Submit Applications to provide Capacity-building Opportunities to Afghan Journalists residing in Pakistan

Deadline: 2-May-23

The Public Diplomacy Sections (PDS) of the U.S. Mission in Pakistan are pleased to announce an open competition for eligible organizations to submit applications for a project to provide capacity-building opportunities to approximately 20 Afghan journalists residing in Pakistan.

Project Objectives: To increase the technical and professional capacity of displaced Afghan journalists living in Pakistan.

• To strengthen existing and/or new media platforms created by Afghan journalists.
• To find sustainable and safe ways to provide vital information about events in Afghanistan to the rest of the world.
• To promote partnership(s) between Afghan journalists and international media.

Project Goal

• The primary goal of this project is to promote regional security and stability and support civil society by expanding communications and reporting platforms for Afghan journalists in Pakistan, enhancing reporting on Afghanistan-related issues, and strengthening the professional networks of exiled Afghan journalists in Pakistan.
• The Project should set the conditions for Afghan journalists currently residing in Pakistan to work in their field. Grantee should at all times ensure the project follows Pakistani law regarding work performed by various categories of residents in Pakistan.

Aims

• The project aims to connect and support Afghan journalists residing in Pakistan. The award will:
  • Provide capacity building opportunities to approximately 20 Afghan journalists who are residing in Pakistan;
  • Support 2-3 existing and/or new platforms created by exiled Afghan journalists in Pakistan;
  • Find sustainable and safe ways to provide vital information about events in Afghanistan to the rest of the world; and
  • Encourage partnerships between Afghan journalists in Pakistan and international media.

Funding Information

• Length of performance period: 12 to 18 months
• Number of awards anticipated: One (1) award
• Award amounts: May range from a minimum of $80,000 to a maximum of $100,000
• Total available funding: $100,000

Project Details

• The recipient will be responsible for designing and implementing the following activities and requirements. Proposals should clearly explain how the applicant will carry out each of them.
  • Host training sessions – in-person wherever possible – to increase the technical and professional capacity of displaced Afghan journalists in Pakistan.
  • Improve or create 2-3 platforms (such as online digital news sites) that help participants report on ongoing events and key issues in Afghanistan.
  • Review existing platforms and, in coordination with participants, determine appropriate improvements and modifications.
  • Promote partnership, mentorship, and/or collaboration between program participants and international media professionals.
  • Create a network of Afghan journalists living in Pakistan that will last beyond the length of the program.
  • Ensure gender, geographic, ethnic, and other forms of diversity among program participants.

Project Audience

• Approximately 20 Afghan journalists living in Pakistan.
• Participants should be selected from across Pakistan and must have (and be able to demonstrate) the ability to report on issues related to Afghanistan and the Afghan people.
• Participants should be able to demonstrate how they’ve shown leadership in their careers and among their colleagues, as well as their abiding interest in reporting on Afghanistan-related issues.

Eligibility Criteria

• The following organizations are eligible to apply:
  • Not-for-profit organizations in the U.S. and Pakistan
  • Civil society/non-governmental organizations
  • Think tanks (Not-for-profit)
  • Public and private educational institutions (Not-for-profit departments)
• Organizations may sub-contract with other entities, but only one, non-profit, nongovernmental entity can be the prime recipient of the award. When sub-contracting with other entities, the responsibilities of each entity must be clearly defined in the proposal.

For more information, visit Grants.gov.