The Committee to Protect Journalists is accepting applications for two remote positions within its Europe and Central Asia programme. These opportunities are intended for experienced professionals with backgrounds in journalism, media freedom, human rights, research, advocacy, humanitarian assistance and regional policy.
As verified on September 1, 2026, the official CPJ employment page lists the following vacancies:
- Program Coordinator, Eastern Europe/Central Asia
- Researcher, Western and Northern Europe
Both positions are classified as remote, Europe-based roles and will be filled through an Employer of Record arrangement. Candidates must be based in the relevant Europe and Central Asia region and possess independent authorization to work from their proposed location.
The closing date for both positions is September 10, 2026. CPJ has not specified a precise closing time or time zone, so interested candidates should apply well before the deadline.
Overview of the Available CPJ Positions
| Position | Programme | Work Arrangement | Experience | UK Salary Reference | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Program Coordinator, Eastern Europe/Central Asia | Europe and Central Asia | Fully remote, Europe-based | At least seven years | £72,250–£84,000 | September 10, 2026 |
| Researcher, Western and Northern Europe | Europe and Central Asia | Fully remote, Europe-based | At least five years | £45,700–£51,500 | September 10, 2026 |
The salary figures above apply as reference ranges for candidates hired in the United Kingdom. Compensation for candidates working from other eligible locations will be determined according to their experience, skills, local market conditions and cost of living.
About the Committee to Protect Journalists
Founded in 1981, the Committee to Protect Journalists, commonly known as CPJ, is an independent nonprofit organisation that works to defend journalists and advance press freedom around the world.
CPJ monitors, verifies and reports attacks against journalists and media workers. Its work includes documenting press freedom violations, advocating for imprisoned or threatened journalists, supporting journalists facing emergencies and encouraging legal and policy reforms that protect freedom of expression.
Over more than four decades, CPJ has contributed to efforts that have:
- Secured the early release of imprisoned journalists.
- Helped advance accountability for the murders of journalists.
- Supported legal reforms in countries where freedom of expression has deteriorated.
- Raised international awareness of attacks on journalists.
- Produced widely cited research, databases and reports concerning press freedom.
- Provided assistance to journalists facing physical, digital, legal and psychological threats.
Although CPJ is headquartered in New York City, its staff members and contributors work across different regions. The organisation seeks employees who can collaborate effectively across countries, cultures and time zones.
Position One: Program Coordinator, Eastern Europe/Central Asia
Position Overview
The Program Coordinator will lead CPJ’s research, documentation, advocacy and journalist-support activities relating to Eastern Europe and Central Asia.
The position sits within CPJ’s Europe and Central Asia programme and reports to the Regional Director for Europe and Central Asia. It is classified within CPJ’s Management II job band.
CPJ is looking for an experienced professional with extensive knowledge of press freedom conditions in Russia and Eastern Europe and a strong understanding of the wider regional political, human rights and media environment.
The selected candidate will coordinate regional contributors, oversee press freedom monitoring, support journalists facing danger and represent CPJ before media organisations, government representatives, civil society partners and other stakeholders.
This is a leadership position requiring both strategic oversight and hands-on involvement in research, reporting, advocacy, crisis response and team management.
Team Coordination and Leadership Responsibilities
The Program Coordinator will provide day-to-day leadership and supervision to staff members and regional contributors. Responsibilities will include:
- Establishing clear expectations for staff and contributors.
- Assigning and delegating work according to programme priorities.
- Monitoring the quality, accuracy and timeliness of regional work.
- Coaching and developing team members.
- Addressing performance or conduct concerns when necessary.
- Promoting an inclusive, accountable and high-performing team culture.
- Supporting the recruitment and onboarding of employees and contributors.
- Managing researchers, correspondents, contractors and other regional contributors.
- Ensuring that regional work aligns with CPJ’s organisational strategy and standards.
- Deputising for senior regional leadership when required.
- Supporting the implementation of wider regional strategies and priorities.
- Providing crisis-management leadership during urgent or high-risk press freedom situations.
Applicants should demonstrate experience supervising people, coordinating distributed teams and maintaining professional standards under pressure.
Press Freedom Monitoring, Research and Data Responsibilities
A major part of the position involves ensuring that CPJ receives reliable, current and well-documented information concerning attacks on journalists.
The Program Coordinator will be expected to:
- Monitor press freedom developments across Eastern Europe and Central Asia.
- Document and report attacks, threats and restrictions affecting journalists.
- Maintain oversight of press freedom case-tracking and advocacy pipelines.
- Ensure that CPJ’s records concerning imprisoned, missing, killed or targeted journalists remain accurate and current.
