AIR Network’s Advisory Board - Request for Applications

Date of issuance: November 25, 2024
Due date for questions: December 9, 2024
Virtual briefing call: December 9, 2024
Release date for response to all questions: December 11, 2024
Closing date: Applications are due by 11:59pm (Bangkok time) December 31, 2024.
Estimated award date: January 15, 2025

AIR Network’s Advisory Board members will guide the establishment of an investigative journalism Network as a self-sustaining entity that supports investigative journalists throughout Southeast Asia. Advisory Board members will provide overall leadership of the Network, including guiding editorial policy/guidelines, maintaining safety and security protocols, and upholding the gender equality and social inclusion (GESI) framework. The Advisory Board will consist of Southeast Asia-based senior editors, journalists, or civil society leaders. 

3. Role Description
3.1. Program background
Investigative journalism plays a critical role as a watchdog for the public interest. In-depth, fact-based investigations by journalists and media institutions expose abuses of power, including crime, corruption, and corrosive capital, resulting in a public that is more informed. At the same time, the media are often the first target of authoritarian leaders and other illiberal actors in their efforts to consolidate power, making it increasingly difficult and dangerous for investigative journalists to continue their important work.
The AIR Network addresses these challenges by establishing a support network for investigative journalists in the region. The AIR Network has three objectives:
1. Objective 1: Strengthen Networks
Locally led investigative journalism networks are supported and strengthened.
2. Objective 2: Amplify Reporting
Investigative reporting has enhanced engagement, is amplified through relevant channels, and delivers impact
3. Objective 3: Advance Safety and Security
More proactive, comprehensive approaches to safety and security for journalists are developed and advanced

3.2. Geographic area
Editors, journalists, and civil society organizations (CSO) members based in Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Cambodia, are eligible to apply. This includes exiled Southeast Asian investigative journalists living in these countries.

3.3. Objective
The AIR Network becomes an effective and self-sustaining support system that strengthens investigative journalism in Southeast Asia that contributes toward addressing regional transborder crime, corruption, and corrosive capital. 

3.4. Intended target audience
The Advisory Board's work will serve newsrooms, journalists, and CSOs in Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, Myanmar, and Cambodia.

3.5. Specific Roles and Responsibilities of the Advisory Board
The inaugural Advisory Board members, selected for an initial 12-month term. Their roles and responsibilities during this term are listed below:

o Develop and maintain the AIR Network’s organizational framework, governing documents, safety & security protocols, GESI framework, and editorial policies based on initial drafts produced by the ICFJ and Pact. This will include the Board members’ term length, code of conduct, and key performance indicators for term renewals.
o Be accountable to and advise the AIR Network and its project team on editorial/investigative matters, local politics, security, legal matters, organizational strategy.
o Drive the recruitment of AIR Network members, including the vetting of potential member organizations.
o Mobilize local/international resources and networks to support AIR Network’s investigations, programs, activities, and membership recruitment.
o Engage potential partners and funders for the Network. 
o Appoint and oversee executive committee members and full-time staff, who will coordinate and implement AIR Network activities, including investigations, in their respective countries and throughout the region.
o Ensure GESI framework is integrated into the work of AIR Network

3.6. Benefits for Advisory Board members
• Opportunities to strengthen and expand your professional network with leading news organizations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and CSOs both locally and internationally.
• Opportunities to advance your organization’s mission, especially in strengthening press freedom, investigative journalism, human rights, anticorruption, and social justice.
• Gain valuable experience in organizational governance and strategic planning
• The opportunity to lead a movement that can contribute to lasting change in the areas of press freedom, journalist safety, human rights, public accountability, and countering crime and corruption.
• Opportunity to encourage organizations to take a GESI-sensitive approach to press freedom, human rights, and social justice can help address the intersectional nature of these issues.
• An annual honorarium and priority access to paid engagements (see Section 4.2)
Advisory Board members will receive support from AIR Network project team members throughout their tenure. We will provide ongoing assistance with resources, logistical arrangements, meeting coordination, and ongoing communication.
Advisory Board members will oversee an executive committee that will implement programs and coordinate investigations based on the vision and strategic plan outlined by the Board.

4. Application Submission
4.1. Eligibility
Individuals with the following attributes are encouraged to apply for the Advisory Board positions:
o Based in Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Cambodia. Exiled individuals based in these countries are eligible. 
o Foreign nationals are eligible but must demonstrate a long-term commitment to advancing journalism in the country (i.e. Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, or Cambodia) they are based in.
o Has a track record of leading organizations, networks, or editorial teams.
o Has experience in investigative journalism (not necessary for applicants from CSOs)
o Has experience fundraising through grants or other revenue sources.
o Has experience working on projects involving collaborators in multiple countries.
o Well-connected within the media industry and related CSOs and NGOs.
o Able to communicate in basic English
o Is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in newsrooms and supporting the development of stories relevant to a diverse range of populations, particularly marginalized and under-represented ones.
o Able to commit a minimum of five (5) hours a week to the role.
AIR Network is committed to establishing a diverse and inclusive leadership team. Individuals of all gender identities, ethnicities, backgrounds, religions, sexual orientation, or disability status are encouraged to apply.

4.2. Honoraria
Advisory Board members will be paid an annual honorarium of US$3,000 for the initial 12-month inaugural phase, during which Advisory Board members are expected to play more of an executive role while the executive committee is recruited and onboarded.
The annual honorarium will be reduced to approximately US$2,500 for the next 3 years of the project (subject to availability of funds), when the Advisory Board will have transitioned most of its executive functions to the executive committee. 
Advisory Board members may also be paid separately for providing other services (e.g. training, story editing, or mentoring) based on standard market rates agreed upon by the Advisory Board and executive committee.

4.3. Application submission deadline
Applications must be submitted by December 20, 2025 at 11:59pm EST.

More details available here.