DW Akademie Opportunities and Tenders 2026: Six Open Calls for Media Trainers, Consultants, Partners and Ukrainian Youth
DW Akademie has published a varied set of 2026 opportunities for media professionals, trainers, consultants, service providers and young participants. The current calls span Africa, Asia, Syria, the Western Balkans and Germany, with assignments focused on digital safety, artificial intelligence, journalism training, podcast production, cultural programming, media and information literacy, and institutional resilience.
The official DW Akademie opportunities and tenders page currently includes both actionable calls and listings whose deadlines have recently passed. For clarity, this article first explains the six opportunities that remained open or actionable on August 31, 2026, before identifying four expired listings that readers should not treat as open unless DW Akademie announces an extension or relaunch.
DW Akademie opportunities and deadlines at a glance
| Opportunity | Main location or region | Deadline | Status on August 31, 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Podcast Storytelling and Production Trainers | Western Balkans; online or offline | August 31, 2026, 17:00 CET | Open at the time of publication; urgent |
| Cultural Programme and Venue Partner for the Youth Meets Media Conference | Phnom Penh, Cambodia | September 4, 2026 | Open |
| Digital Safety and AI Resilience Consultants | Dar es Salaam, Tanzania | September 7, 2026 | Open |
| Ukrainian Youth for Media Literacy Stand-Up Comedy | Berlin, Germany, with online rehearsals | September 7, 2026 | Open; extended deadline |
| Journalism and Media Trainers for SANA | Syria; possible online mentoring | September 15, 2026 | Open |
| Journalism and Media Trainers for the Media Emergency Kit | Syria; possible online mentoring | September 15, 2026 | Open |
Applicants should verify the latest status on the relevant official page before submitting. A deadline shown without a time may close according to the organizer’s operating time zone, and DW Akademie may update, extend or withdraw a call.
About DW Akademie
DW Akademie is Deutsche Welle’s centre for international media development, journalism training and knowledge transfer. Its work supports freedom of expression, access to reliable information, constructive public dialogue and stronger media institutions. DW Akademie works with journalists, media organizations, civil society actors and other partners in developing and emerging economies, with support that includes funding from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, the German Federal Foreign Office and the European Union.
The opportunities below reflect that broad mandate. Some seek individual experts to deliver specialist training; others seek an organization able to host a programme; one invites young Ukrainians to take part in a media-literacy and stand-up comedy experience.
1. Podcast Storytelling and Production Trainers for Independent Media in the Western Balkans
The most urgent call is the DW Akademie opportunity for podcast trainers in the Western Balkans. DW Akademie intends to contract up to four experienced trainers to create and deliver a practical capacity-building programme for independent media organizations participating in SustainMedia II, a project concerned with the economic sustainability and innovation of independent media in the Western Balkans.
Purpose of the assignment
The programme is intended to strengthen both the editorial and technical abilities of journalists and media professionals. Participants should leave with the practical capacity to plan, produce, publish and improve audience-oriented podcasts that support public-interest journalism, expand audience reach and help independent outlets diversify their content.
The selected trainers will jointly develop a three-day programme that may be delivered online or offline. The official terms allow up to two preparation days, while implementation is expected between September and November 2026.
Expected training content
The assignment covers the full podcast workflow through three broad modules:
- Podcast storytelling and editorial development
- Finding viable podcast concepts
- Understanding audience needs
- Editorial and content planning
- Script development
- Interviewing techniques
- Narrative structure and storytelling
- Selecting suitable podcast formats
- Adapting content for different audiences
- Podcast production
- Studio recording
- Field recording
- Mobile podcast production
- Equipment selection
- Sound quality
- Editing workflows
- Production planning
- Publishing and distribution
- Technical quality standards
- Audience development and practical production
- Podcast branding
- Audience engagement
- Content promotion
- Hands-on production exercises
- Review of participant productions
- Editorial feedback
- Recommendations for sustainable podcast development
Trainer responsibilities
Selected trainers will be expected to collaborate on the training concept and agenda, combine theory with demonstrations and practical work, facilitate group and peer-learning activities, provide individual feedback, review participant assignments, monitor progress and coordinate closely with DW Akademie and the other trainers.
