experiences during the training workshop.
• Applicants must be fluent in English.
  Preference will be given to participants who have not taken part in previous
  investigative journalism training by the Thomson Foundation.

 Application Submission

To apply for this training, journalists should submit the following documents:

•  A copy of your CV highlighting your work experience in journalism.
• A copy of your valid press card.
•  Personal Statement: Explain why you wish to take this course, and how it fits into your
  future career plans, and detail any relevant professional or academic experience.
  Discuss your interest in investigative journalism and the subject you would like to
  investigate.

Applications should be sent to rwanda-applications@thomsonfoundation.org no later than
August 23, 2024. Incomplete applications will be automatically disqualified.

Selection Process:

A specialized committee from the Thomson Foundation will evaluate the applications with
accuracy, fairness, and impartiality. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted by September
6, 2024. Women journalists are highly encouraged to apply.