Deadline: March 16, 2015
The Dag Hammarskjöld Fund for Journalists is now accepting applications from professional journalists from developing countries for its 2015 United Nations Journalism Fellowship program. The Dag Hammarskjöld Fund for Journalists, a living memorial to the legacy of the second Secretary-General of the United Nation, is dedicated to the advancement of a fuller understanding of the deliberations of the United Nations as it seeks to alleviate human suffering and further world peace.
The fellowships are available to radio, television, print and web journalists, age 25 to 35, from developing countries who are interested in coming to New York to report on international affairs during the 70th session of the United Nations General Assembly. The fellowships will begin in early September and extend to late November and will include the cost of travel and accommodations in New York, as well as a per diem allowance.
Awards
The four selected journalists who are awarded fellowships are given the incomparable opportunity to observe international diplomatic deliberations at the United Nations, to make professional contacts that will serve them for years to come, to interact with seasoned journalists from around the world, and to gain a broader perspective and understanding of matters of global concern.
Many past fellows have risen to prominence in their professions and countries. The program is not intended to provide basic skills training to journalists, as all participants are media professionals.
Eligibility
The fellowship program is open to journalists who:
- Are native of one of the developing countries of Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean.
- Currently live in and write for media in a developing country.
- Are between the ages of 25 and 35.
- Have a very good command of the English language since United Nations press conferences and many documents are in English only.
- Are currently employed full-time as professional journalists for print, television, radio or internet media organizations.
- Have approval from their media organizations to spend up to three months in New York reporting from the United Nations.
- Demonstrate an interest in and commitment to international affairs and to conveying a better understanding of the United Nations to their readers and audiences.
- Receive a commitment from their media organizations that the reports they file during the term of the Fellowship will be used and that they will continue to be paid as employees.
Please note, the Fund will not consider journalist applications for 2015 from nations selected in 2014: Nigeria, Tunisia, the Philippines, and Vietnam. Journalists from these countries may apply in 2016.
How to Apply
Submit a completed application form and the following 6 documentations
1. Copies of representative selections of your work, such as newspaper clippings, audio tapes, video tapes or internet submissions. The selections must be work produced in 2013 or 2014 — not earlier. The judges will look for entries with insight and originality. Investigative work is welcome.
- For newspaper clippings not in English, include an English translation or summary.
- For audio tape and video tape submissions, include a written transcription or a summary in English, even if the originals are in English.
- Video submissions should be in DVD, CD or VHS (preferably NTSC) format. Radio applicants should send a CD with MP3 formatted files.
2. Signed letters from two individuals who supervised you and can comment on your journalism experience and qualifications.
3. Endorsement of the Fellowship application from the editor or director of the news organization that presently employs you. This endorsement must be originally signed and should:
- Grant you a leave of absence from your current duties in the event you are awarded a Fellowship.
- States plans for using your reports during the fellowship
- Agree to continue paying you as an employee during the term of the fellowship.
4. Summary statement. On a separate sheet of paper, explain in not less than 300 words why you are applying for this Fellowship and what you expect to gain from the experience.
5. Two recent photographs (passport size or larger). Please place these photos in a separate secure envelope and affix them to the front of your application. Do not staplethe photos directly to the application form.
6. A copy of your passport. We will NOT consider applications without a passport.
An originally completed AND signed application, along with all six (6) of the Documentation Requirements, should be sent by postal or courier service (such as DHL, Fedex, Airborne) to:
Dag Hammarskjöld Fund for Journalists
512 Northampton Street, No. 124A
Edwardsville, PA 18704 USA
For more information, visit Dag Hammarskjöld Fellowship for Journalists.