The required deliverables include a detailed concept and agenda, learning materials, practical exercises, delivery of the three-day programme, recommendations for participants’ continued development and a report on the training.
Experience DW Akademie is seeking
Strong applicants should be able to demonstrate:
- Professional experience in journalism, storytelling and podcast production
- Practical expertise in both studio and field production
- Knowledge of podcast formats, editorial development and audience-focused content
- Experience creating content for different audiences and digital platforms
- A record of designing and delivering interactive workshops or training programmes
- Strong facilitation, mentoring and coaching skills
- Experience in media capacity-building
- A sound understanding of the Western Balkans media environment
- Excellent English
Knowledge of Albanian, Bosnian/Croatian/Serbian, Macedonian or Montenegrin is a strong advantage. Previous work with DW Akademie or a comparable international media-development organization is also advantageous.
How to apply
Applicants should send the following:
- A letter of interest of no more than one page
- A CV emphasizing podcast-production and training experience
- Examples of relevant podcast productions and/or previous training work
- A financial offer stating the proposed daily rate
Applications should be emailed to dw-akademie.western.balkans@dw.com with the subject line Application – Podcast Storytelling and Production Trainers – SustainMedia II.
Deadline: August 31, 2026, at 17:00 CET. This deadline was extended from August 21, 2026. Because it falls on the publication date of this article, interested applicants should act immediately and confirm that submissions are still being accepted. Full details appear in the official podcast trainers Terms of Reference.
2. Service Provider or Partner Organization for the Youth Meets Media Conference in Phnom Penh
DW Akademie is seeking a venue and partner organization in Phnom Penh to design and host an immersive cultural and discussion programme during the Youth Meets Media regional conference.
The conference, focused on media and information literacy and artificial intelligence in Central and Southeast Asia, will take place in Phnom Penh from October 23 to 25, 2026. It will bring together young people, media and information literacy stakeholders, and civil society representatives, chiefly from Cambodia, Myanmar, Mongolia, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan.
Purpose of the programme
October 25 is reserved for a field-study experience that connects the conference’s main concerns with Cambodian society. The selected provider will host approximately 60 participants during the afternoon and evening and create a setting in which they can explore how disinformation, online safety, digital behaviour, exclusion and related issues affect communities, particularly young people and marginalized groups.
The programme should give meaningful visibility to Cambodia’s culture, history, society and present-day realities. It should also help participants compare Cambodian experiences with those in their own countries and regions.
Possible programme elements
DW Akademie welcomes creative proposals rather than prescribing one fixed format. A proposal may include:
- A dedicated informal area for networking and intercultural exchange
- Exhibitions, installations or media pieces related to the conference themes
- Activities that introduce Cambodian culture, history and contemporary society
- Dance, music or another cultural performance
- Screenings of short films or documentaries
- Discussions with filmmakers, protagonists, artists, speakers or experts
- Interactive formats that explore youth and marginalized-community experiences
Relevant themes include artificial intelligence, disinformation, fact-checking, gender, inclusion, youth engagement, media and information literacy training, policy, online safety, scams, digital behaviour, content production and creative media formats.
What the provider must coordinate
The selected service provider should be capable of supplying or arranging:
- Appropriate indoor and/or outdoor spaces for screenings, performances, exhibitions, activities and networking
- Technical equipment such as a projector, screen and sound system
- On-site technical support
- Contributors such as performers, artists, filmmakers, speakers or experts
- Catering and refreshments where appropriate
- Overall logistical and programme coordination
- A clear, itemized cost estimate
The target group is approximately 60 participants from Germany, Cambodia, Thailand, Myanmar, Bhutan, Mongolia, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan.
