Call for Application—— Natural Resource Governance Reporting Fellowship

Job Description

Call for Applications  

Investigative reporting fellowship for journalists covering  mining and extractives in Sierra Leone  

Overview and purpose  

BBC Media Action is working with GIZ to increase transparency and accountability in natural  resource governance in Sierra Leone through media. The aim of the project is to strengthen  the capacity of the Sierra Leonean media to produce high quality and high impact  journalism about the extractive sector, with a strong focus on investigative reporting and  accountability-focused programming. Selected journalists will participate in an intensive  programme for up to two months, delivered in-person and remotely by specialists from the  BBC.  

Who the fellowship is for  

This fellowship is for mid-career to senior level Sierra Leonean journalists who are  passionate about national resource governance. It is open to journalists based in any part of  the country. It is an opportunity to deepen their understanding of resource governance and  learn top level investigative reporting skills.  

What is in it for you  

Successful applicants will be trained and mentored by an experienced journalist and trainer  with expertise in natural resource and investigative reporting in Africa. The fellows will  improve their investigative reporting skills, with a specific focus on mining and extractives.  They will have an opportunity to pitch a story idea in a competitive process. Fellows with the  best pitches will be funded and mentored to produce their stories. 

Mode of delivery  

The training will be delivered on site in Freetown and remotely. It will combine face-to-face  group workshops, virtual sessions, and one-to-one mentoring opportunities over Four weeks.  

What you need to qualify  

Must be a journalist with any media organization or a freelancer. Applications can be  considered from content creators who demonstrate a strong interest and commitment in  this area of work.  

• Have a track record of covering the mining and extractives sector
• A background in investigative reporting is desired  
• A letter from a media outlet committing to publish, broadcast stories produced  during the fellowship 
• Must be available for in-person and remote training and mentoring. How to apply  

Please send an email to recruitment@sl.bbcmediaaction.org with an updated CV and cover  letter and work samples before 1st/4/2025. CVs must be tailored to this application and  must therefore include skills and experience that demonstrate suitability for the course.  Cover letters must not exceed one page, and CVs are expected to be two pages maximum.  Please select a maximum of two work samples.