Deadline: 20 April 2022

• Application form (English)
• Application form (Arabic) (See below for Arabic translation)

Click to Read this Call for Applications in Arabic

Physical safety and online safety became indispensable today due to the large impact they weigh on journalists. Some journalists are still reluctant to use digital security tools due to their belief that they are complex and sophisticated. Nonetheless, journalists extensively contend with the dangers of cyber-attacks, especially in times of crisis. Great attention to the growing digital threats is strongly needed.
Physical safety and online safety became indispensable today due to the large impact they weigh on journalists.

To support journalists in deepening their understanding of digital security and safety in conflict, Internews is launching a second Advanced Digital Security Training. The training is tailored to help journalists deal with physical threats during conflicts and protect their information from intrusion.

This training is an opportunity for journalists working on human rights topics, including religious freedom.  By attending this training, participants will learn advanced strategies and tips to work safely in a highly sensitive environment. The training will also help them take the necessary steps to protect their data from being compromised due to online attacks.

What will you gain after attending this training?

The training program is divided into 2 modules that will span a period of six weeks.

Module 1: Physical Safety During Conflict (4 sessions)

Participating journalists will acquire the knowledge on:

• The holistic approach to safety (physical, digital, and psychosocial safety)
• Concepts of crisis and conflict coverage in journalism
• Risk assessment and management in hostile environments and safety planning
• Ways to deal with sexual harassment
• Gender-related risks facing The MENA region
• Ethical challenges and best practices when covering a crisis

Module 2: Advanced Digital Security (5 sessions)

Participating journalists will learn about:

• Digital Security and Common Threats: Trainees will learn about the most common threats and how to safeguard themselves.
• Account Security: Trainees will learn about secure password constructions practices to deal with any suspected attack.
• Browsing and Communicating Safely: Trainees will learn about desktop browsing and mobile instant communication to improve privacy online.
• Securing Data Storage: Trainees will learn about encryption container services and how they work.

Timeline:

The Advanced Safety and Digital Security training will start on 18 May 2022. It will be held virtually (online via Zoom) over the course of 6 weeks. Two sessions will be scheduled each week.

Expected commitment is 6 hours a week.

Trainers:

• Abeer Saady brings more than 25 years of experience in media development and safety for journalists in the MENA region and Asia. She also worked as a war correspondent. Abeer has served as the Vice President for the Egyptian Journalists Syndicate and earned the same title for the International Association of Women in Radio and Television (IAWRT). Given her extensive efforts in promoting safety for journalists Abeer was mentioned in the “The Heroes of Information List” published by Reporters Without Borders. Abeer holds a master’s degree in media from the University of Westminster and is currently attending the PhD Media and Radical Groups program at Dortmund University in Germany.
• Shakeeb Al-Jabri is a Syrian-Swedish digital security expert who works with human rights defenders and organizations. His focus is on designing and delivering tailored interventions for organizations and groups. Shakeeb has worked with many initiatives and delivered training programs to journalists and citizen-journalists from the Arabic-speaking world. He also works as a consultant in institutional development for nascent media organizations.

Network:

Participating journalists will join a network of 40+ journalists from the region. They will have access to online training modules on fact-based reporting, religious freedom, and the basics of digital security.

After completing this training, the journalists will be invited to participate in follow-up activities such as reporting grants and data journalism training.

Eligibility – Can I apply?

The program is open to journalists:

Who are nationals of Sudan, Iraq, and Lebanon, regardless of their current location of residency

• Who have at least two years or more of experience in print, television, or online media.
• Who have proven experience and/or interest in covering human rights and religious freedom topics.
• Who are able to commit to attending the whole program and meeting the training requirements?

What do I need to attend the training?

To take part in the training, you will need a computer and a mobile with Internet access and some free memory to install the required software. A quiet setting will also help you focus and avoid distractions. It is preferable that you join the sessions from a computer or laptop and not from your phone.

Participants who complete the program will receive a $100 USD stipend to cover internet fees. The stipend is only paid after completing the training, attending 90% of the live sessions, and submitting all required assignments.

How to Apply?

• All applicants are required to fill out the online form, answering all the stated questions. You can choose to apply in Arabic or in English, whichever you prefer.
• All applicants should attach their CV and provide at least two links to content they have published.
• Please note that the lack of any of the above requirements will immediately disqualify the applicant from screening their application.

What makes a good application for this training?

• Keep your resume to two pages max
• Use your full name to rename the resume document
• Add the required publications as links, not PDFs
• Add a copy of your passport
• Make sure that the links are valid and working
• Keep it relevant: add publications that are relevant to the requirements
• Be focused, brief, and direct when answering the questions