Proposal requirements
Interested providers should submit:
- A brief programme concept explaining the proposed activities and contributors
- A description of the venue, available indoor and outdoor spaces, and maximum capacity
- An overview of the technical setup and available infrastructure
- A detailed cost estimate covering the venue, programme, equipment, catering, contributors and other relevant costs
Applications and questions should be sent to dw-akademie.digital-resilience@dw.com.
Deadline: September 4, 2026. The programme must be delivered in Phnom Penh on the afternoon and evening of October 25, 2026. Applicants should consult the official Phnom Penh partner Terms of Reference before preparing a proposal.
3. Digital Safety and AI Resilience Training Consultants in Tanzania
The Tanzania digital safety and AI resilience consultancy seeks two facilitators to jointly deliver a highly practical programme for community radio stations and media houses in Tanzania.
The assignment responds to the increasing exposure of media organizations to phishing, hacking, malware, ransomware, online harassment, surveillance, disinformation, unauthorized access and risks connected with artificial intelligence. It also recognizes that AI can support newsroom activities such as translation, transcription, production and audience engagement when organizations establish appropriate safeguards and governance.
Assignment schedule and payment structure
- Location: Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; venue to be confirmed
- Training dates: September 28 to October 2, 2026
- Full-rate delivery: Five days
- Preparation and reporting: Two days at half rate
- Policy-development support: Two days at half rate
- Working language: English
- Reporting: Within three working days after the training
The financial proposal must account for a 15.83 percent withholding tax. Payment is subject to satisfactory completion and acceptance of the deliverables.
Main objectives
The two consultants will help participating media organizations to:
- Improve organizational digital safety and cybersecurity
- Identify and reduce risks affecting newsroom operations
- Create practical safety policies, incident-response procedures and continuity plans
- Protect journalists, community correspondents, confidential sources and organizational information
- Prepare for the responsible adoption and governance of AI tools
- Continue serving women, young people and rural communities in a safer digital environment
Training areas
The programme must be learner-centred, participatory and strongly practical, with at least half of the training devoted to exercises and hands-on learning. Topics include:
- Organizational threat mapping, information-asset identification and vulnerability assessment
- Device security, digital hygiene, malware, ransomware and endpoint protection
- Password management and multi-factor authentication
- Secure storage, data-retention and data-destruction practices
- Confidential-source and whistleblower protection
- Metadata and digital footprints
- Encrypted communications, secure email, and identity verification
- Phishing and social-engineering simulations
- Incident reporting and cyber-crisis management
- Backup strategies, disaster recovery and continuity of operations
- AI opportunities in journalism
- Misinformation, deepfakes and other AI-related risks
- AI governance and newsroom policies
- Online violence against women journalists
- Risks affecting young reporters and community correspondents
- Protection of vulnerable contributors and sources
- AI bias and the representation of women and youth
Expected outputs
By the end of the programme, participants and their organizations should have stronger knowledge and practical skills, completed digital-risk assessments, draft Digital Safety Action Plans, draft Cyber Incident Response Plans and draft AI Use and Governance Guidelines.
The consultants must provide a finalized agenda, session plans, materials, practical tools, assessment results, documentation of participant outputs and a detailed post-training report with observations and recommendations.
Required expertise
Applicants should demonstrate experience in digital safety, cybersecurity, organizational resilience, responsible AI, AI governance, newsroom operations and media development. They should also have worked with media organizations, journalists, civil society organizations or human-rights actors and be able to use adult-learning and participatory approaches. Gender-sensitive facilitation, sound training design and strong time management are required. Experience in East Africa is an advantage.
Two individuals may apply together, or a consulting team or institution may propose two qualified facilitators. The facilitators may be based in Tanzania or another country, provided they understand the East African media context.
Application documents
Applicants must submit:
- A letter expressing interest
- Updated CVs
- An organizational profile, where applicable
- A technical proposal of no more than three pages explaining the methodology, approach and training design
- Evidence of at least three similar assignments
- A financial proposal showing the daily rate and total cost, including the 15.83 percent withholding tax
Send the application to akademie.uganda@dw.com, copying warda.mansour@dw.com and moses.mutente@dw.com.
