Call for Applications: Tanzania and Rwanda Reporting Fellowships, February 2017

The IWMF is now accepting applications for two Reporting Fellowships, set to take place in February 2017. As part of the African Great Lakes Reporting Initiative, one group of six journalists will report on rural and economic development from Mwanza, northern Tanzania. Concurrently, a second group of six journalists will cover civic engagement in Kigali, Rwanda. The coverage of new and under-reported narratives is a cornerstone of the Great Lakes program. To date, 75 journalists from 16 countries have pursued a wide range of stories that go beyond the well-established beats of political instability, armed conflicts, and humanitarian crisis in the region. Their work has been aired and published by leading media outlets around the world. Between 2015-2018, the IWMF will continue to lead groups of women journalists to the Central African Republic (CAR), the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda. By 2019, more than 250 reporters will have together reshaped traditional media narratives about the region. FELLOWSHIP DATES: February 17 – 28, 2017 ABOUT THE REPORTING TRIP TO TANZANIA AND RWANDA: Both groups of reporting Fellows will begin their trip in Nairobi, Kenya, where they will complete orientation and a three-day Hostile Environments and First Aid Training (HEFAT) February 17 – 19. Fellows then depart for eight days of in-country reporting February 20 – 28 from Mwanza (northern Tanzania Reporting Fellowship) or Kigali (Rwanda Reporting Fellowship), where they will have the opportunity to network with other journalists, report independently and collaboratively with their peers, and gain access to a variety of sources and sites related to their reporting. TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS AND EXPENSES: The IWMF arranges travel and in-country logistics for all Fellows within the scope of the Fellowship base location and trip dates. The IWMF also covers Fellowship-related costs within the framework of the reporting trip including travel, lodging, meals, and fixers/interpreters, unless a selected journalist’s news organization wishes to assume these costs. Visa costs will also be covered. Fellows living outside the U.S. are responsible for procuring all necessary visas, for which they will be reimbursed at the conclusion of the Fellowship. ELIGIBILITY Affiliated or freelance women journalists with three (3) or more years of professional experience working in news media. Internships do not count toward professional experience. Women journalists of all nationalities are welcome to apply. Non-native English speakers must have excellent written and verbal English skills in order to fully participate in and benefit from the program. Applicant must be able to show proof of interest from an editor or have a proven track record of publication in prominent media outlets. Before submitting an application, journalists are encouraged to review the application criteria and frequently asked questions (FAQs). APPLICATION: The IWMF will accept online applications from November 14 – December 6, 2016. Have questions about the application process? Want to hear from IWMF Fellows about their experiences on the ground? We’re hosting a Twitter chat on November 30! Follow @IWMF and include #IWMFfellow to join the conversation. Apply to Tanzania reporting trip HERE Apply to Rwanda reporting trip HERE

Professional Exchange Opportunity with TechWomen

TechWomen, an initiative of the U.S. Department of State, brings emerging women leaders in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) from Africa, South and Central Asia, and the Middle East together with their professional counterparts in the United States for a mentorship and exchange program based in San Francisco. During the five-week program, participants engage in project-based mentorships at leading companies in the San Francisco Bay Area and Silicon Valley.

TechWomen are accepting applications for the 2017 program until January 17, 2017. They are looking for women who have demonstrated themselves as emerging leaders in their chosen profession, through their work experience, volunteer experience, community activities and education. Please consider forwarding this message to your pertinent networks. Flyers in multiple languages, as well as suggested tweets and social media posts, are available here.

TechWomen’s mission is centered on empowering and supporting change agents around the world. I deeply appreciate your help in sharing this opportunity.

The deadline to apply is 09:00AM PST (GMT-08:00), Janurary 17, 2017.

Selection Process

TechWomen participants are selected based on the eligibility requirements below. Applications are reviewed by independent selection committees composed of industry leaders and regional experts. Semifinalists may be interviewed by United States Embassy personnel in their country of permanent residence.

2017 TechWomen Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must

• Be women with, at minimum, two years full-time professional experience in the STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) fields. Please note that internships and other unpaid work experience does not count toward the two-year professional experience requirement.
• Have, at minimum, a bachelor’s degree/four-year university degree or equivalent.
• Be proficient in written and spoken English.
• Be citizens and permanent residents of Algeria, Cameroon, Egypt, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Morocco, Nigeria, Pakistan, the Palestinian Territories, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tajikistan, Tunisia, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan or Zimbabwe at the time of application and while participating in the program.
• Be eligible to obtain a U.S. J-1 exchange visitor visa.
• Not have applied for an immigrant visa to the United States or participated in a visa lottery in the past five years.
• Not hold U.S. citizenship or be a U.S. legal permanent resident.

Preference will be given to applicants who

• Demonstrate themselves as emerging leaders in their chosen professional track through their work experience, volunteer experience, community activities and education.
• Are committed to return to their home countries to share what they have learned and mentor women and girls.
• Have limited or no prior experience in the United States.
• Have a proven record of voluntary or public service in their communities.
• Have a demonstrated track record of entrepreneurialism and commitment to innovation.
• Demonstrate a willingness to participate in exchange programs, welcome opportunities for mentoring and new partnership development, and exhibit confidence and maturity.

TechWomen encourages people with diverse backgrounds and skills to apply, including individuals with disabilities.

Women committed to addressing concerns of global climate change and environmental issues are particularly encouraged to apply.

Selection Timeline

The 2017 TechWomen application will be open November 15, 2016, through January 17, 2017. Semifinalists will be contacted via email in/around March 2017. Final decisions will be made no later than early May 2017. All applicants will be notified of the results of their application.