The International Press Institute (IPI) is searching for a Turkey Project Officer to support our work to promote and protect media freedom and independent journalism in Turkey. The project officer will be an integral part of IPI’s #FreeTurkeyJournalists campaign and will have a particular focus on supporting aspects of the project that will be carried out on the ground in Turkey. We’re looking for a passionate, dedicated press freedom defender to join IPI’s growing team!

The position will include the following tasks:

  • Close monitoring of press freedom developments in Turkey
  • Drafting statements, alerts, letters, interviews, newsletters, social media posts and other forms of communication about press freedom developments and attacks on journalists.
  • Conducting in-person monitoring of trials of journalists in Turkey. Updating IPI’s Trials Calendar, and producing regular reports and blogs on cases. In some cases, this may involve in-country travel.
  • Working with IPI’s Turkey National Committee to develop and implement its development and campaign strategy. Organizing formal National Committee meetings, taking and sharing meeting minutes with IPI members.
  • Supporting the external and internal communication of the Turkey National Committee.
  • Identifying national campaigns on critical freedom of expression cases against journalists.
  • Organizing timely public events, panels, and talks related to press freedom, including IPI’s annual Turkey media symposium in line with the goals and priorities set by the National Committee.
  • Organizing the production of podcasts, webinars, and commissioned articles.
  • Monitoring cases of online harassment and attacks against female journalists in Turkey, and producing related analysis.
  • Promoting IPI activities and reports within Turkey.
  • Exploring ideas and local partnerships with other press freedom organizations .
  • Contributing to Turkey-related international and local advocacy efforts by IPI Secretariat in Vienna
  • Contributing to the organization of the annual press freedom mission led by IPI Secretariat.
  • Assisting with administrative tasks related to IPI’s Turkey project, including project reports.

The location for this position is flexible. Turkey-based candidates are encouraged to apply.

The project coordinator’s work will be supervised by the IPI Turkey Programme Coordinator in Vienna, to whom the coordinator will report regularly, and IPI’s Head of Europe Advocacy and Programmes. The Turkey Project Officer will also report to and have daily communication with IPI National Committee members in Turkey.

Position requirements

  • Fluency in both English and Turkish.
  • Strong writing and communication skills.
  • Strong familiarity with the press freedom situation in Turkey. Previous experience in journalism or a relevant human rights/civil society organization is a plus.
  • Passion for human rights and freedom of expression
  • Ability to work independently and proactively set and meet goals.
  • Willingness to represent IPI at public events.
  • Able to identify opportunities for partnerships within Turkey to raise awareness about press freedom and the need to protect it.

How and when to apply

The application deadline for this position is 10 April.

Applicants should provide the following:

  • Cover letter
  • Writing sample in both English and Turkish
  • Current CV, including at least two professional references
  • Please send your application by email to [email protected]. Please include “Turkey Project Officer” in the email subject line.

About IPI

Founded in 1950, the International Press Institute (IPI) is a global network of editors, journalists and media executives dedicated to promoting and defending press freedom and independent journalism. IPI members are media professionals representing leading digital, print, and broadcast news outlets in more than 100 countries. The organization’s work is managed by a small professional secretariat in Vienna.