Deadline: September 7, 2026. The full requirements are available in the official Tanzania consultancy Terms of Reference.
4. Ukrainian Youth Media Literacy and Stand-Up Comedy Programme in Berlin
The DW Akademie media literacy stand-up comedy programme offers Ukrainian young people aged 12 to 16 who live in Berlin an unusual opportunity to combine comedy, public performance and critical engagement with digital information.
Rather than teaching media literacy only through conventional lessons, the programme helps participants transform their observations about fake news, memes, TikTok trends, algorithms and information overload into original stand-up monologues.
What participants will learn
The programme is designed to help young participants:
- Write jokes and social monologues with a clear message
- Explain how online information environments work in an engaging way
- Develop improvisation and comedy skills
- Improve voice control, breathing and diction
- Understand joke structure, storytelling and speech structure
- Connect with an audience and manage performance stress
- Recognize fake news, manipulation, online trends and algorithmic influence
- Analyze examples from the Ukrainian information environment
- Protect personal data and adopt safer online behaviour
- Develop an individual script and organize a complete stage performance
Format and important dates
Preparation includes online rehearsals, individual script development and guidance on structuring each performance.
- In-person rehearsal in Berlin: October 11, 2026
- Stand-up show in Berlin: October 12, 2026
At the final show, participants will present their own stand-up monologues.
The guidance team brings experience in stand-up comedy, radio, public broadcasting, documentary and digital production, stage speech, youth engagement, meme analysis, media literacy, cyberbullying education, journalism, TikTok content and audiovisual teaching. This range of expertise is intended to help participants improve both the substance of their media-literacy messages and the confidence with which they perform them.
Deadline: September 7, 2026. The deadline was extended. Eligible young people should complete the official online registration form and review the English programme information.
5. Journalism and Media Trainers for the Syrian Arab News Agency
Under the European Union-funded Fill the Space project, implemented by DW Akademie with Fatabyyano, DW Akademie is forming a pool of trainers for the Syrian Arab News Agency.
The trainers will support the professional and institutional development of SANA staff and correspondents. Assignments are expected to take place intermittently from October 2026 through April 2027; inclusion in the pool does not create continuous employment or guarantee a contract.
Potential training themes
Applicants may indicate one or more areas that match their expertise:
- Editorial standards and journalism ethics
- News writing and editing
- Television journalism and media appearance
- Visual storytelling and multimedia production
- Mobile journalism
- Photography and photojournalism
- Video production and editing
- Digital journalism and social media management
- Verification and fact-checking
- Public-service journalism
- Conflict-sensitive and transitional-justice reporting
- Digital security and safety for journalists
- Audience engagement and community-centred journalism
- Responsible use of artificial intelligence in journalism
- Other relevant journalism and media subjects identified during implementation
Scope of work
Selected trainers will review background material, adapt content to assessed needs, prepare agendas and learning resources, lead interactive and practice-oriented sessions, facilitate simulations and assignments, assess learning, coach participants, coordinate with DW Akademie and SANA, and submit the agreed materials and final report.
Training may take place in Damascus and other locations in Syria, with possible online mentoring and follow-up sessions. Exact preparation days, training days, mentoring work and schedules will be agreed for each assignment.
Eligibility and preferred assets
Applicants must be native Arabic speakers, have at least two years of media experience and preferably media-training experience in the Western Asia and North Africa region, demonstrate commitment to independent and ethical journalism, and not be subject to European Union sanctions or blacklisting.
A journalism, media or related degree is an asset. Previous DW Akademie training or training-of-trainers experience is a strong asset, while previous experience with the Syrian context is also valued. DW Akademie particularly encourages applications from Syrian local, community, regional, exile and independent journalists with strong community ties.
Deliverables and financial arrangements
Expected outputs may include:
- A detailed agenda and methodology
- Presentations, exercises and case studies
- Participant handouts
- Pre- and post-training assessments where requested
- Participant evaluations and attendance records
- A final narrative report with recommendations
- Electronic copies of all training materials
Deliverables should be submitted in English unless otherwise agreed. Trainers will be contracted individually, fees will be agreed according to the approved budget and procurement rules, applicable travel and accommodation will follow DW Akademie policy, and payment will be made after satisfactory completion and acceptance.
