Application Guide

How to Apply for Editor, Moldova

at Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project

🏢 About Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project

OCCRP is one of the world's largest investigative journalism organizations, known for cross-border collaborations that expose organized crime and corruption and lead to real-world accountability. Working here means joining a mission-driven newsroom that combines hard-hitting investigations with media development, technology innovation, and impact partnerships across six continents.

About This Role

As Editor for Moldova, you will lead and coordinate local and cross-border investigations involving Moldova and neighboring countries, working hands-on with Moldovan member centers and partners. This is a high-impact role at the intersection of editorial leadership, collaboration, and capacity-building in a region where independent journalism is vital to holding power accountable.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve editing drafts from Moldovan journalists, coordinating with partners across borders on a joint investigation, and mentoring local reporters on investigative techniques. You could also attend editorial meetings, review legal risks with OCCRP’s legal team, and strategize on how to maximize impact for upcoming publications.

🚀 Application Tools

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project Is Looking For

  • Proven experience editing or leading investigative journalism, ideally in Moldova, Eastern Europe, or the former Soviet space, with a strong portfolio of published investigations.
  • Deep knowledge of Moldovan politics, economics, and organized crime networks, plus existing relationships with local journalists, media outlets, and civil society.
  • Skilled at managing cross-border collaborations, coordinating multiple partners, and ensuring rigorous editorial standards under tight deadlines.
  • Fluent in Romanian and/or Russian and English, with excellent writing, editing, and communication skills; experience with media development or training is a plus.

📝 Tips for Applying to Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project

1

Tailor your cover letter to OCCRP’s four pillars (Investigations, Infrastructure, Innovation, Impact) and explicitly state how you would advance them in Moldova.

2

Highlight specific cross-border investigations you have edited or coordinated, including the partners involved, your role, and the outcomes or impact.

3

Demonstrate knowledge of OCCRP’s existing work in Moldova and the region; mention relevant OCCRP investigations or member center collaborations.

4

Address the contract nature of the role by showing flexibility, availability for a 6-month commitment, and interest in extension based on performance.

5

Include links to published investigations you have edited or led, and briefly explain your editorial contribution to each.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

Emphasize your hands-on editorial leadership in investigative journalism, your experience coordinating cross-border collaborations with multiple partners, your deep understanding of Moldova and the region, and your commitment to OCCRP’s mission of exposing crime and corruption. Also mention your ability to work remotely and collaborate effectively across time zones.

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Study OCCRP’s published investigations involving Moldova and Eastern Europe to understand their editorial approach and impact.
  • → Research OCCRP’s member centers in Moldova and neighboring countries, including their recent work and key staff.
  • → Read OCCRP’s annual reports, impact stories, and media development initiatives to understand the organization’s broader mission and strategy.
  • → Follow current events in Moldova, especially regarding corruption, organized crime, and press freedom, to speak knowledgeably in interviews.
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💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you approach leading a cross-border investigation involving Moldova and its neighbors, from story selection to publication?
2 Describe a time you managed a sensitive investigation with multiple partners and how you handled editorial disagreements or legal risks.
3 What are the biggest corruption and organized crime challenges in Moldova today, and how can investigative journalism address them?
4 How would you work with Moldovan member centers and local journalists to build capacity and ensure high editorial standards?
5 Give an example of how you have used data, technology, or innovative tools in an investigation, and how you would apply them in this role.
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting a generic cover letter that does not mention OCCRP, Moldova, or cross-border investigative journalism.
  • Failing to demonstrate hands-on editorial experience or provide concrete examples of investigations you have edited or led.
  • Ignoring the regional context or showing lack of familiarity with Moldovan media landscape and OCCRP’s existing partnerships.

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project!

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