ICIR opens application for journalists on democratic governance project

ICIR opens application for journalists
on democratic governance project

The International Centre for Investigative Reporting (ICIR) has opened applications for journalists for its “Promoting Democratic Governance in Nigeria Project”.

According to a notification mail sent to Neptune Prime by Bamas Victoria, the Promoting Democratic Governance in Nigeria Project aims to strengthen the capacity of the media to promote transparency, accountability and good governance in Nigeria, particularly in the Northwest.

The ICIR is an independent, non–profit media organisation that aims to promote good governance in Nigeria through robust investigative, data-driven reporting.

‘’Our goal is to build a culture of watchdog reporting for the media in Nigeria. We achieve this by building the Investigative/Data Journalism capacity for journalists in newsrooms across the country,.”

A statement signed in Abuja on Saturday by Ayisat Abiona, Programme Officer, International Centre for Investigative Reporting said in the last five years, the Centre has worked to build the capacity for journalists to undertake investigative, data-driven reporting, thus strengthening accountability and engendering effective service delivery for the welfare of the citizens, particularly at the sub-regional level.

‘’The Promoting Democratic Governance Project is supported by the U.S. Embassy in Nigeria under its “Public Diplomacy Small Grants Program”. For this project, 20 journalists will be selected from the Northwest geopolitical zone of Nigeria.’’

‘’The application opens on Friday, August 4 and ends on Friday, August 18, 2023.

This application is for journalists in media houses in the Northwest states of Sokoto, Kebbi, Katsina, Kano, Kaduna, Jigawa and Zamfara across print, electronic and digital media.

According to the statement, the project will build capacity and provide financial support for selected journalists to work with Civil Society Organizations and the ICIR to undertake investigative and data-driven reports on transparency and accountability issues.

‘’Candidates with a minimum of two years experience practicing as journalists working in print, electronic and online media from the Northwest geo-political zone can apply. They would be expected to report on accountability issues in their respective states. Freelancers with  track record of critical reporting are also welcome.

Intending journalists must provide proof of prior critical reporting in the last 12 months.

Applications are therefore requested from journalists who meet the stipulated eligibility criteria.

Candidates can only apply for this project online through this link.

Being a gender-inclusive organization, the Centre strongly encourages qualified female journalists to apply.