Open Call: Dag Hammarskjöld Journalism Fellowships

Journalists selected for the program will deepen their understanding of the work of the U.N. through first-hand observation of working sessions, press conferences, and interviews, thus enabling in-depth reporting on issues relevant to their audiences. They will interact with media colleagues from around the world and learn about the challenges which journalism faces in other countries.

Fund board members and other U.N. journalists are available to guide the Hammarskjöld Fellows in accessing the resources needed to prepare their reports. As schedules permit, arrangements will be made for the Fellows to visit with New York area media organizations, as well as institutions working to encourage and protect the journalism profession.

Eligibility Criteria 

• Career journalists, age 25-35, from mainly developing nation of Africa, Asia (including Pacific Island countries) and Latin America/the Caribbean are eligible to apply.
• Applicant journalists must have a current passport which will be required to apply for and obtain a I-1 journalist visa from a U.S. Embassy or Consulate in order to accept the Fellowship.
• Work samples no earlier than 2022 must be provided.
• Applicants must be employed by bona fide media organizations as print, television, radio or web journalists.
• Speaking English with proficiency is required since it is one of the primary language used at the United Nations.
• Journalists younger than 25 and older than 35 are not eligible to apply since the program is intended for mid-career journalists.
• Students of journalism are not eligible to apply.
• Journalists from European countries are not eligible to apply unless they are still reporting to audiences in their home country.
• Freelance journalists who satisfy all other requirements are eligible to apply. In addition to providing work samples, a summary statement, passport copy and references from colleagues or former supervisors, freelance journalists must provide letters from at least three (3) publications stating that they will accept the reports filed from the United Nations.

Application Requirements

• A completed online Application Form.
• A minimum of three (3) work samples published no earlier than 2022. If the samples are not in English, a summary of the samples in English must be included. If applicant reports are available on the Internet, the URL addresses should be included. If work samples are not available on the internet, copies should be uploaded to the Application Form (in Word, PDF, MP3 or JPEG formats). If not available on a media website, work samples may be uploaded to a publicly accessible online service, such as YouTube.
• Letter of endorsement from the editor or director of the news organization that presently employs the journalist which: a) grants journalist a paid leave of absence from his/her current duties if awarded a fellowship; b) agrees to publish or broadcast the reports filed by the journalist from the U.N.; and c) provides contact information (email, phone, etc.) for verification purposes. By endorsing the application, the editor pledges to pay for all transmission charges and to publish or broadcast submitted reports.
• A statement (not more than 500 words) expressing a desire for the Fellowship how the experience will benefit the applicant’s understanding of international diplomacy and issues deliberated at the United Nations.
• A copy of applicant’s current passport. Applicants without a current passport will not be considered.
• Two letters of reference from individuals familiar with the applicant’s work and able to comment on their journalistic abilities, potential for growth and personal attributes.

For more information, visit DHFJ.