How to apply
Submit one merged PDF in English containing:
- An updated CV
- A motivation letter naming the desired theme or themes and summarizing relevant training experience
- The expected daily training fee and preparation-day fee in euros
- Contact details for two professional references
- The applicant’s full name and address
- Confirmation of whether the applicant has a bank account outside Syria
Email the file to dw-akademie.fillthespace@dw.com with the subject Application – SANA Trainer – [Applicant Name]. Incomplete applications will not be considered, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Deadline: September 15, 2026. Applicants should rely on the contact details and instructions in the official SANA trainer Terms of Reference.
6. Journalism and Media Trainers for the Media Emergency Kit Programme in Syria
DW Akademie is also forming a separate pool of trainers and co-trainers for a Media Emergency Kit programme under the Fill the Space project.
This opportunity focuses on strengthening the capacities of Syrian independent journalists and media outlets. Successful applicants will first participate in a specialized four-day online Training of Trainers for the Media Emergency Kit and may then receive assignment-based training work between October 2026 and April 2027.
Training themes
Assignments may cover one or more of the following:
- Journalism ethics
- Fact-checking and verification
- Professional local journalism beyond breaking news
- Conflict-sensitive reporting and transitional justice
- Audience outreach and community management
- Four-dimensional safety: physical, psychological, legal and digital
- Efficient and ethical use of artificial intelligence in media work
Responsibilities
The trainers will review assigned topics and project materials, adapt course content, create agendas and learning resources, lead participatory sessions, facilitate exercises and simulations, assess learning, coach participants, coordinate with DW Akademie and submit training materials and a final report.
Training may be delivered in Damascus and other parts of Syria and may include online mentoring and follow-up. The number of training days, preparation days and mentoring assignments will be agreed case by case.
Eligibility and application package
The core eligibility requirements are the same as those for the SANA trainer pool: native Arabic, at least two years of media experience and preferably training experience in the Western Asia and North Africa region, commitment to independent and ethical journalism, and no European Union sanctions or blacklisting. A relevant degree, DW Akademie training-of-trainers experience and familiarity with Syria are assets. Syrian local, community, regional, exile and independent journalists are particularly encouraged.
Applicants should send one English-language merged PDF containing an updated CV, a motivation letter naming the relevant theme or themes, the expected training-day and preparation-day fees in euros, two professional references, full name and address, and confirmation of whether they have a bank account outside Syria.
Send applications to dw-akademie.fillthespace@dw.com with the subject Application – MEK Trainer – [Applicant Name].
Deadline: September 15, 2026. Selection for the pool is not a guarantee of a future contract; assignments depend on project needs, expertise and availability. Review the official Media Emergency Kit trainer Terms of Reference before applying.
Recently expired DW Akademie listings still shown on the official page
The following opportunities appeared on the official hub on August 31, 2026, but their stated deadlines had passed. They are included here to prevent confusion and to help readers identify the type of work DW Akademie may advertise again.
Tunis-based Project Manager for North and West Africa
The Tunis-based project manager opportunity sought an experienced professional to manage donor-funded media-development work across North and West Africa. The proposed contract period was September 15, 2026, to August 31, 2028. The role covered a women’s empowerment and socioeconomic-inclusion project in Morocco and work concerning the effects of migration in Morocco, Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire and Guinea.
Deadline: August 28, 2026. This listing had expired by August 31, 2026.
Evaluation of DW Akademie Projects in Africa
The Africa project evaluation call invited evaluators for projects supported by Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development. The projects run from January 2025 to December 2027, with evaluations expected during their final year. The regional groupings included Ghana; Kenya; Namibia and Southern Africa; Uganda and Tanzania; and a Sahel-plus grouping covering Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Mali, Niger and Senegal.
Deadline: August 30, 2026. This listing had expired by August 31, 2026.
