Call for applications for Fellowship starting October 1, 2013
Deadline for applications: July 5, 2013
RFE/RL is pleased to accept applications for the 2013 – 2014 Vaclav Havel Journalism Fellowship. The Fellowship is a joint program between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic and RFE/RL that is inspired by the former president’s belief in the transformational role of journalism in challenging tyranny. It provides direct work experience and mentoring at RFE/RL’s Prague headquarters to journalists from countries in RFE/RL’s broadcast region where media freedom is stifled.
The Vaclav Havel Journalism Fellowship offers a unique opportunity for journalists to receive on-the-job training while working alongside RFE/RL’s seasoned professionals in Prague and in RFE/RL’s local bureaus. Fellows will be integrated into RFE/RL language services and participate actively in multi-media programming and reporting. They will also represent themselves, RFE/RL and the Fellowship at public events and in discussions relating to media conditions in their country. Fellowships last nine months, including time spent in country in RFE/RL’s local bureau and in the Prague broadcasting headquarters, and include a stipend, housing and travel arrangements to and from Prague.
How to Apply
(Download pdf here and information in Russian here)
Eligibility:
The program is open to promising journalists with English-language proficiency from the Russian Federation and the Eastern Partnership Countries: Armenia, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Ukraine and Moldova.
Fellowships will be awarded on a competitive basis in accordance with the application process described below.
Instructions for Applying:
A complete application includes all of the following information, as described more fully in points 1 – 6 below:
* A short personal essay describing the candidate’s fellowship and career goals
* Work samples
* Two letters of recommendation
* Curriculum vitae
Requested materials must be submitted in English.
Candidates may be contacted and asked to participate in a telephone interview.
Candidates must provide all of the information requested below, either in this document or in a separate document. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Completed applications must be received by Friday, July 5, 2013, at havelfellowship@rferl.org. Candidates will be informed of their selection by August 1, 2013.
1) Personal Information
Name:
Email address:
Phone number:
Present address:
Permanent address:
2) Personal Statement
Your personal statement should be written in English. It should describe your journalistic experience, your specific interest in the Vaclav Havel Journalism Fellowship, and career goals in 750 words or less. This is a very important part of your application and will be thoroughly read and considered in the selection process. Please consider: What experiences in journalism have influenced you? What values and interests motivate you to seek a continued career in journalism? What are your strongest professional skills? What experience, skills, etc., do you intend to gain from your fellowship? How would you like to see your career path develop? What do you hope to accomplish through your career in journalism?
3) Work Samples
Please attach 2-3 work samples demonstrating your journalistic skill and ability. At least one of the samples must have been published within the year of the deadline. All samples must include a date and, if not in English, they must be accompanied by an English translation. Samples cannot be returned.
4) Letters of Recommendation
Two letters of recommendation are required with your application. One of your letters should be from a current supervisor or from a colleague who practices journalism. The writers should explain their relationship to you, confirm your qualifications, potential for professional growth and development, and why you are an excellent candidate for the fellowship.
5) Current CV
Please attach your updated curriculum vitae in English, including relevant employment experience and educational background (institutions, major/concentration, dates attended, and degree(s) awarded). Your CV should list your job history (name of employers and dates) since completing your formal education. Please also list any noteworthy distinctions or awards, current or recent memberships in professional, political or other groups. Please also state if you have received any type of certification (and at what level) as a learner of English as a foreign language.
6) How Did You Hear about the Havel Fellowship Program?
We are interested in knowing how you learned about the program (e.g., RFE/RL’s website, Facebook, a professional or academic reference, etc.).
Questions?
Email HokuvovaJ@rferl.org and a coordinator will respond to you as quickly as possible.
