Transparency International would like to invite young journalists from all over the world who are passionate about fighting corruption to apply for our 2026 programme.

We have 10 places available for journalists in the early stages of their professional career to join us at the International Anti-Corruption Conference in the Dominican Republic from 1-4 December 2026.

As part of a mentored programme participants will have the chance to join the conference discussions, interview leaders and activists and build their knowledge of the latest trends in the anti-corruption space.

Participants must be proficient in English, under 35 years old, and be prepared to develop at least one report and to secure coverage in a media outlet after the event.

You can apply here until 15 July 2026. You can find out more about the programme in the Frequently Asked Questions section.

We are committed to creating an inclusive work environment where diversity is valued and where there is equality of opportunity. We actively seek a diverse applicant pool and therefore welcome applications from qualified candidates of all regions, countries, cultures and backgrounds.

Selection to the young journalist programme is made on a competitive basis and we do not discriminate on the basis of national origin, race, colour or ethnic background, religious belief, sex, gender identity and expression or sexual orientation, marital or family status, age or ability. We kindly ask applicants to refrain from including in their application information relating to the above as well as from attaching photos.

Call for Young Journalists (YJ): Terms of Reference

These Terms of Reference outline the relationship between Transparency International and the Young Journalists (YJs) selected for the International Anti-Corruption Conference (IACC) in June 2024.

1. About the IACC

The IACC is the world’s premier forum for bringing together government, civil society, the private sector and more to tackle the increasingly sophisticated challenges posed by corruption. It fosters the global exchange of experience and ideas in fighting corruption and promotes cooperation among agencies and citizens from all parts of the world.

The IACC usually takes place every two years in a different region of the world, the last IACC in the USA brought together around 2000 people in person and more than 1000 online from 126 countries and all sectors and walks of life. The conference serves as the premier global forum for networking and knowledge sharing that are indispensable for effective advocacy and action at various levels, from national to global.

Under the theme Confronting Global Threats: Standing Up for Integrity, the 21^st IACC will meet in Vilnius., Lithuania from 18 to 21 June 2024, to tackle the world’s most pressing challenges. Visit www.iaccseries.org for more information.

2. About Transparency International

Transparency International is the global civil society organisation leading the fight against corruption. Through more than 100 chapters worldwide and an international secretariat in Berlin, Germany, Transparency International raises awareness of the damaging effects of corruption and works with partners in government, business and civil society to develop and implement effective measures to fight back.

3. About the YJ initiative

The 2024 IACC is looking for young journalists from all over the world who are passionate about fighting corruption and have a desire to speak out about, report on and investigate social issues related to transparency, integrity and exposing corruption.

Young Journalists who have participated in the programme become part of the YJ Alumni programme and are given the opportunity to join Journalists for Transparency (www.j4t.org), a collective of over 100 journalists and storytellers who report on issues of transparency and corruption around the globe. J4T can provide small-to-medium scale grants for YJ alumni to work together and investigate specific cases of corruption. The purpose of the initiative is to inspire, enable and empower young journalists to hone their investigative craft in order to better expose corruption and its devastating impact on people’s lives.

4. Eligibility criteria

Applicants must meet the three criteria listed below:

1. You work as a journalist, with solid experience reporting on social issues, and are skilled in one of the following areas:

• Digital/print journalism
• Broadcast journalism
• Video making
• Photojournalism
• Social media (specifically TikTok and Reels)

1. You are passionate about fighting corruption and keen to learn more about Transparency International, the IACC and the issues we work on.
2. You will be under 35 years old on 21 June 2024 and are fluent in English.
3. All J4T/ IACC YJ Alumni (no matter age or location) are welcome to join the reporting crew.

Meet the Network

5. Tasks of the YJs

• Be familiar with the IACC 2024 programme and how Transparency International works globally and on a national level as well as the priorities outlined in Holding Power to Account, our global strategy against corruption for 2021-2030.
• (optional) Provide input for and promote the various IACC channels, including Twitter, Facebook, Vimeo and more.
• (optional) Write blog posts on the IACC blog.
• (optional) Engage with IACC initiatives, including FairPlay, Films for Transparency and the IACC Social Entrepreneurs Initiative.

• Attend a virtual prep and introductory meeting on the day before the conference (18 June) to meet the relevant Transparency International coordinating staff and fellow YJs, and discuss roles and responsibilities.
• Agree on related coverage with the YJ editorial team.

* Please note that these responsibilities may be subject to some changes.

 6. Tasks of IACC Series / Transparency International

• Discuss and agree with each YJ their specific tasks for the conference according to interest and skills.
• Provide a background material package ahead of the conference.
• Deliver virtual briefings with the relevant Transparency International team.
• Provide necessary guidance and support to YJs.
• Oversee and coordinate all content produced and published.

7. Use of Personal Social Media and Other Channels

• YJs are encouraged to use their own personal social media accounts or their personal blogs to promote IACC content, using the conference hashtags or linking to relevant content.
• Whilst these are individual and personal activities, some readers may nonetheless relate YJs with Transparency International and the IACC. Therefore, we would like to ask YJs to follow these guidelines:
• State clearly that the views you express are your own and not representing the views of Transparency International/the IACC.
• Respect copyright, trademark and all other applicable intellectual property laws.
• Content should not be derogatory or detrimental to the image, reputation, political neutrality or interests of Transparency International/the IACC. This includes:
  • advocating for a particular political party
  • posting content that would undermine the integrity or impartiality of Transparency International/the IACC
  • disclosing facts concerning individual cases of corruption or accusing individuals or entities of wrongdoing, except when the disclosed information is already generally available to the public. Links and references to reputable third-party information may be included.
• You are encouraged to write stories for your own news outlets and explore other angles, as long as these stories do not go against the values set forth by Transparency International/the IACC, as you will be sponsored by Transparency International/the IACC. You should apply good judgment in all cases and, if in doubt, please consult the Transparency International

By applying, all applicants commit to following the basic principles that apply to Transparency International’s work while participating in the programme: https://www.transparency.org/en/the-organisation/a-statement-of-vision-values-and-guiding-principles-for-transparency-international.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY