Top Stories

Thursday, September 17, 2026

Top Stories

Visualization and Digital Communication Specialist – REMOTE

Armed Conflict Location & Event Data (ACLED) is an independent, impartial conflict and protest monitoring organization providing real-time data and analysis on violent conflict and protest in all countries and territories across the world.

 

The Role

ACLED is looking for a Visualization and Digital Communication Specialist, taking part in the Global Risk Center Department, and reporting to the Manager of Risk Outputs.

This position is fully remote and can be done from any location with reliable internet service.

 

Specific Roles and Responsibilities

The Visualization and Digital Communication Specialist will be responsible for the following tasks:

 

Data visualization and digital communications 

 

  • Produce original visualizations of conflict patterns, themes and analysis outputs.
  • Accurately and ably produce publishable quality maps, graphs and visuals for all ACLED departments.
  • Cover all regions and make region-specific contributions to thematic or global outputs.
  • Update and refine guidelines and direction of ACLED’s data visualizations and visual analysis.
  • Support and further innovate on ACLED’s visual reporting and enhance ACLED’s visual brand identity.
  • Research new data visualization methods and software to continuously improve ACLED outputs, keeping our  data visualization outputs at the forefront of the latest visual trends.
  • Contribute to the production of EA team and Global Risk Center outputs, in close coordination with the regional experts.
  • Contribute to the media team’s response to journalist enquiries.
  • Ensure data visualizations are using and applying correct data and summaries.
  • Transform complex datasets into compelling visual stories.
  • Support outreach efforts, liaising with the media, partners, and other external stakeholders in coordination with the External Affairs department.

 

Other 

  • Take part in and contribute to ACLED internal meetings.
  • Regularly support how the Risk Center and the EA team assess brand reputation and reach.
  • Assist the Risk Center and External Affairs management team, as required.
  • Other ad hoc administrative, coordination, and communications tasks, as required.

 

 

Skills and Experience

ACLED is seeking applicants who have the following skills and experience:

  • Experience in conflict analysis.
  • Master’s Degree in Political Science/Social Sciences/Geography/Conflict Studies or other subjects relevant to this position.
  • At least three (3) years of experience working within a research environment.
  • Proven experience working with ACLED data (Preferable).
  • Demonstrated experience with Tableau software and GIS. Knowledge of other data analysis software and programming languages is a plus.
  • Fluency in English.
  • Strong critical thinking and analysis skills.
  • Strong writing and editing skills are a plus.
  • A high level of attention to detail and the ability to provide, receive, and incorporate feedback.
  • Experience working in a team, to tight deadlines, and with autonomy.

 

 

Terms and Conditions

  • Start Date: ASAP
  • Salary Band: 42,000 – 45,000 USD/year
  • Type of Position: Remote, Full-Time Employment

 

Applications:

To apply, please submit:

A CV and cover letter detailing your qualifications, experience, and salary requirements.

  • Provide at least four examples of your previous work, with at least one example each of:
    • A data ‘story’ including a description and explanation of the data and the resulting visualization.
    • A map based data visualization.
    • An AI assisted data investigation and visualization.
    • A carousel, interactive timeline, or infographic.

APPLY

Remote Job-Program Coordinator, Committee to Protect Journalists UK (Remote)

Job Title: Program Coordinator, Eastern Europe/Central Asia

Department: Programs, ECA

Job Band: Management II

Salary Range: Compensation based on experience, skills, and location. See below for more information.

Office Location: Remote, Europe-based

Workspace Designation: Remote

Reports to Title: Regional Director, ECA

Closing Date: September 10, 2026

 

Organization Overview:

Founded in 1981, the Committee to Protect Journalists (“CPJ”) is an independent, non-profit organization defending journalists worldwide without regard to their political ideology. Through its work to safeguard journalists, CPJ protects the rights of all people to have access to diverse and independent sources of information. For over four decades, CPJ has helped win the early release of imprisoned journalists, secure convictions in journalist murders, and enable legal reform in countries where free expression has deteriorated. CPJ’s widely cited database and reports have raised global awareness of attacks on press freedom.

At CPJ, we are dedicated to upholding values of equity and free expression in both our internal operations and external endeavors. As a global organization headquartered in the United States, we aspire to build a diverse workplace and foster an inclusive and welcoming environment. We strive for our people to be representative of the global community on which we report and to equip them with the opportunities and resources they need to learn and succeed.

 

Job Summary:

The Program Coordinator is responsible for CPJ’s work in the region and leads research, documentation, and advocacy on press freedom violations. CPJ is seeking an individual with extensive experience covering press freedom issues in Russia and Eastern Europe, and an excellent understanding of the main challenges across the wider region. The candidate must be based in the ECA region and will be hired via an Employer of Record.