- Identify emerging threats and trends affecting journalists and media organisations.
- Propose, commission, supervise and conduct regional research.
- Produce daily reporting, longer analytical reports and multimedia content.
- Prepare timely news alerts, statements, videos and expert analysis.
- Develop factual social media material in coordination with CPJ’s communications and social media teams.
- Contribute to annual regional assessments, planning documents and strategic reviews.
The successful candidate must be capable of moving between immediate breaking-news responses and deeper, long-term research projects.
Advocacy Responsibilities
The Program Coordinator will play a leading role in developing and implementing advocacy strategies intended to improve protections for journalists.
Duties will include:
- Designing regional and country-level press freedom advocacy strategies.
- Advocating for the release of journalists who have been imprisoned because of their work.
- Supporting efforts to end impunity in cases involving the killing of journalists.
- Producing advocacy briefings and other supporting materials.
- Overseeing the preparation of advocacy content.
- Developing new projects in response to emerging political and media developments.
- Presenting CPJ’s research to media outlets, policymakers and other stakeholders.
- Using evidence and documented cases to influence public and policy discussions.
Applicants should understand how research, public communication, stakeholder engagement and policy advocacy can be combined to produce practical pressure for change.
Representation and External Engagement
The position requires the selected candidate to represent CPJ publicly and maintain a strong network of regional contacts.
The Program Coordinator will:
- Act as a CPJ spokesperson when required.
- Engage with media outlets, governments, civil society groups and partner organisations.
- Develop and maintain relationships with policymakers and journalists.
- Strengthen CPJ’s network of regional media contacts.
- Establish relationships with human rights defenders and other relevant stakeholders.
- Develop collaborations, joint initiatives and coalition-based activities.
- Represent CPJ at national and regional meetings, forums and events.
- Travel within the region when required.
Strong professional judgment will be essential because the position may involve communication about politically sensitive cases and engagement with journalists experiencing serious threats.
Journalist Assistance and Safety Responsibilities
The Program Coordinator will also support journalists who are experiencing threats, trauma or emergency situations.
Responsibilities include:
- Developing journalist-assistance and advocacy plans.
- Reviewing requests for assistance from journalists.
- Assessing urgent cases and identifying appropriate responses.
- Providing first-responder support and feedback.
- Coordinating assistance with CPJ’s Journalist Assistance team.
- Preparing case-related documentation and reports.
- Working with the Emergencies team to monitor dangerous situations.
- Responding to new threats affecting journalists.
- Supporting the delivery of timely and appropriate assistance.
Experience supporting people affected by trauma, persecution or emergency conditions is particularly valuable for this role.
Internal Coordination and Reporting
The Program Coordinator will work with CPJ teams responsible for advocacy, research and journalist assistance to ensure that regional activities contribute to the organisation’s wider objectives.
The selected candidate will prepare activity reports, assessments and internal updates and may be assigned other responsibilities consistent with CPJ’s research and advocacy mandate.
Required Qualifications for the Program Coordinator
Applicants must possess the following qualifications and competencies:
- A bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience.
- At least seven years of experience in media or advocacy work connected to regional press freedom issues.
- Extensive knowledge of Russia, Eastern Europe and the wider Europe and Central Asia region.
- A deep understanding of the regional geopolitical environment.
- Demonstrated ability to analyse political, policy and freedom-of-expression issues.
- The ability to connect political developments with their consequences for journalists and press freedom.
- Strong research, analysis and reporting skills.
- Experience writing concise and high-quality reports.
- The ability to interpret, assess and accurately summarise reports and data.
- Fluency in spoken and written English.
- Fluency in spoken and written Russian.
- Working proficiency in other relevant regional languages.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong interpersonal, negotiation and conflict-resolution skills.
- Excellent organisational abilities and close attention to detail.
- Strong time-management skills and a record of meeting deadlines.
- Effective analytical and problem-solving abilities.
- The capacity to work with integrity, professionalism and confidentiality.
- Experience leading teams and working with senior managers.
- Willingness and ability to travel occasionally within the region.
- Proficiency in Google Workspace applications.
Because the role includes emergency response and politically sensitive work, candidates must be able to make careful decisions, protect confidential information and remain effective in high-pressure situations.
Preferred Qualifications for the Program Coordinator
CPJ considers the following qualifications desirable:
- Knowledge of additional regional languages.
- An established network of professional contacts across the region.
- Expertise concerning online or digital harms, including surveillance.
- Experience contributing to policy development.
- Multimedia or data-journalism experience.
- Experience supporting journalists or other individuals affected by trauma.
- Experience managing journalist-assistance cases.
