Call For Applications: GI-TOC Capacity Building & Mentorship Program 2024
Under the auspices of a program supported by the U.S. Department of State, the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime (GI-TOC) is spearheading a capacity-building initiative aimed at empowering investigative journalists in Mauritania, Cape Verde, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, The Gambia, and Senegal. This endeavor aligns with the United States’ commitment to combat Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing (IUU Fishing) and Illicit Trafficking.
Empowering West African journalists is a crucial stride in the battle against transnational organized crime (TOC) and illicit trafficking. The GI-TOC, a stalwart ally in the realm of investigative journalism on organized crime globally, including in West Africa, is collaborating with Poseidon and The Consortium of Media Innovation and Social Communication (CMICS) to deliver this comprehensive training.
Primary Objectives:
- Strengthen capacities of West African investigative journalists in transnational organized crime.
- Build investigative skills and substantive knowledge in human trafficking, IUU fishing, and forestry crimes.
- Enhance the impact of reporting on public awareness and policymaking regarding TOC in West Africa.
Program Benefits:
- Virtual capacity-building session laying the foundational basis for analyzing transnational organized crime.
- Five-day in-person workshop in Dakar (April 15-19, 2024), covering IUU fishing, forestry crimes, trafficking in persons, and investigative journalism skills, facilitated by field experts.
- Opportunity to apply for a six-month mentorship program, including a USD 3,000 grant and mentorship by an expert in the relevant field, to develop an investigative journalism story focusing on IUU fishing, forestry crimes, or trafficking in persons. Five journalists will be selected for this mentorship.
- Inclusion in a network of journalists exchanging insights on IUU fishing, forestry crimes, and trafficking in persons.
Eligibility:
- Selection of 20 to 25 journalists across the focus countries (The Gambia, Senegal, Guinea-Bissau, Guinea, Mauritania, Cape Verde).
- Criteria include being based in one of the focus countries, evidence of working closely with communities, demonstrated experience and skills in investigative journalism, prior experience in reporting on transnational organized crime, and availability to attend the workshop in person in Dakar between April 15-19.
- Desirable qualifications include previous evidence of reporting on IUU fishing, trafficking in persons, and/or forestry crimes.
Application Deadline: February 2, 2024
Click HERE to seize this opportunity and apply for a transformative experience in investigative journalism, contributing to the fight against transnational organized crime in West Africa.”