 

The Program Coordinator role requires a strong background in media, press freedom policy, and advocacy in the ECA region, excellent research and analysis skills, and the ability to work independently and proactively. The role also involves responding to journalist assistance cases, including support for journalists experiencing trauma or post-traumatic situations.

 

The Program Coordinator needs to have experience working with governments, regional and international bodies; the ability to rapidly respond to emergencies and produce breaking news alerts; the ability to identify emerging trends, conduct original research and produce long-form analysis and multimedia reports; experience developing and executing advocacy strategies to improve protections for journalists in the region; and an ability to develop and maintain strong relationships throughout the region. The Program Coordinator also has managerial responsibilities, overseeing a small number of regional contributors, including researchers or contractors.

 

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities:

Team Coordination & Leadership

    • Provide day‑to‑day leadership and supervision to staff, including setting expectations, delegating work, monitoring performance, coaching, developing team members, addressing performance or conduct issues, and fostering an inclusive, accountable, high‑performing team culture.
    • Support hiring and onboarding of staff and contributors.
    • Manage regional contributors (researchers, correspondents, contractors), ensuring high‑quality, accurate, timely work aligned with CPJ’s regional strategy.
    • Deputise for senior regional leadership when needed and support implementation of broader regional strategies and priorities.
    • Provide crisis‑management leadership during urgent or high‑risk press freedom situations affecting the region.

 

Press Freedom Monitoring, Research & Data

    • Monitor, document, and report on press freedom developments and attacks on journalists.
    • Maintain oversight of case tracking and advocacy pipelines.
    • Maintain accurate, timely updates to CPJ’s databases of imprisoned, missing, killed, or targeted journalists.
    • Propose, initiate, commission, direct, and conduct research and reporting (daily, long‑form, multimedia).
    • Produce timely news alerts, statements, analysis, videos, and social media content in coordination with CPJ’s social media team.
    • Contribute to annual regional assessments, planning documents, and strategic reviews.

 

Advocacy

    • Develop, devise, and execute regional and national advocacy strategies to advance press freedom, including advocacy for the release of jailed journalists and ending impunity in journalist murders.
    • Oversee, pitch, and produce advocacy materials and briefings.
    • Propose and execute new project ideas in response to emerging regional developments.
    • Pitch CPJ research to media and stakeholders to shape coverage of press freedom issues.

Representation, Partnerships & External Engagement

 

    • Serve as a CPJ spokesperson with media, governments, partner organizations, and civil society.
    • Maintain, build, and strengthen relationships with policymakers, journalists, regional stakeholders, civil society actors, and partner organizations.
    • Develop CPJ’s media networks in the region.
    • Initiate and support collaborations, joint initiatives, and coalition work that advance CPJ’s mission.
    • Attend and represent CPJ at country‑level and regional events, forums, and partner engagements; travel as needed.

 

Journalist Assistance & Safety

    • Develop and manage journalist assistance and advocacy plans to ensure timely and appropriate support for journalists in distress.
    • Review and assess journalist assistance cases, providing first‑responder support, feedback, and assistance.
    • Collaborate with the Journalist Assistance team by drafting case‑related reports and coordinating support needs.
    • In collaboration with the Emergencies team, monitor dangerous situations, respond to emerging threats, and deliver timely assistance to journalists.

 

Internal Coordination & Reporting

    • Collaborate cross‑functionally with CPJ’s global teams (Advocacy, Research, Assistance) to ensure coordinated organizational impact.
    • Prepare regular activity reports, updates, and assessments for internal and external use.
    • Perform all other duties as assigned.

 

Qualifications & Competencies: 

Required:

  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
  • At least seven years of experience in media or advocacy work related to press freedom issues in the region.
  • Deep understanding of press freedom issues and the geopolitical context of the region.
  • Proven ability to analyze political, policy, and freedom‑of‑expression issues and relate them to press freedom.
  • Proven skills in writing succinct, high‑quality reports, including the ability to digest, interpret, and accurately summarize reports and data.
  • Fluency in English and Russian (speaking, reading, and writing), and working proficiency in other regional languages.
  • Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
  • Excellent interpersonal, negotiation, and conflict‑resolution skills.
  • Impeccable organizational skills and keen attention to detail.
  • Excellent time‑management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
  • Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
  • Ability to act with integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality.
  • Ability to lead a team and work collaboratively with senior managers to guide the organization.
  • Ability and willingness to travel occasionally across the region
  • Proficiency with Google Workspace tools.

