Mentoring opportunity for media professionals committed to building resilient local journalism
The SMS Facility – Small Media Support in the Western Balkans, financed by the European Union, has launched a regional call for mentors to support local and small-scale media outlets across the Western Balkans. The initiative is implemented by CPCD (BiH) in partnership with Thomson Media (Germany), CDT (Montenegro), Kosovo 2.0 (Kosovo), Metamorphosis Foundation (North Macedonia), and SCiDEV (Albania).
Small media outlets are essential for informed, engaged, and democratic societies, yet many struggle with limited resources, skills gaps, and the growing pressure to improve content quality while ensuring financial and organisational stability. To address these challenges, SMS Facility is establishing a pool of experts who will provide tailored, practical, and solution-oriented mentoring.
Mentors will support media teams through two key streams:
Internal Governance and Organisational Development
This includes improving resource management, strengthening governance structures, optimizing internal controls, enhancing community engagement, reinforcing cybersecurity practices, and upgrading technical infrastructure. Mentors will help outlets create sustainable systems that support long-term growth.
High-Quality Media Content Production
Mentors will work directly with editors, journalists, and media managers to raise editorial standards, improve storytelling, and support innovative content formats. Guidance will be tailored to the needs of print, digital, radio, TV, or mixed-format outlets.
Mentoring may be delivered online or on-site, depending on the needs of the outlet. All experts must document their work and prepare brief reports, as well as contribute at least one reflection or article for the Journalift knowledge platform.
Applicants must have:
- An advanced degree in media, journalism, communications, management, or related fields
- At least five years of experience in journalism, media management, or organisational development
- Proven mentoring, coaching, or capacity-building experience
- A track record in producing high-quality media content
- Excellent communication skills
- Familiarity with cybersecurity and digital trends (an asset)
- Fluency in English and local languages
- Citizenship of one of the WB6 countries
Interested candidates should submit:
1. A one-page cover letter specifying the type of mentoring (governance or content)
2. A CV (max 3 pages) with relevant experience and references
3. A copy of a university degree
Applications must be sent by January 16, 2026 (23:59h) to [email protected] with the subject line: SMS Call for mentors – Name of the applicant.
This call is an opportunity for experienced media professionals to contribute to strengthening independent journalism and sustainable media development across the Western Balkans.
Full call for applications is available HERE.
