2011 United Nations Journalism Fellowships - Dag Hammarskjöld Scholarship Fund for Journalists

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The Dag Hammarskjöld Scholarship Fund for Journalists is now accepting applications from professional journalists from developing countries for its 2011 Fellowship Program.

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 66th session of the United Nations General Assembly. The Fellowships will begin in mid-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.

The Fellowship Program is open to journalists who are native to one of the developing countries in Africa, Asia, South America and the Caribbean, and are currently working full-time for a bona fide media organization in a developing nation. Applicants must demonstrate an interest in and commitment to international affairs and to conveying a better understanding of the United Nations to their readers and audiences. They must also have approval from their media organizations to spend up to two months in New York to report from the United Nations.

NOTE: For 2011 only, the Fund will not accept applications from the countries of the 2010 Fellows – Nepal, Peru, South Africa and Togo – in an effort to rotate recipient countries.

The 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 must be working media professionals.

This is the 50th year the Dag Hammarskjöld Scholarship Fund has sponsored the fellowship program for journalists. The program is administered on a volunteer basis by journalists at the United Nations, who raise money from foundations, corporations and diplomatic missions to finance it.

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Eligibility

Applicants must demonstrate an interest in and commitment to international affairs and to conveying a better understanding of the United Nations to their readers and audiences.

The Dag Hammarskjöld Journalism Fellowship is open to individuals who:
•   Are native of one of the developing countries of Africa, Asia, South America or the Caribbean. For 2011 only, the Fund will not accept applications from the countries of the 2010 Fellows -- Nepal, Peru, South Africa and Togo -- in an effort to rotate recipient countries.
•   Currently live in and write for a publication in a developing country.
•   Are between the ages of 25 and 35. Have a good to excellent 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 bona fide 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. 
•   Receive a commitment from their media organizations that the reports they file during the term of the Fellowship will be used.
•   Are prepared technically to file their news stories over WIFI, whether broadcast or print.

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Documentation Requirements

Please include all of the following documents with your signed application. Applications WITHOUT the following documents will NOT be considered. 

1. Copies of representative selections of your work, such as newspaper clippings, audio tapes, or video tapes. The selections must be work produced in 2010 or 2011. The judges will look for entries with insight and originality. Investigative work is welcome.
•   For newspaper clippings, include an English translation or summary.
•   For audio tape and video tape submissions, include a written transcription or a summary in English. 
Video submissions should be in DVD, CD or VHS (preferably NTSC) format.
2. An originally signed letter from a person of good standing in your community or profession who can testify to your character, such as a community, religious or business leader, teacher, former or current co-worker.
3. Originally signed letters from two individuals who supervised you and can comment on your journalism experience and qualifications.
4. 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 1) plans for using the material prepared by you during the Fellowship, and 2) the arrangements made to file your reports while you are at the United Nations and in New York.
•   Sets forth the plans for you upon completion of the Fellowship and your return from New York.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. If available, include a copy of your passport. If you do not currently have a passport, you are advised to obtain one as soon as possible so that, if selected, you can immediately proceed to obtaining a journalist visa.

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NOTE:

Applicants and/or their employers are required to provide equipment necessary for the applicants to efficiently and effectively report from the United Nations. Such equipment should include a laptop or notebook computer, digital camera (if appropriate), audio/visual recording and equipment needed for transmission, especially for TV. Selected journalists must be prepared technically to file their news stories over WIFI, whether broadcast or print, and arrive with a laptop enabled for WIFI. 

- Click HERE for the application in Word format
- Click HERE for the application in PDF format

Questions about the program, eligibility and application process can be directed to info2@unjournalismfellowship.org.

The application deadline is April 6, 2011.

Source: APPLICATIONS INVITED FOR UNITED NATIONS JOURNALISM FELLOWSHIPS | The Dag Hammarskjöld Scholarship Fund for Journalists .

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