Call for Applications: Capacity Building Initiative to Strengthen Investigative Reporting and Civil Society Collaboration for Integrity and Environmental Justice in Iraq

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Iraq invites civil society organizations and media actors, to express interest in a specialized capacity building and mentorship initiative focused on investigative reporting, integrity, and environmental justice.

This initiative is implemented under the EU funded Anti-Corruption and Arbitration Initiatives for Environmental Justice project (ACAI II), which aims to strengthen the role of investigative reporting and civic action in advancing transparency, accountability and environmental justice in Iraq. It builds on existing networks of investigative reporters and expands collaboration between civil society and media to address corruption, disinformation, and environmental harm through evidence-based advocacy.

Under the guidance of a Civil Society Empowerment Specialist, participating organizations will strengthen their strategic advocacy skills, institutional resilience, and launch impactful and evidence-based analysis, contributing to public oversight and advocacy efforts.

 

What the Initiative offers: 

  1. Institutional capacity development including training in organizational management, strategic planning, and financial sustainability.

  2. Capacity building in investigative approaches, including on investigative methods, evidence gathering, analysis to support integrity and environmental justice efforts.

  3. Mentoring and coaching including tailored guidance from experts in investigative journalism, governance and environmental accountability.

  4. Advocacy and stakeholder engagement including support in developing impactful advocacy strategies and fostering relationships with key stakeholders.

 

Eligibility Criteria

  • Civil society organizations, investigative journalism or media actors working in anti-corruption, governance, accountability, or environmental justice.

  • Demonstrated track record or strong interest in investigative reporting, public oversight or evidence-based advocacy.

  • Full commitment to attending and engaging in all activities (both online and face-to-face).

How to Apply: Interested applicants are invited to submit their expression of interest by completing the application form at the following link, by 17:00 (Baghdad time), Sunday, April 19th, 2026

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Application Form

Note: Only shortlisted organizations will be contacted.