Call for Applications: Journalist Workshop in Kazakhstan

This workshop is part of UNEP’s CAMCA project which focuses in Central Asia on the countries of Tajikistan, Kyrgyz Republic, and Kazakhstan. The main objective of the project is to better understand the direct impacts of climate change on migratory mammal species, as well as current and possible future vulnerabilities and responses of local communities to climate change.

Objective 

• The workshop will share strategies for effectively and engagingly communicating the ground realities of climate change and conservation issues. It will equip participants with the knowledge and skills to develop and deliver scientifically valid stories that can be easily understood by the public and be published by local, regional, and international media outlets. The stories generated during and after the media workshop should reflect the realities on the ground in the research sites, with attention to the local context of culture, traditions, communication strategies, gender issues, and interpersonal and social dynamics of each location.

Structure 

• The workshop will be led Alevtina Madyarova and Gulim Amirkhanova , two nationally and internationally recognized journalist and trainer with extensive experience on storytelling , and will focus on three tracks critical to storytelling:
  • Technical skills, include the skills workshop designed to introduce and deepen understanding of data mining/storytelling.
  • Editorial skills, which include ways to identify and pitch stories, how to secure the elements needed to produce them, and how to craft them.
  • Practical skills, through which participants will apply their learning to complete a short story during the training course.

Target Participants 

• This training is open for journalists based in Kazakhstan, freelance or working for established Kazakh media from photojournalism, video/documentary, and print/web media who regularly cover environmental issues, especially on climate change and its impacts in the Central Asian region.
• In addition, applicants should not be affiliated with a political party or engaged in any political activities, and not be focused solely on religious activities.

Expected Outputs 

• Upon completion of the training, participants will:
  • Get a better understanding of the impacts of climate change and cover various elements of how storytelling can help raise awareness on climate change impacts, particularly on the poor and marginalized.
  • Develop a network of journalist, media and experts keen on covering environmental issues in Kazakhstan.
  • Be prepared to produce a short article or interview on a tight deadline.
  • Have a deeper understanding of how to frame questions, conduct field interviews, and present them in the most engaging manner.
  • Develop awareness of channels and media outlets covering climate and environment – related stories.
  • Help develop public awareness of climate challenges and linkages between environmental issues, conservation, social problems, and the broader economy.
  • Be encouraged and supported in writing and publishing a story in a local/or international media.
  • Receive a certificate of participation from UNEP.

Eligibility Criteria

• This is a public notice to ensure that all interested and qualified individuals have a fair opportunity to submit applications for funding. The eligible applicants must be located in Kazakhstan

Selection Criteria 

• Minimum of 1 – 2 years’ experience in journalism.
• Fluent in Kazakh and/or Russian and working proficiency in English.
• Highly – motivated.
• Experience in the reporting environment.
• Some technical knowledge about climate change, climate change adaptation, and resilience building.
• Women and participants from marginalized communities are strongly encouraged to apply.

For more information, visit CAMCA.