Have Questions about Becoming a TruthBuzz Fellow? Read here for Answers
ICFJ has received many questions throughout the TruthBuzz Fellowship recruitment process. We hope that the following information will clarify any lingering doubts you may have as you finish up your application. If not, please reach out to Alexsandra Canedo at acanedo@icfj.org or Cassandra Balfour at cbalfour@icfj.org.
As a reminder, we recently extended the application date. We will consider candidates on a rolling basis, that means that we will start conducting interviews as soon as appropriate candidates are identified. We may close applications if we select a Fellow before the new deadline (June 3, 2018), so please submit applications as soon as possible.
Q: What is ICFJ looking for in a proposal?
A: The selection committee wants to see the practical steps you will take to make fact-checking go viral. How would you work with the team to execute the project? How will you measure success? What does “success” look like to you?
For example, don’t say “I want to use video to spread verified content.” You should explain how you will make it captivating, who is your target audience, and why you think it’ll work. Please make sure to include a rough timeline for implementing the proposal.
Q: What key qualities is ICFJ looking for in a Fellow?
A: An ideal Fellow will have these skills:
- Creative storytelling and and ability to work with teams to get projects off the ground
- Expertise in understanding and responding to your audience
- Ability to communicate program results as a speaker & writer
- Fluency (speaking, reading and writing) in the local language of the target country/region
- Please click here for a full list of preferred qualifications
Q: Do I have to be senior in my career to apply?
A: You don’t have to have decades of experience to be a TruthBuzz Fellow. Can you lead teams? Get projects off the ground? Effectively communicate results? Titles matter less than track-records.
Q: I can’t quit my full-time job for six months. Is it possible to extend the Fellowship?
A: Depending on the project, the Fellowship can be extended up to 9 months. This will be decided on a case by case basis.
Q: Is the goal of the Fellowship to do fact-checking or research on a daily basis?
A: The goal of the Fellowship is to increase the reach of existing fact-checking efforts. Fellows are not expected to focus on fact-checking, they should focus on spreading the verified content, making it more compelling, and increasing the audience reach. For examples of projects that turn fact-checking into compelling stories, click here.
Q: If I live in one of the five countries, where will I be placed for my fellowship?
A: You will remain in the country you are currently working in. In each country, the Fellowship is open to residents of that country, or individuals from the region with extensive knowledge of that country.
