Reporters Without Borders (RSF) Germany is calling for applications for its Berlin Fellowship Program for Digital Security for Journalists. RSF will invite six journalists from crisis areas to Berlin for a period of six months (May 2025 until the end of October 2025).
During their stay in Berlin, the fellowship holders can enjoy a break and will complete a comprehensive training program for digital security for journalists. Back home, they will become multipliers for digital self-defense for journalists.
The program is funded by the Berlin Senate Department for Economic Affairs, Energy and Public Enterprises.
Berlin Fellowship Benefits and Duration
Every fellow will participate in a comprehensive training program in the field of digital security with experienced trainers for digital self-defense for journalists.
Funding and Coverage
Reporters Without Borders Germany will cover:
the travel costs
assist with all visa-related matters
provide and pay for an apartment in Berlin for the duration of the fellowship
grant a monthly allowance of 1000€/month
pay for the health insurance and
for the use of public transportation in Berlin.
Duration
The stay is limited to six months. It starts in the beginning of May 2025 and ends at the end of October 2025. The exact dates for the travel to and from Berlin will be communicated to the chosen participants.
Benefits
During their stay in Berlin, fellowship holders will be given insights into the activities of Reporters Without Borders Germany, a globally-active journalist and human rights organization.
There will be many opportunities to network with German journalists and other actors from the German civil society.
Topics of the training program for digital self-defense
Holistic security basics for at-risk media professionals
Operational security: risk assessments and planning
Online identity management and anonymization tools
Secure online communication and conferencing
Password, account security, and data protection
Device security for computers and mobile phones
Website security for attacked media websites
Secure online/offline data storage with encryption
Online information verification and Open Source Intelligence (OSINT)
Addressing digital violence: online gender-based violence, doxing, impersonation, trolling
Eligibility Criteria and Requirements
Professional journalists, bloggers, media professionals and citizen journalists who are:
Exposed to digital threats (e.g., surveillance, hacking, doxing, impersonation)
Eager to learn about digital security for personal and source safety
Willing to share acquired knowledge with colleagues, ideally having teaching experience
Committed to fully participating in the program, available for 20-25 hours per week during training
Preference given to investigative journalists covering topics like the climate crisis, corruption, labor rights, or migration
Requirements
If you want to apply, you must:
Have a very strong command of the English language, as the whole fellowship program will be conducted entirely in English and
Have adequate experience working as a journalist, be it as a professional journalist or as a citizen journalist and
Be able and willing to fully participate in all activities of the program (see above: Who can apply)
Show that you are willing to return to their home region after the fellowship in Germany
Show a strong interest in learning in-depth about digital security for journalists. A high level of proficiency in regards to digital security is not required. Anyone who is used to working with a computer and smartphone can apply.
Application Procedure
Interested and Qualified candidates must submit their applications by filling this online application form.
🗓️ Application Deadline: Monday, November 25th, 2024 at 23:59 (CET).
ℹ️ To find further information about Berlin Fellowship Program: Empowering Journalists in the Digital Field, click button below.
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