Applicants who meet all essential requirements should not necessarily exclude themselves merely because they do not possess every preferred qualification.
Work Location and Schedule
The Program Coordinator position is:
- Fully remote.
- Located in Europe.
- Intended for a candidate based in the Europe and Central Asia region.
- Filled through an Employer of Record.
- Subject to occasional regional travel.
- Required to attend meetings conducted on United States Eastern Time when necessary.
Remote status does not mean that applications are automatically accepted from every country. The application form expressly asks applicants to state where they are currently based, where they intend to work and whether they possess independent work authorization in that location.
The vacancy does not state that CPJ will sponsor a visa, work permit or relocation.
Program Coordinator Salary
Compensation will depend on the selected candidate’s:
- Professional experience.
- Relevant skills.
- Country of employment.
- Local labour-market conditions.
- Cost of living.
For a candidate hired in the United Kingdom, CPJ provides an expected annual salary reference of:
£72,250 to £84,000
Candidates based in another eligible country should not assume that the UK salary range will apply. CPJ will determine location-specific compensation under the applicable Employer of Record arrangement.
Position Two: Researcher, Western and Northern Europe
Position Overview
CPJ is also recruiting a Researcher focusing on Western and Northern Europe. The position is part of the Europe and Central Asia programme and reports to the Program Coordinator for Europe and Central Asia.
The position is classified within the Researchers and Associates I job band and identified as a mid-level role.
The Researcher will monitor, investigate, verify and document attacks on the press and other developments affecting media freedom. The position also involves preparing research and advocacy materials, supporting regional strategy, representing CPJ when required and assisting journalists facing threats or emergencies.
The successful candidate must have substantial knowledge of media, press freedom and human rights issues in Europe and Central Asia, with particular strength in Western and Northern Europe.
Monitoring, Data Collection and Documentation Responsibilities
The Researcher will be responsible for tracking press freedom developments and ensuring that CPJ’s reporting is supported by verified evidence.
Responsibilities include:
- Monitoring press freedom developments across Europe and Central Asia.
- Focusing particularly on Western and Northern Europe.
- Investigating and documenting arrests of journalists.
- Monitoring censorship and restrictions on media organisations.
- Recording physical attacks and threats against journalists.
- Examining legal harassment directed at journalists and media outlets.
- Monitoring transnational repression affecting journalists.
- Documenting other threats to press freedom.
- Maintaining current information in CPJ’s databases.
- Updating records concerning imprisoned, missing, killed or targeted journalists.
- Monitoring breaking news and emerging developments.
- Alerting the Program Coordinator promptly when an urgent issue arises.
- Developing and maintaining databases of media, government and civil-society contacts.
Candidates must be able to verify information carefully and distinguish credible evidence from incomplete, misleading or politically motivated claims.
Research and Writing Responsibilities
The Researcher will produce content for CPJ’s reporting, advocacy and public communications.
The selected candidate will:
- Initiate and write reports concerning regional press freedom.
- Produce advocacy documents and background materials.
- Write timely news alerts and public statements.
- Prepare expert analysis concerning regional developments.
- Conduct original research on press freedom issues.
- Prepare research notes in accordance with CPJ standards.
- Write factual and engaging social media content.
- Coordinate public-facing material with CPJ’s social media team.
- Contribute to longer-term research and reporting initiatives.
Excellent English writing and reporting skills are essential. Applicants must be able to produce accurate material quickly without sacrificing verification or journalistic standards.
Advocacy Responsibilities
The Researcher will support and participate in CPJ’s regional advocacy activities.
Responsibilities will include:
- Representing CPJ at relevant conferences and meetings.
- Participating in meetings with government authorities.
- Engaging with journalists, partner organisations and policymakers.
- Helping develop advocacy strategies for Europe and Central Asia.
- Implementing advocacy activities in coordination with the Program Coordinator and Regional Director.
- Participating in online and in-person meetings that advance CPJ’s press freedom objectives.
The role requires candidates who can explain complex political and media issues clearly to different audiences.
Stakeholder Engagement and Coordination
The Researcher will build relationships with people and organisations relevant to CPJ’s work.
This includes:
- Developing relationships with journalists.
- Maintaining contacts with human rights organisations.
- Engaging with civil society and other regional stakeholders.
- Coordinating joint activities that advance CPJ’s objectives.
- Collaborating with CPJ’s advocacy, research and assistance teams.
- Presenting CPJ research to media outlets and other stakeholders.
- Helping influence coverage of important press freedom developments.
A strong regional network is preferred, although it is not listed as an absolute requirement.
Journalist Assistance Responsibilities
The Researcher will support CPJ’s work with journalists who require assistance.