Preferred

  • Knowledge of additional regional languages is desirable
  • Strong networks of regional contacts
  • Expertise in online/digital harms, including surveillance
  • Experience of policy development
  • Multimedia and data journalism experience
  • Experience supporting trauma‑related or journalist assistance cases

 

Physical Requirements:

This position’s physical demands reflect work in a typical office setting. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

 

Work Location:

This position is located in Europe and is classified as fully remote. Availability to work and attend meetings on the US Eastern time zone as needed is required.

 

Compensation:

Compensation for this position will be based on experience, skills, and location. As a point of reference, the expected salary range for this position if hired in the UK is 72,250 – 84,000 GBP. Specific compensation rates will be determined based upon candidate location in order to align with local market conditions and cost of living differences

Women Investing for a Sustainable Economy (WISE) is looking for a Community Coordinator!

WISE (Women Investing for a Sustainable Economy) is looking for a proactive, resourceful, detail-oriented leader to partner with the WISE Founders in managing the global community. Must be organized and have excellent communication skills, enthusiasm for the sustainable & impact investment industry and community building, a collaborative mindset, and experience with AI and/or digital productivity tools.

The Community Coordinator is responsible for operations, membership, and communications for our 9 chapters and 20–25-chapter leaders. This means providing the resources chapters need for a consistently strong member experience, leading our communications, and managing the platforms that support our community.

 

Start Date: Immediate / Term: Initial 6-month engagement, renewable by mutual agreement

Location: Remote but must be US-based / Time: Approximately 10+ hours per week

Compensation: $25-40/hour, based on experience

Classification: Independent Contractor (1099), candidate sets their own schedule, uses their own equipment, and may maintain other professional roles or responsibilities.

To Apply: Send resume and brief statement about your interest to wisefounders <at> gmail <dot> com 

 

Core Responsibilities

Operations & Member Engagement

  • Deliver consistent and high-quality onboarding journey for new members joining the WISE Member Portal.
  • Onboard and offboard members in a timely and accurate manner, and update member information as needed.
  • Manage Member Space, Google Groups, Luma, Mailchimp, Stripe, and any other external service providers/vendors and platforms.
  • Collect and integrate jobs shared by members on to the Jobs Board.
  • Create and maintain organization of WISE shared files and folders.
  • Leverage AI to automate tasks and increase efficiency.
  • Focus on continuous efficiency and improvement of operations through proactively identifying gaps in current processes and proposing solutions to address them, including standard operating procedures (SOPs) where relevant.

Founders & Chapter Leader Support

  • Lead the agendas for all weekly meetings with WISE Founders and periodic other meetings to move tasks forward. Manage AI notes and assign tasks.
  • Serve as operational partner for chapter leaders across all chapters to support them in hosting regular, engaging events for WISE members (e.g. chapter leader onboarding and resources, event organization best practices, Luma best practices, brand guidelines, event reimbursements, WISE pin orders).
  • Foster an active, connected peer community among chapter leaders through quarterly chapter leader meetings, and cross-chapter collaboration platforms such as WhatsApp.
  • Create and maintain documentation, resources, and contact information.
  • WISE-Virtual: edit recordings and create graphics for virtual events.

Communications

  • Maintain overall brand consistency and messaging across all global broadcast channels.
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for Chapter Leaders and prospective and current members, responding in a timely manner via email or setting up a phone or zoom call.
  • Maintain WISE website (e.g. chapter page updates, global events or announcements).
  • Design, draft, and moderate social media communications on LinkedIn and Instagram.
  • Curate and distribute the global weekly update featuring upcoming events and job postings.
  • Produce and publish the monthly newsletter including member profile feature, spotlighting chapter wins and recapping recent events.
  • Project manage and coordinate all WISE events and communications, including annual WISE anniversary reporting and celebrations.

 

Desired qualifications / skills / experience

  • Attention to detail
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills
  • Proactive mindset
  • Ability and desire to work independently
  • Experience managing multiple projects
  • Knowledge of WISE and sustainable investing field preferred
  • AI experience with productivity tools preferred
  • Familiarity with Luma, Zoom, Mailchimp, Zapier, Memberspace, Squarespace, Google Workspace and/or Google Groups preferred

 

Women Investing for a Sustainable Economy (WISE) was created by and for you – people who identify as women contributing to the sustainable investing industry. WISE is a community for us to connect, deepen relationships, share our expertise, and learn from each other. We are all here because we commit to take the call – ready and willing to support one another. Our ultimate goal is to lead sustainable investing into the mainstream and to have fun along the way.

 

Duane “Keffe D” Davis Found Guilty of Tupac Shakur’s 1996 Murder

Las Vegas jury in the United States has found the former South Side Compton Crips gang leader Duane Keith Davis guilty of the murder of Tupac Shakur, bringing the case to a close nearly 30 years after the rapper was gunned down.

