Friends of the Earth Malta is looking for a Journalist and a Photojournalist/Photographer to work on our SOS Project – Save our Shores: Stop Wealthy Polluters. This new project aims to shed light on the social, environmental, and economic impacts of Malta’s maritime industry – particularly cruise liners, yachts, and other large vessels that contribute to air pollution, climate change, and reduced public shoreline access.
Objective of the Assignment
The primary objective is to investigate and document how cruise liners and large yachts affect local communities, public health, and coastal ecosystems. Through written reports and visual storytelling, the selected candidates will help expose both the local realities faced by Maltese residents in harbour towns and the broader environmental consequences of an under-regulated and growing maritime sector. The materials produced will form the basis of a broader awareness campaign, a public exhibition, and a policy advocacy effort directed at Maltese decision-makers.
Role Descriptions
Investigative Journalist
- Research the social and environmental impacts of the cruise and yachting industries in Malta.
- Conduct interviews with residents, small-scale fisherpeople, port workers, environmental experts, and policymakers.
- Analyse and verify collected data on key pollutants and their impacts on the environment and people.
- Identify the legal and policy gaps in Malta’s maritime regulations.
- Produce at least three published and well-researched articles, together with a summary report, that uncover key issues, highlight community stories, and position Malta’s challenges within a broader global context.
- Collaborate with the Photojournalist/Photographer to ensure narratives and visuals align, shaping cohesive material for the exhibition, social media, and other project designs.
Photojournalist/Photographer
- Capture compelling photographs that illustrate the realities of pollution, coastal encroachment, and everyday life in harbour towns – focusing on both environmental and social aspects.
- Work alongside the Journalist to identify key locations, events, and interviews requiring visual documentation.
- Manage and organise photographic material to support accurate and ethical storytelling for various platforms (exhibition, online, and print)
- Produce high quality curated images that can be used for the exhibition and other project materials
All outputs will be co-created and confirmed with the Friends of the Earth Malta project managers to ensure alignment with project goals.
Timeline
The assignment will run from March 2025 to February 2026, with the following specific deadlines:
- Submission of at least 3 investigative pieces by October 2025
- Completion of key photo documentation by October 2025
- Finalisation of materials for the exhibition by February 2026
Budget
€2750 per role
Qualifications
Journalist
- Proven experience in investigative reporting or journalism.
- Strong research, interviewing, and writing skills – ideally with a focus on environmental or social issues.
- Familiarity with Malta’s maritime context or relevant policy frameworks is an asset.
- Experience in data-driven research and policy analysis.
Photojournalist/Photographer
- Strong skills in digital photography skills and photo editing software.
- Experience in photojournalism, documentary photography, or related fields.
- Ability to capture high-quality images in diverse environments (urban, coastal, industrial.
- Interest in environmental photography and ecology in general
- Own photography equipment.
- Good communication skills
Both roles require excellent English proficiency. Knowledge of Maltese is highly desirable. Candidates must be based in Malta and able to conduct on-site research and documentation. Availability on the weekends & evenings (when necessary).
Application Process
Interested candidates should submit:
- A brief cover letter explaining motivation and relevant experience.
- A portfolio or samples of previous work, showcasing articles (for journalists) or photographic work (for photojournalists/photographers) as links or attachments.
- A CV
- An indication of availability and any relevant deadlines or constraints.
Send your application by filling in the online application form by 8th March 2025. Eligible candidates will be invited to an interview (either in person or online) the following week. Friends of the Earth’s recruitment and selection procedure is firmly based on equal opportunities best practices.
About the SOS Project
Save our Shores: Stop Wealthy Polluters is an 18-month project that unites harbour town residents, small-scale fisherpeople, and environmental organisations to demand cleaner, fairer maritime policies. By combining rigorous research, community-led actions, and advocacy, the SOS Project seeks to protect Malta’s coastlines, reduce pollution from large vessels, and hold powerful industry players accountable. Your investigative work will be pivotal in driving policy reforms and ensuring that Malta’s shores remain accessible and healthy for all.
The SOS project by Friends of the Earth Malta is supported by the Minor Foundation for Major Challenges.
Find out more about the project here.
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Supported by The Minor Foundation for Major Challenges