Duties include:
- Researching and verifying journalist-assistance requests.
- Preparing assistance documentation in accordance with CPJ’s internal framework.
- Coordinating with the Emergencies team.
- Communicating and coordinating with journalists receiving support.
- Helping ensure that assistance decisions are based on accurate and properly documented information.
Experience with trauma-related cases or journalist-assistance work is considered an advantage.
Translation and Additional Support
The Researcher may be asked to translate interviews, documents and other materials between English and relevant regional languages.
The selected candidate may also perform other responsibilities that fall within CPJ’s research and advocacy mandate.
Required Qualifications for the Researcher
Applicants must possess:
- At least five years of experience researching, reporting and publishing on global human rights and political issues; or equivalent experience in advocacy and humanitarian assistance.
- Strong knowledge of Europe and Central Asia.
- A solid understanding of regional media and human rights issues.
- Excellent English writing and reporting skills.
- Proficiency in at least one additional language relevant to the position.
- Strong interpersonal and organisational skills.
- Effective time-management abilities.
- The capacity to act with integrity, professionalism and confidentiality.
- Significant experience engaging governments and policymakers.
- Knowledge of social media tools and the ability to use them effectively.
- Proficiency in Google Workspace, including Gmail, Calendar, Docs, Sheets and Drive.
- The ability to work independently and collaboratively.
- The ability to perform effectively in a fast-paced working environment.
- A clear commitment to press freedom.
- The capacity to work with minimal supervision.
Unlike the Program Coordinator vacancy, the Researcher listing does not prescribe a bachelor’s degree as a mandatory qualification. Relevant professional experience, subject knowledge and language ability are central requirements.
Preferred Qualifications for the Researcher
The following experience and capabilities are desirable:
- Knowledge of additional regional languages.
- Strong professional networks within the region.
- Expertise relating to digital or online harms.
- Policy-development experience.
- Multimedia journalism experience.
- Data-journalism skills.
- Experience supporting trauma-related cases.
- Previous involvement in journalist-assistance work.
Researcher Work Location and Schedule
The Researcher position is:
- Fully remote.
- Located in Europe.
- Intended for a candidate based in the Europe or Central Asia region.
- Filled through an Employer of Record.
- Required to attend meetings conducted on United States Eastern Time when necessary.
Applicants must possess independent authorization to work in the city and country from which they intend to perform the role. The announcement does not promise work-visa sponsorship or relocation assistance.
Researcher Salary
Compensation will depend on experience, skills and location.
For candidates hired in the United Kingdom, the expected annual salary range is:
£45,700 to £51,500
Candidates hired in other eligible locations may receive a different salary based on local market conditions and cost-of-living differences.
Comparison of the Two Positions
| Requirement | Program Coordinator | Researcher |
|---|---|---|
| Seniority | Experienced management-level role | Mid-level research role |
| Main regional focus | Russia, Eastern Europe and Central Asia | Western and Northern Europe |
| Minimum experience | Seven years | Five years |
| Education | Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience | No specific degree stated |
| Required languages | English and Russian, plus working proficiency in other relevant regional languages | English and at least one other relevant language |
| Management duties | Yes | Not specified |
| Public representation | Yes | Yes, when required |
| Journalist assistance | Leadership and case-response responsibilities | Research, verification and coordination support |
| Travel | Occasional regional travel required | Travel requirement not expressly stated |
| UK salary reference | £72,250–£84,000 | £45,700–£51,500 |
| Deadline | September 10, 2026 | September 10, 2026 |
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted through CPJ’s online BambooHR recruitment system.
Candidates should first visit the official CPJ employment page and select the appropriate position.
Direct official vacancy pages are available below:
Applicants should ensure that they select the correct vacancy because the two application forms contain different experience and document requirements.
Application Requirements for the Program Coordinator
The Program Coordinator application form requests:
- First and last name.
- Email address.
- Telephone number.
- Full residential address.
- City, state or equivalent area, postal code and country.
- A cover letter.
- A résumé or curriculum vitae.
- Proposed availability date.
- Website, blog or portfolio link, where applicable.
- LinkedIn profile, where applicable.
- Highest educational qualification.
- Source of referral.
- Current city and country of residence.
- City and country from which the applicant intends to work.
- Confirmation that the applicant has independent work authorization.
- An explanation of why the applicant wants to work for CPJ.
- A list of languages and the applicant’s proficiency in speaking, reading or writing each language.
- Confirmation of the applicant’s years of media or advocacy experience relating to press freedom.
Both the résumé and cover letter are marked as required for this position.