Mobile Journalism Trainers in Montenegro
The mobile journalism trainer call in Montenegro sought two trainers for a Young Media Makers Fellowship workshop in Petrovac from October 12 to 14, 2026, followed by an online session. The work focused on mobile content production, digital storytelling and practical skills for young media professionals in the Western Balkans, alongside the Media Innovation Forum.
Deadline: August 27, 2026. This listing had expired by August 31, 2026.
Research and Monitoring on Disinformation and Hate Speech in Syria
The Syria disinformation and hate-speech research call sought an organization or expert team to research and monitor campaigns targeting Syrian media actors, journalists and fact-checkers, with attention to narratives influencing Syrian audiences aged 18 to 45.
The anticipated work included baseline analysis of narratives, actors and platforms, quantitative and qualitative monitoring, periodic reports in Arabic and English, briefings for newsrooms and civil society organizations, and a final synthesis.
Deadline: August 27, 2026. This listing had expired by August 31, 2026.
Applicants interested in any expired listing should not send a late application unless the relevant official page is updated with an extension or DW Akademie confirms that submissions are still accepted.
Practical application checklist
Before applying for any current DW Akademie opportunity, candidates and organizations should:
- Open the individual opportunity page rather than relying only on the central hub.
- Download and read the complete Terms of Reference.
- Confirm the exact deadline, time zone, subject line and submission email.
- Tailor the CV, interest letter or proposal to the stated thematic area and deliverables.
- Include every requested financial detail, tax component and supporting document.
- Respect page limits and file-format instructions, including merged-PDF requirements.
- Demonstrate relevant regional or contextual knowledge with specific examples.
- Provide evidence of previous assignments, productions or training work where requested.
- Check that references, cost estimates, contact information and attachments are complete.
- Submit early enough to resolve email, upload or time-zone problems before the deadline.
Frequently asked questions
Are all listings on the DW Akademie opportunities page still open?
No. The official hub can display opportunities with recently passed deadlines. Applicants must read the date on each individual page and its downloadable Terms of Reference. As of August 31, 2026, six calls were still actionable, including the Western Balkans podcast trainer deadline later that same day.
Can applicants based outside the advertised country apply?
It depends on the call. The Tanzania Terms of Reference explicitly permit facilitators based in Tanzania or elsewhere, provided they have the necessary expertise and understand the East African media context. Other calls may require local delivery capacity, regional knowledge, language skills or residence in a specific city. Applicants should follow the exact wording of the relevant terms.
Does joining a trainer pool guarantee paid work?
No. The SANA and Media Emergency Kit calls state that admission to a qualified-trainer pool does not guarantee a contract. Assignments will depend on project needs, trainer expertise and availability.
Are financial offers required?
Most professional calls request some form of financial information. This may be a daily rate, preparation-day rate, total cost, or detailed programme budget. The Tanzania call specifically requires the applicant to include the stated withholding tax in the rate.
Where should applicants obtain the final application instructions?
The controlling source should be the individual official opportunity page and its linked Terms of Reference. Applicants should copy email addresses and subject lines carefully from the downloadable document and check the page again immediately before submission.
Conclusion
The 2026 DW Akademie opportunities and tenders currently provide several distinct routes into international media-development work. Experienced podcast producers can support independent media in the Western Balkans; digital-security and responsible-AI specialists can work with Tanzanian media houses; Arabic-speaking journalists and trainers can join Syria-focused trainer pools; a Phnom Penh organization can design a culturally grounded programme for a regional conference; and Ukrainian young people in Berlin can develop media literacy through stand-up comedy.
The deadlines are close, beginning with the podcast trainer call on August 31, 2026, at 17:00 CET, followed by the Phnom Penh partnership on September 4, the Tanzania consultancy and Ukrainian youth programme on September 7, and the two Syria trainer pools on September 15. Applicants should prioritize the most urgent opportunity, use the exact official instructions and submit a complete, tailored application before the relevant closing time.
For more global opportunities, click HERE.
Share this:
Discover more from Opportunities for Youth
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
