The Climate Change and Press Freedom Fellowship 2026, offered by the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), is now open for applications. This prestigious, fully paid, one-year opportunity invites professionals worldwide to contribute to global efforts protecting journalists covering climate change and environmental issues.
With a salary of $75,400 (or market equivalent globally) and flexible remote or hybrid work options, this fellowship provides a unique platform to engage in high-impact research, advocacy, and policy development at the intersection of climate change and press freedom.
About the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ)
Founded in 1981, CPJ is an independent, nonprofit organization dedicated to defending journalists and promoting press freedom globally. Over the decades, CPJ has:
- Secured the release of imprisoned journalists
- Helped bring perpetrators of journalist killings to justice
- Advocated for legal reforms protecting free expression
- Built globally recognized databases and reports on press freedom violations
Through its Climate Crisis Journalist Protection Initiative, CPJ is expanding its efforts to address the growing risks faced by journalists reporting on environmental and climate-related issues.
About the Fellowship
The Climate Change and Press Freedom Fellowship is a 12-month programme designed to support CPJ’s advocacy and research work.
The selected fellow will join CPJ’s Global Advocacy team and contribute to developing strategies that protect journalists reporting on climate change, environmental degradation, and related issues such as corruption, corporate accountability, and human rights.
Key Responsibilities of the Fellow
The fellowship involves a range of impactful research, advocacy, and collaboration activities:
1. Research and Policy Analysis
- Conduct original research on the intersection of climate change and press freedom
- Analyze global trends and identify risks faced by environmental journalists
- Develop policy recommendations and advocacy strategies
2. Data and Landscape Analysis
- Utilize CPJ’s extensive database spanning over 30 years
- Conduct cross-regional assessments of threats against journalists
- Identify key patterns and areas requiring intervention
3. Global Engagement
- Conduct surveys with environmental journalists worldwide
- Organize and participate in roundtables and regional meetings
- Engage with civil society organizations, newsrooms, and advocacy groups
4. Advocacy and Communication
- Draft reports, briefing materials, and articles
- Support public and private events
- Contribute to CPJ’s global advocacy agenda
5. Institutional Contribution
- Strengthen CPJ’s knowledge base on climate and press freedom
- Help shape long-term strategies for journalist safety
What the Fellowship Offers
The programme provides comprehensive professional and financial benefits:
1. Competitive Compensation
- Annual salary of $75,400 (or equivalent depending on location)
2. Flexible Work Arrangement
- Remote or hybrid options
- Open globally (within 6 hours of US Eastern Time)
3. Professional Growth
- Opportunity to work with a globally recognized organization
- Exposure to international advocacy and policy work
- Development of expertise in climate change and press freedom
4. Impactful Career Experience
- Contribute to global efforts protecting journalists
- Work on pressing global challenges at the intersection of media and climate
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants should meet the following requirements:
Required Qualifications
- Strong knowledge of press freedom, journalism, and climate change
- Demonstrated experience in climate or environmental issues
- Excellent research and writing skills
- Strong analytical thinking and attention to detail
Preferred Skills
- Familiarity with corruption, corporate accountability, or investigative reporting
- Experience working in global or cross-regional contexts
- Fluency in English (additional languages like Spanish or French are an advantage)
- Proficiency in Google Workspace
Work Requirements
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively
- Availability to work within 6 hours of US Eastern Time
Application Timeline
- Application Deadline: April 12, 2026
- Fellowship Duration: 12 months
Applicants are encouraged to apply early due to the competitive nature of the programme.
How to Apply
Interested candidates can submit their applications via the official CPJ careers portal:
Why You Should Apply
This fellowship offers a rare opportunity to:
- Work at the forefront of global press freedom advocacy
- Conduct meaningful research on climate-related risks to journalists
- Engage with global stakeholders and policymakers
- Build a strong career in international advocacy, journalism, or policy
Learn more about the Climate Change and Press Freedom Fellowship 2026 HERE.
Discover more global Journalist opportunities on OFY HERE and more climate opportunities HERE.
