Bloomberg Media Initiative Africa Executive Training Program 2016

The Bloomberg Media Initiative Africa Executive Training Program is a comprehensive and integrated curriculum covering economics, business, journalism and public policy. Designed by a consortium group of distinguished faculty from six leading African universities, the program is intended for early or mid-career journalists, editors, analysts, public and economic policy professionals, civil society leaders and university faculty and graduate students, with an interest in financial journalism.

The Training Program will help participants enhance their ability to interpret and explain economic and financial data, to cover critical public policy issues on the continent, and to enhance the financial journalism sector in Africa. All of the modules of the Program will also incorporate material about ethical issues and social impacts. Delivered in South Africa, Kenya and Nigeria using local business school and journalism faculty, the program will be delivered through short study blocks totaling 18 days over a period of six months.


Requirements:

Applicants must be in possession of a recognised tertiary qualification (degree or diploma);
Applicants with working experience in Journalism, Public Relations or a related field will be at an advantage; and
Applicants must have a baseline level of understanding of financial numeracy and be computer literate, with a sound working knowledge of MS Word and Excel
This program has been primarily developed for mid-career journalists, financial professionals with an interest in financial journalism; government professionals responsible for public policy, communications and finance portfolios; and development practitioners and civil society professionals with an interest in African development and financial and economic data.


Program structure

The BMIA Executive Training Program is structured for part-time study, enabling working professionals to apply the new knowledge and skills they acquire back into their work environments in real time.
The 19-day program spans six months and includes six compulsory study blocks. Each study block takes place over three to four full lecture days.


The Executive Training is being offered in South Africa, Nigeria and Kenya.

Participating universities are:

South Africa
Gordon Institute of Business Science, GIBS,
Rhodes University School of Journalism and Media Studies


Nigeria
Pan Atlantic University, Lagos Business School
University of Lagos, Department of Journalism and Mass Communication


Kenya
Strathmore Business School,
University of Nairobi, School of Journalism


Program content
Seven modules built around three key themes:

• Business and Finance,
• Policy, and
• Financial Journalism Production

All of the modules will incorporate material about the ethical issues and social impacts of business and financial journalism.

Program modules:

• The Media Landscape
• Economics
• Accounting and Finance
• Financial Journalism
• Public Policy and Regulation
• Financial Markets
• Data Analysis and Interpretation


Program fees

The program value is $15 000, but Bloomberg Philanthropies with support from the Ford Foundation are generously funding each successful candidate on a scholarship basis.
Scholarships include tuition, class materials, lunch and refreshments.
Those successful enough to secure a scholarship will be required to contribute a registration fee of $250 and will need to provide their own transport and accommodation.
Applicants seeking waiver of registration fee are asked to contact their country program manager.

Application Procedure:
Interested applicants can apply via www.gibs.co.za/bmia.
Applications will be reviewed and places awarded on a first come first served basis.
Applications received after the deadline will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the class is full.
As part of the screening process, candidates may be invited to attend interviews.
Applicants will need to have reliable internet connectivity and be prepared to upload the following documents:
All applicants should provide electronic copies of your tertiary qualification/s;
• All applicants will also be required to complete a 20 minute online numeracy test to confirm their baseline financial acumen; and
• All applicants will be required to upload writing samples

Candidates with professional financial journalism experience will be required to upload a recent sample of their best written work.
Candidates without journalism experience will be required to upload:

1. A brief, recent writing sample on a relevant topic, and
2. A motivational essay of no more than 750 words.


Through this essay, you have the opportunity to explain why you would like to participate in the BMIA Executive Program and highlight your interest in and/or expertise on issues related to economic analysis and financial journalism. Examples of relevant issues include: public policy, transparency, accountability, financial data and