Call for Applications

 

Independent Moldovan media organizations invest substantial time and resources in training the next generation of journalists. While newsroom-based learning remains the most effective path into the profession, the costs of hiring, mentoring, and developing early-career staff can be significant.

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To help address this challenge, the Moldova Resilience Fund (MRF) is launching the inaugural MRF Emerging Journalists Fellowship. Through this pilot initiative, MRF will support six early-career journalists working in independent Moldovan media organizations while helping newsrooms offset the costs of training and mentorship.

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The program is designed around a simple principle: the best place to learn journalism is in a newsroom. MRF trusts independent media organizations to identify promising young journalists and provide meaningful professional development. Our role is to help support that investment and create connections among a new generation of journalists entering the profession.

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Fellowship Overview

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MRF will support six fellows for a six-month period beginning in 2026.

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Each fellowship will provide funding of $1,400, disbursed to the participating media organization. This is equivalent to approximately 24,500 MDL, or roughly 3,000 MDL per month in net salary support over the six-month fellowship period, depending on exchange rates. The funding is intended to support compensation for the participating fellow.

Media organizations may nominate up to two fellows.

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Fellows will become members of the inaugural MRF Fellowship Cohort and will participate in a small number of activities organized by MRF during the fellowship period.

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Eligible Fellows

 

Prospective fellows must:

• Have less than two years of full-time professional journalism experience;

• Be currently employed by, contracted by, or expected to be hired by an eligible media organization before the fellowship begins;

• Demonstrate a clear interest in building a career in journalism;

• Be willing to provide a CV and short motivation letter;

• Be willing to travel to Chișinău for at least two in-person fellowship events during the six-month program period (travel costs will be covered by MRF).

 

Journalism experience may include reporting, investigative journalism, video production, multimedia journalism, photojournalism, podcast production, data journalism, regional reporting, investigative support roles, and other newsroom-based journalistic work.

 

Working knowledge of English is preferred but not required. 

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Expectations for Participating Media Organizations

 

Applicant organizations are expected to:

• Nominate fellows who are pursuing a long-term career in journalism;

• Designate a mentor within the organization for each fellow;

• Provide a brief training and mentorship plan describing the fellow’s expected role, responsibilities, and professional development goals during the fellowship period;

• Participate in limited program monitoring and reporting requirements;

• Submit a short final report at the conclusion of the fellowship.

 

MRF recognizes that every newsroom trains journalists differently. The fellowship is intentionally flexible and is designed to support existing newsroom training and mentorship practices rather than impose a standardized model.

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Fellowship Activities

 

In addition to fellowship funding, MRF expects to organize a small number of activities for fellows during the six-month program period.

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These may include:

• An opening gathering for fellows and participating newsrooms;

• Discussions with experienced Moldovan journalists;

• Virtual conversations with international journalists and media professionals;

• Informal career development and professional networking opportunities;

• A closing gathering to reflect on lessons learned and celebrate completion of the program.

 

Programming will be intentionally limited during this pilot year and may evolve based on the interests and needs of participating fellows.

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Application Process

 

Applications should be submitted by the participating media organization.

Each application must include:

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From the Fellow

• Curriculum Vitae (CV);

• A motivation letter explaining why the applicant wishes to pursue a career in journalism.

 

From the Media Organization

• A short statement describing why the candidate shows promise as a journalist;

• Identification of the fellow’s designated mentor;

• A one-page training and mentorship plan describing the fellow’s expected role and development during the fellowship period.

 

Media organizations may submit applications for up to two fellows.

 

Apply Online at this link​

Selection Process

 

Applications will be reviewed by MRF.

 

In selecting fellows, MRF will consider:

• The candidate’s commitment to pursuing a career in journalism;

• The quality of the proposed training and mentorship environment;

• The potential for professional growth during the fellowship period;

• MRF’s goal of supporting a diverse cohort representing different media organizations, journalistic disciplines, and regions of Moldova.

 

Timeline

 

Application Deadline: July 31, 2026

Selection Notification: August 15, 2026

Grant Agreements and Funding Disbursement: By September 1, 2026

Fellowship Period: Six months following the start of the fellowship

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Additional Information

 

If a fellow leaves the participating organization during the fellowship period, the media organization may nominate a replacement candidate, subject to approval by MRF.

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Upon completion of the program, fellows will:

• Receive a certificate of completion;

• Become members of the MRF Fellows Alumni Network;

• Be encouraged to identify themselves as MRF Fellows in professional biographies and on social media platforms.

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Questions regarding the program may be directed to MRF at contact@moldovaresilience.org