https://pressroom.rferl.org/call-for-applications-vaclav-havel-journalism-fellowship-2019-2020

Call for Applications
VÁCLAV HAVEL JOURNALISM FELLOWSHIP 2019 - 2020
Fellowship term: November 18, 2019 – June 26, 2020
Deadline for applications: June 2, 2019
Applications are currently being accepted for the 2019 - 2020 Václav Havel Journalism Fellowship. The purpose
of the Fellowship is to support aspiring journalists from countries lacking media freedom and independence to
pursue their profession in support of pluralism. It is inspired by former Czech President Václav Havel's belief in
the transformational role of journalism in challenging tyranny and oppression.
The Fellowship is a joint initiative of RFE/RL and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic aimed at
strengthening media independence in Eastern Partnership countries and the Russian Federation. It is generously
supported by the Dagmar and Václav Havel Foundation VIZE97.
The program will help prepare the selected Fellows to be standard-bearers of their profession and leaders in
their communities, on-line, on air, and in the world.
Summary
Fellowships are for a term of approximately eight months. Fellows will spend six months at RFE/RL’s
headquarters in Prague, where they will be placed with an appropriate language service to receive daily, onthe-
job training and mentoring while working alongside RFE/RL’s seasoned professionals. For two weeks before
the term in Prague, Fellows may be assigned to a local RFE/RL bureau to gain an understanding of RFE/RL’s
local role and editorial practices and meet local staff. After Prague, Fellows will return to the bureau for the
final month of the program.
A monthly stipend at the bureau and in Prague, housing, insurance, and travel arrangements to and from
Prague shall be provided.
The main components of the program are:
1. Professional mentoring alongside RFE/RL’s seasoned professionals.
2. Training and development of journalistic skills on traditional, multi-media, and digital platforms.
3. Participation in the daily editorial discussions that inform a professional and independent press.
4. Independent work on a personal project.
5. Understanding of the mission and practice of a professional, free, and independent media.
The Fellowship also features workshops on journalistic practices and tools; discussions with government
officials, civic leaders, and regional analysts; visits to local media and news agencies in Prague; and professional
development opportunities in the Czech Republic and abroad.
Fellows will be expected to represent themselves and the Fellowship, in English, in public events and
discussions relating to media freedom in their country.
The Fellowship accepts applications from journalists in Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, Ukraine,
and the Russian Federation, to be assigned for the term of the Fellowship to one of those language services.
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In addition, applicants may apply specifically to be assigned for the term of the Fellowship to Current Time, the
24/7 Russian-language digital and TV network.
Application Instructions
Fellowships are awarded on a competitive basis. Eligible applicants will be from an Eastern Partnership country
or the Russian Federation; have a minimum of two years’ experience working as a journalist in their native
language; have a demonstrated commitment to journalism as a profession and RFE/RL’s mission; and be
proficient in English.
Applicants for a Fellowship position with Current Time must demonstrate native-level fluency in Russian,
strong writing skills, and some TV and digital experience. They must indicate their wish to be assigned to
Current Time in their application materials.
A complete application includes the following materials:
 Personal statement
 3 work samples
 2 letters of recommendation
 Curriculum Vitae, including current contact information
 Letter to Václav Havel
In addition, please let us know how you learned about the Fellowship (e.g., RFE/RL’s website, Facebook, a
professional or academic reference, etc.).
Application materials must be submitted in English.
Candidates may be contacted and asked to participate in a telephone, Skype or in-person interview as part of
the application process.
PERSONAL STATEMENT
Your personal statement is a very important part of your application, and will be thoroughly read and
considered in the selection process. It should be written in English and not exceed 750 words. In your personal
statement, please address your journalistic experience, including your reasons for pursuing journalism; the
values and convictions that guide your work; experiences that have influenced your journalism; and what you
hope to accomplish as a journalist. In addition, please explain your reasons for applying for the Václav Havel
Journalism Fellowship and what you hope to gain from it. You are also encouraged to briefly describe your idea
for a personal project.
WORK SAMPLES
Please attach 3 work samples, on any platform, demonstrating your best professional work. Two of the samples
must have been published within the year of the Fellowship deadline. All samples must include a date and, if
not in English, they must be accompanied by an English translation. In the case of video submissions, an
English-language summary is sufficient. If translations are not your own, please state otherwise.
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TWO LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION
Two letters of recommendation are required with your application. One of the letters should be from a current
supervisor or colleague who practices journalism and knows you professionally. The writers should explain
their relationship to you and describe your qualifications, potential for professional growth and development,
and reasons that make you an excellent candidate for the Fellowship. Letters must be submitted in English.
CURRICULUM VITAE
Please attach your updated curriculum vitae. This shall include your name, email address, social media profile,
phone number, present address and permanent address; a detailed work history since completing your formal
education; and educational background. Please also list any noteworthy distinctions or awards, and 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) of English language proficiency.
LETTER TO VÁCLAV HAVEL
Havel wrote his “Letters to Olga” during his nearly four-year imprisonment in Communist Czechoslovakia in the
late 1970's. In this submission, not to exceed 300 words, please be creative and imagine that you are writing a
letter to President Havel. What would you ask? What would you like to share about journalism in your country,
freedom, democracy, and human rights?
NOTE: Due to GDPR, all applications MUST be sent via the APPLY NOW button, below. When you click on the
button, a window will open asking you to provide personal information, CV and Cover letter/Personal
statement. Please fill in as required. Please put all application materials (3 work samples, letter to Vaclav
Havel and 2 recommendation letters) in a ZIP file and send as ADDITIONAL ATTACHMENT.
COMPLETED APPLICATIONS MUST BE SENT THROUGH THE
APPLY NOW BUTTON BELOW
BY 2400 CET, SUNDAY, JUNE 2, 2019
CANDIDATES WILL BE INFORMED OF THEIR SELECTION BY JULY 10, 2019.
APPLY NOW
Questions?
Please contact hokuvovaj@rferl.org