The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) is an independent, non-profit organization founded in 1981 that defends journalists worldwide without regard to political ideology. The North Africa Researcher will document, investigate, and report on press freedom violations and threats to journalists in North Africa, within the Middle East & North Africa (MENA) department, reporting to the Regional Director, MENA. The role is fully remote, based in the North Africa / Middle East region or a similar time zone (such as Europe), with availability for US Eastern time zone meetings as needed. Hiring is managed through an Employer of Record (EOR) firm; salary is set by skills, experience and local market rates (e.g. Morocco $24,135-$31,237; Tunisia $22,548-$30,643; Spain $46,890-$53,570).
Monitoring & Documentation: Track and document press freedom violations, including arrests, censorship, attacks, legal harassment and other threats to journalists and media outlets across the MENA region, with a focus on North Africa. Maintain accurate, timely updates to CPJ's databases of imprisoned, missing, or killed journalists. Build and maintain databases of local and regional media, government and civil society contacts.
Research & Writing: Draft letters of appeal, statements and news alerts on tight deadlines; review relevant news websites and publications; research and write reports on press freedom issues in the region; prepare research notes, background materials and verification summaries per CPJ standards; contribute to advocacy materials and editorial outputs; translate reports between Arabic and English.
Engagement & Coordination: Communicate regularly with journalists, human rights activists and rights groups across North Africa; liaise with journalists, media workers and civil society partners for interviews, case updates and verification; participate in regular check-ins and team meetings; maintain and expand a network of regional contacts; collaborate with Advocacy and Communications; conduct direct advocacy with relevant actors.
Journalist Assistance Support: Conduct research, assessment and verification for Journalist Assistance requests in the MENA region; submit documentation in line with CPJ's framework and systems; assist journalists, vet cases, and coordinate with the Emergencies team.
Additional Support: Create and share engaging social media content and perform other duties as assigned.
Closing Date: October 23, 2026
HOW TO APPLY: