About the opportunity
The Journalists-in-Residence (JiR) programme, hosted by the European Centre for Press and Media Freedom (ECPMF) in Leipzig, Germany, offers a safe and discreet haven for journalists, media workers, documentarists, and press photographers who face harassment, intimidation, or threats as a direct result of their professional activities. The programme provides a period of rest and recuperation, allowing participants to continue their investigative work at their own pace, engage in networking, and find solidarity. Fellows are provided with a rent-free, furnished apartment and a monthly stipend to cover basic living costs. The programme also facilitates access to journalism-related training, psychological support, and opportunities to collaborate with the ECPMF press team.
Funding and benefits
- Rent-free, furnished apartment in Leipzig for 3 to 6 months
- Monthly stipend of 1,000 euros for basic living costs
- Coverage of visa expenses and health insurance
- Travel expenses to and from Leipzig
- Access to psychological counselling
- Participation in journalism-related training sessions (e.g., mobile reporting, social media management)
- Workplace in the ECPMF office and opportunities for pro bono collaboration with the ECPMF press team
Who can apply?
- Legal resident in a European Union member state, a candidate country, a member state of the Council of Europe, or a resident of Belarus or Russia
- Must hold a valid passport
- Minimum of 3 years of professional journalistic experience
- Must provide at least two references from reputable human rights or media organisations confirming the journalistic work and the threat situation
- Verifiable English, German, or Russian language skills (at least A2-level)
Required documents
- Completed JiR Application Form
- Completed JiR Questionnaire
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Two reference letters from reputable human rights or media organisations
- Copy of ID documents
When to apply
- Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis; interested candidates should contact the programme manager for current availability.
How to apply
- Prepare the required documents, including the application form, questionnaire, CV, and two reference letters.
- Submit the complete application package via email to journalistsinresidence@ecpmf.eu.
- Wait for the comprehensive review process by ECPMF.
- Selected fellows will be invited to Leipzig to begin the residency.
Additional information
- The programme is specifically for journalists under threat; ECPMF also accepts referrals from network partners for urgent cases.
- The Journalists-in-Residence Kosovo programme is currently closed to new applications.
- The residency duration is flexible, ranging from three months up to a maximum of six months.
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Journalists currently facing active threats or intimidation who need a safe, temporary environment to continue their work.
- Media professionals with at least three years of experience who have established connections with reputable human rights or media organisations.
- Individuals who are comfortable working in an international environment and are looking for networking opportunities within the European media freedom community.
What should you think carefully about?
- The programme is a temporary relocation; applicants should be prepared for the logistical and emotional challenges of moving to a new country for 3 to 6 months.
- While the stipend covers basic living costs, it is a fixed amount; applicants should consider their personal financial situation beyond these provided funds.
- The application requires strong documentation of the threat situation, which may be sensitive or difficult to obtain.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This programme is an excellent fit for journalists seeking a period of safety and professional stability to recover from high-pressure environments. It provides the necessary space to continue investigative projects without the immediate threat of harassment, while also offering professional development through training and networking. It is a valuable opportunity for those who need to step back from a hostile environment to regroup and plan their next career steps.
Our take
This is a vital support mechanism for journalists at risk. Those who meet the eligibility criteria and can provide the necessary references should apply as soon as they identify a need for relocation. It is less suitable for those who are not currently facing professional threats or who do not meet the minimum three-year experience requirement.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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