Starting from September 2005, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and PH International have been presenting the Community Connections program in Armenia and selecting candidates for professional development in the United States. Eight participants will be selected within the professional theme "Investigative Journalism", mainly representatives from both state- and privately-owned media outlets (TV, radio, press and online media) and media associations, unions, press clubs located all over Armenia. 

Candidates will be selected by means of open competition. Professional development will last three weeks. The main goal of the project is to provide a professional and cultural exchange between U.S. and Armenian communities. During the exchange, participants will live with U.S. host families. USAID covers all expenses, excluding expenses associated with international passport processing and travel within Armenia.

Qualified applicants will be invited for an interview. Interviews will be conducted in Armenian, by a USAID representative and other members of Selection Committee. Selected participants will be requested to pass medical examination organized by PH International.

General requirements 

• Be a citizen of Armenia
• In case of having been issued J1 Visa for an internship or exchange program in the United States financed by the U.S. government have fulfilled the requirement of two year residence
• Willing to live with a host family in the United States
• Knowledge of English language is not required

Special requirements

• Have worked in TV, radio, print or online outlets with at least 2-year experience, preferably in investigative journalism
• Project a sound understanding of the concept of investigative journalism and specific field needs in Armenia 
• Have produced good results in investigative journalism and can effectively present the impact of their individual work
• Will demonstrate the commitment to remain within their field of work for the next 5 years following their trip to the US
• Have demonstrated leadership skills, willingness and capacity to conduct professional development events for their colleagues.

In addition, the applicants

• Will provide clippings (footage, links, etc.) of original investigative work (optional)
• Will be requested to present ideas (scope of work) for one or two potential investigative projects 

  The presentation of the project will take place on February 5, 2010, at 13:00, in the building of Union of Journalists of Armenia            (3a Pushkin Street, Yerevan).

  The application forms can be found on the Community Connections website www.ccarmenia.am or at PH International-Armenia office (8/8 Paronyan Street, Yerevan 0015, Armenia).

To take part in the competition:

FILL OUT AN APPLICATION AND SUBMIT IT BY FEBRUARY 22, 2010, 18:00            

                                                                                                     TO THE FOLLOWING LOCATION:

PH International-Armenia

8/8 Paronyan Street, Yerevan 0015, Armenia

Phone: (374 10) 53-67-83, 53-82-57, 53-86-76

You can get additional information regarding the Community Connections program by calling PH International-Armenia office at (093 42 24 31) Nune Amiryan, CC Program Manager, or (093 42 24 31) Christine Chgnavoryan, CC Program Coordinator.