investigative journalism trainer to strengthen the capacities and understanding of Tunisian journalists and civil society on investigative journalism

Call for expressions of interest – Transparency International seeks an investigative journalism trainer to strengthen the capacities and understanding of Tunisian journalists and civil society on investigative journalism

FOR A WORKSHOP in TUNIS, 20-21/27-28 FEBRUARY 2012 (Date to be determined)

SUMMARY

TI is looking for expressions of interest from professional trainers in the area of investigative journalism.

Specifically, TI is looking for a trainer to lead a capacity building workshop in Tunis on 20-21 or 27-28 February 2012 (tbd) with the objective of building the capacity of investigative journalists, as well as the awareness of civil society organizations (CSOs) on the potential of investigative journalism from an anti-corruption angle. The workshop will thus directly strengthen local capacities to monitor and report on ongoing political, electoral and judicial processes in Tunisia in the wake of the Arab Spring with a focus on corruption and governance issues. Furthermore, the important societal function of investigative journalism in promoting transparency and exposing abuses by office-holders shall be further demonstrated by way of bringing together journalists and civil society representatives working in the anti-corruption field.

The professional trainer/facilitator would be expected to prepare and then conduct two full days of training with a group of approximately 25 participants (max).

The workshop languages will be French and Arabic. Interpretation will be provided but the trainer(s)/facilitator(s) should be able to understand and answer questions in both languages. Working documents and handouts should also be available in both French and Arabic. Translation will be covered by TI, but final documents would have to be provided at least 10 working days before the workshop begins for translation (electronic version).

BACKGROUND

Transparency International (TI) is a global civil society organisation leading the fight against corruption. Through more than 90 Chapters worldwide and an international secretariat in Berlin, Germany, TI raises awareness of the damaging effects of corruption and works with partners in government, business and civil society to develop and implement effective measures to tackle it.

In 2011, Transparency International (TI) began exploring ways to engage with Tunisian civil society on anti-corruption issues. After a series of scoping missions, the need has emerged to start providing capacity building on a set of key thematic issues. This training activity on investigative journalism is conceptualized in response to this assessment.

OBJECTIVES

In pursuit of the overall objective to build the capacity of investigative journalists, as well as the awareness of civil society organizations (CSOs) on the potential of investigative journalism from an anti-corruption angle, the following learning objectives shall be achieved by the end of the workshop:

By the end of the workshop, participants shall be able to:

• define key principles and premises of investigative journalism;
• appreciate the critical importance of investigative journalism in promoting transparency in public affairs, business, and society;
• recognize the rights and limitations for journalistic investigation, in particular in regard to access to information;
• complement their existing professional skills with an expanded set of practical tools and resources available to investigate and report on corruption, in particular in regard to the opportunities (and challenges) of social media for investigative reporting;
• enhance their analytical capacity in selected thematic areas, such as the recovery of stolen assets, the constitutional reform process, and the implementation of Tunisia’s commitments to international anti-corruption treaties.

The training is tailored for journalists without prior training on investigative journalism, civil society representatives active in anti-corruption, and media editors (tbc).

DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES AND OUTPUTS

The trainer(s)/facilitator(s) is expected to:

1. PREPARATION (2-3 days max)

• Develop a training outline/training agenda and finalise it with TI-S by 5 February 2012, based on a highly participatory learning approach. The training should rely on active exchange among all participants and include group discussion and practical exercises where relevant.
• Prepare an appropriately adapted workshop hand-out with investigative journalism materials, including case material that is country-/regional-specific.

2. IMPLEMENTATION (2 days)

• Facilitate two full days of training on investigative journalism for max. 25 participants. This should include a minimum 1.5 days which will be based on the trainer’s core material, with the remaining 0.5 days to be used by guest speakers on thematic issues and / or as break-out groups for the different audiences (journalists / CSO), moderated by and in consultation with the trainer.

DATE AND VENUE

The workshop will be held in Tunis, Tunisia on 20-21 or 27-28 February 2012 (tbd).

Travel expenses and accommodation, as well as a daily allowance for the workshop and travel days, will be provided for by TI and should not be included in the costing (see below).

CONSULTANCY REQUIREMENTS

- Minimum of seven years professional experience as a journalist;

- Excellent knowledge of governance and civil society issues in the MENA region;

- Proven experience in providing investigative journalism training;

- Experience providing training to diverse groups in the MENA region;

- Excellent spoken and written language skills in French or Arabic. Good working knowledge of the respective other language.

- Excellent facilitation skills.

PROCESS

To express interest in conducting this training consultancy, please submit cost expressions based on daily rates or as a lump sum.

Applications must be in English and contain the following elements:

• A CV detailing the trainer’s relevant expertise & related experience;
• A short methodology framework / training outline that the consultant is proposing to use for the workshop;
• A cost estimate for delivery of the above-described services and outputs;
• A reference and contact information for at least two previous training recipients.

The closing date for expressions of interest is 18 January 2012. Applications should be sent electronically to acamarda@transparency.org.

Please indicate “IJ training submission” in the subject line of your email application.