Application Requirements for the Researcher
The Researcher application form requests:
- First and last name.
- Email address.
- Telephone number.
- Full address and country.
- A résumé or curriculum vitae.
- An optional cover letter.
- Proposed availability date.
- Website, blog or portfolio link, where relevant.
- LinkedIn profile, where relevant.
- Highest educational qualification.
- Source of referral.
- Present city and country of residence.
- Proposed work location.
- Confirmation of independent work authorization.
- An explanation of the applicant’s interest in CPJ.
- Confirmation of years of research and reporting experience.
- Confirmation of years of advocacy or humanitarian-assistance experience.
A résumé is mandatory. The cover letter field is not marked as mandatory for this position, although submitting a carefully tailored cover letter may strengthen an application.
Optional Demographic Questions
Both application forms contain optional questions concerning:
- Gender
- Ethnicity
- Disability
- Veteran status
CPJ expressly states that answers to these questions are optional and will not be used as selection criteria. Applicants may select “Decline to Answer.”
Application Deadline
The closing date for both positions is:
September 10, 2026
The official vacancy announcements do not specify a closing time or time zone. Candidates should therefore avoid waiting until the final hours of September 10.
Submitting at least one day before the stated deadline would reduce the risk of technical difficulties, time-zone misunderstandings or incomplete uploads.
Important Application Clarifications
Applicants should understand the following points before applying:
- The positions are remote but not unrestricted global roles. Candidates must be based in the relevant Europe and Central Asia region.
- Independent work authorization is required. Applicants must already be legally authorized to work in their proposed location.
- Visa sponsorship is not promised. Neither announcement states that CPJ will arrange a work visa or sponsor relocation.
- The UK salary ranges are reference figures. Salaries for candidates in other eligible countries will be adjusted according to location.
- Both positions require coordination across time zones. Candidates must be available for meetings held according to United States Eastern Time when required.
- The Program Coordinator requires fluent English and Russian. Applicants who do not possess professional command of both languages are unlikely to satisfy the essential criteria.
- The Researcher requires a relevant additional language. Excellent English and proficiency in at least one other language relevant to Western and Northern Europe are required.
- No detailed employee-benefits package is included in the listings. Applicants should not assume that benefits available in one country will automatically apply in another.
- Reasonable accommodation may be provided. CPJ states that reasonable accommodations may be made to enable candidates with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
How to Prepare a Competitive Application
Applicants should tailor their materials to the specific role rather than sending a general journalism résumé.
A strong application should clearly demonstrate:
- Direct experience with press freedom, journalism or human rights.
- Knowledge of the relevant regional political and media environment.
- Examples of published research, reporting or advocacy material.
- Experience verifying sensitive or disputed information.
- Engagement with journalists, governments, policymakers or civil society.
- Regional language proficiency.
- Ability to work independently across multiple time zones.
- Experience managing confidential or high-risk information.
- Commitment to journalist safety and freedom of expression.
- Evidence of meeting deadlines in fast-moving situations.
Candidates for the Program Coordinator position should emphasise leadership, supervision, crisis management, regional advocacy and Russian-language proficiency.
Candidates for the Researcher position should emphasise verification, research, reporting, writing, language ability and knowledge of Western and Northern European press freedom issues.
Applicants should also check that all uploaded files are readable and appropriately named. A tailored résumé and concise cover letter should explain how the candidate’s specific experience matches CPJ’s regional requirements.
Equal Employment Opportunity
CPJ states that it provides equal employment opportunities and prohibits discrimination or harassment based on:
- Race
- Colour
- Religion
- Sex
- Pregnancy
- Gender identity
- Sexual orientation
- Parental status
- National origin
- Age
- Disability
- Genetic information or family medical history
- Political affiliation
- Military service
- Other non-merit-based considerations
Candidates are assessed according to their experience, competencies, regional knowledge, language ability, work authorization and suitability for the position.
Conclusion
The Committee to Protect Journalists’ 2026 recruitment presents two significant opportunities for experienced media freedom and human rights professionals to contribute to the protection of journalists across Europe and Central Asia.
The Program Coordinator position is suited to a senior professional with at least seven years of relevant experience, strong leadership credentials, extensive regional knowledge and fluency in English and Russian. The Researcher position is intended for a mid-level professional with at least five years of relevant research, reporting, advocacy or humanitarian-assistance experience.
Both positions are fully remote but geographically restricted. Candidates must be based in the relevant Europe and Central Asia region and independently authorized to work from their proposed location.
Applications for both positions close on September 10, 2026. Interested candidates should review the official vacancy descriptions carefully, prepare role-specific application materials and submit well before the deadline.
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