In its quest to promote fiscal transparency and public accountability, the International Centre for Investigative Reporting (ICIR) has announced its intention to engage qualified journalists from the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria to undertake investigative reporting on procurement processes.

The centre stated this in a press release signed by Alfred Akerele, its programmes officer, and obtained by FIJ.

The principal objective of the initiative, according to the media outfit, is to build and strengthen the capacity of selected journalists by providing them mentoring support and grants to work on data-driven investigative stories exposing procurement-related issues at subnational levels.

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Funded by John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation under its “On-Nigeria Anti-Corruption Programme”, selected reporters, who must have a minimum of three years experience in either electronic, print or online mediums, will work with the ICIR until 2024 when the final phase of funding framework ends.

Female and freelance journalists are encouraged to apply, and candidates are to submit their applications online on or before February 27, 2023.

FULL TEXT

THE ICIR CALLS FOR APPLICATIONS FROM JOURNALISTS FOR THE OPEN CONTRACT REPORTING PROJECT (OCRP) 2023

The International Centre for Investigative Reporting (ICIR) is calling for applications from suitable and qualified journalists for the second phase of its Open Contract Reporting Project (OCRP).

The OCPR is an accountability reporting project of the Centre that seeks to promote fiscal transparency and accountability in the budget and procurement processes in Nigeria.

In the last five years, the Centre has worked to build capacity for journalists to effectively investigate and report on budget and procurement issues, thus strengthening open contracting processes and engendering effective service delivery for the welfare of the citizens, particularly at the sub-regional level.

In its second year, the OCRP is a three-year project funded by the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation under its “On-Nigeria Anti-corruption programme” and would last until 2024. This application is for journalists in media houses at state and local government levels across print, electronic and digital media in the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria.

The project will build capacity and provide mentoring and financial support for selected journalists to work with the ICIR to undertake investigative and data-driven reports on budget and procurement issues. The ICIR would work with selected journalists for the remainder of the project.

Candidates with a minimum of three years experience as practicing journalists working in print, electronic and online media from across the six geo-political zones can apply. They would be expected to report on open contract issues in their respective states. Freelancers with a track record of accountability reporting are also welcome. 

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Intending journalists must provide proof of prior critical reporting in the last 12 months. Applications are therefore requested from journalists who meet the stipulated eligibility criteria. 

Candidates can only apply for this project online through this link.

Being a gender-inclusive organization, the Centre strongly encourages qualified female journalists to apply. The deadline for application for this project is February 27, 2023.