Deadline: 25 August 2022 at 1600hrs.
Description of the project
The VMCZ will be launching an Investigative Journalism Fund to support Zimbabwean journalists to conduct investigations on accountability (ie on illicit financial flows, budget processes (from planning to implementation), procurement processes, corruption and/or maladministration stories). Media houses and individual journalists will apply for funding to conduct the investigations. VMCZ, therefore, invites applications from Investigative Journalism mentors who will be responsible for receiving pitches and mentoring journalists under the programme.
Purpose of mentors
The Investigative Journalism Mentors will be responsible for adjudicating on investigative journalism pitches received and will also serve as advisors to the journalists who will participate in this initiative. Each mentor will liaise with awarded journalists and coordinate, offer mentorship and advise on the progress of investigations.
Objectives of mentorship
This mentorship’s main objective is to mentor the selected journalists to be able to improve their skills in planning, getting credible sources, gathering facts, analysing facts/data, and producing quality investigative stories on suspected mismanagement of public funds and corruption in individuals and institutions of public interest.
Scope
To mentor selected investigative journalists on journalistic practices, skills and professional conduct in relation to investigative journalism and reporting on accountability issues for the duration of their investigations period.
Expected outputs
The expected outputs from this mentorship are as follows: Adjudication criteria on received pitches; Mentorship Strategy; Work plan (Schedule notes of engagement/meetings with the journalist); Reports (On strength of investigations and challenges of investigations); Published stories and guidance on publication of the stories; Final report on the mentorship.
Expectations
Mentors are expected to: Provide guidance and support to the investigative journalists under the project; To maintain communication and offer guidance to the awarded journalist until publication of the investigative story; Respond timely to requests from mentees for advice and guidance with investigations and how to navigate challenges; Participate in coordination meetings with the VMCZ; Create a personal plan for action with mentees and develop an activity timeline; Transmit their knowledge and experience to mentees in order to help them develop strategies and skills for investigative journalism; Encourage participants to have ongoing commitment to aims and goals of investigative journalism; Provide feedback to the VMCZ on the process and activities of mentees.
Job Application Details: Qualifications – VMCZ seeks experienced journalists, who will engage in the mentorship programme. We are looking for: Senior and veteran journalists with over 10 years’ investigative journalism experience and in reporting on accountability issues; Journalists with track record/ award(s) in investigative journalism; Journalists with experience in different media; Availability to mentor journalists for six months, with likely expected physical meetings; Demonstrated experience in training and mentorship of journalists. Supervision and quality assurance. The mentors will be supervised by a VMCZ representative and the period of mentorship is 5 weeks. To apply Applications containing a CV and a motivation on why you qualify for this mentorship position should be submitted by email to: programmes@vmcz.co.zw and copied to: director@vmcz.co.zw
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