Investigative Journalism Mentors 314 views

Description of the project
The VMCZ will be launching an Investigative Journalism Fund to support Zimbabwean journalists to conduct investigations on Covid 19 pandemic. Media houses and individual journalists will apply for funding to conduct the investigations. VMCZ therefore invites applications from Investigative Journalism mentors who will be responsible for receiving pitches and mentoring journalists under the programme.

Purpose of mentors
The Investigative Journalism Mentors will be responsible for adjudicating on investigative journalism pitches received and will also serve as advisors to the journalists who will participate in this initiative. Each mentor will liaise with awarded journalists and coordinate, offer mentorship and advise on progress of investigations.

Objectives of mentorship
This mentorship’s main objective is to mentor the selected journalists to be able to improve their skills in planning, getting credible sources, gathering facts, analysing facts/data, and produce quality investigative stories on suspected mismanagement of public funds and corruption in the management of the Covid pandemic and utilization of resources and medication sourced for mitigating Covid and provisions in the public service delivery sector.

Scope
To mentor selected investigative journalists on journalistic practices, skills and professional conduct in relation to investigative journalism and reporting on accountability issues for the duration of their investigations period.

Expected outputs
The expected outputs from this mentorship are as follows: Adjudication criteria on received pitches; Mentorship Strategy; Work plan (Schedule notes of engagement/meetings with the journalist); Reports (On strength of investigations and challenges of investigations); Published stories and guidance on publication of the stories; Final report on the mentorship.

Expectations
Mentors are expected to: Provide guidance and support to the investigative journalists under the project; To maintain communication and offer guidance to the awarded journalist until publication of the investigative story; Respond timely to requests from mentees for advice and guidance with investigations and how to navigate challenges; Participate in a coordination meetings with the VMCZ; Create a personal plan for action with mentees and develop an activity timeline; Transmit their knowledge and experience to mentees in order to help them develop strategies and skills for investigative journalism; Encourage participants to have ongoing commitment to aims and goals of investigative journalism; Provide feedback to the VMCZ on the process and activities of mentees.