Report say, it took less than three hours for a jury of 12 Clark County, Nevada, residents to convict Duane ‘Keffe D’ Davis, of first-degree murder – less time than the closing statements in the trial took.

The verdict in case relied heavily on confessions from the defendant. Plus, the woman who lived with and loved Freddie Mercury as her fiancé.

As a court clerk read aloud the verdict, Shakur’s family members erupted into constrained emotion, with his sister Sekyiwa “Set” Shakur crying quietly. Other Shakur family members clasped hands and embraced; on the other side of the courtroom, Davis’ son, Duane Davis, Jr., held a hand to his face.

The 63-year-old, who was accused of instigating the deadly shooting but not pulling the trigger himself, had spent years telling investigators and interviewers of his direct involvement before he was arrested in 2023.

 

Who was Tupac Shakur?

Born in 1971 in East Harlem, New York, and rose to fame in the early 90s with lyrics that doubled as a sharp commentary on social injustice including systemic racism and police brutality, Tupac Shakur was 25 when he died. Despite years of absence, he is known as one of the greatest rappers to ever live, and continues to be celebrated around the world years after his life was cut short.

Health-Do This to Keep Your Kidneys Healthy

You can protect your kidneys by preventing or managing health conditions that cause kidney damage, such as diabetes and high blood pressure. The steps described below may help keep your whole body healthy, including your kidneys.

During your next medical visit, you may want to ask your health care provider about your kidney health. Early kidney disease may not have any symptoms, so getting tested may be the only way to know your kidneys are healthy. Your health care provider will help decide how often you should be tested.

See a provider right away if you develop a urinary tract infection (UTI), which can cause kidney damage if left untreated.

You are more likely to develop kidney disease if you have

  • diabetes
  • high blood pressure
  • heart disease
  • a family history of kidney failure

 

Make healthy food choices

Choose foods that are healthy for your heart and your entire body: fresh fruits, fresh or frozen vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat or fat-free dairy products. Eat healthy meals, and cut back on salt and added sugars. Aim for less than 2,300 milligrams of soduim each day. Try to have less than 10 percent of your daily calories come from added sugars.

 

Make physical activity part of your routine

Be active for 30 minutes or more on most days. If you are not active now, ask your health care provider about the types and amounts of physical activity that are right for you.

 

Credit; National Institute of Health

Canada – UBC International Scholars Program 2027; Bachelor’s Scholarship | International Students

The UBC International Scholars Program is for international students who have demonstrated leadership qualities, exceptional contributions to their communities, have outstanding academic performance, and require meaningful financial support to attend UBC. By bringing together Scholars from diverse countries and cultures, the program fosters a vibrant and globally connected learning community.

 

2027 Application Timeline

Applications Open: September 2026

 Scholarship Deadline: 15 November 2026

UBC Admission Deadline: 15 January 2027

 

Benefit as an International Student

As a UBC International Scholar, you will

  • Earn a globally recognized degree at a top university
  • Study with the brightest students in the world
  • Get access to unique learning opportunities
  • Get dedicated advising and support

As a Scholar, you’ll get to participate in skill building workshops and retreats and have the option to participate in exchange and co-op. While you work on your degree, you’ll have additional support from dedicated International Scholars Program advisors who will encourage your academic, personal and career development.

 

Eligibility for the Program

You must meet all of these requirements to be eligible for the program. There are no exceptions to the eligibility criteria.

As part of our evaluation process, we do a financial assessment. This includes reviewing documents outlining your family’s gross income, expenses, family assets, etc.

 

Educational background

  • You are an international student who will be studying in Canada on a Canadian study permit.
  • You are entering UBC directly from an accredited secondary school.
  • Applicants for 2027 Winter session must have graduated from high school no earlier than June 2026.
  • You are applying for your first undergraduate degree.

 

How to Apply

1️. Apply for admission to UBC.

2️. Speak with your high school about the required nomination.

3️. Prepare your financial information, essays and supporting documents.

4️. Submit the International Scholars application by 15 November 2026.

 

APPLY

Kessben CEO Stephen Kwabena Boateng Reported Dead

Mr. Stephen Kwabena Boateng

Ghanaian business man Mr. Stephen Kwabena Boateng Esq, CEO of KESSBEN Group of Companies has passed away.

Kessben is reported to have died early in the morning on Thursday, August 20, 2026, after a short illness.

With over 30 years of experience in Business, Mr. Stephen Boateng was the director of the Kessben Group of Companies and the Chancellor of the Kessben University College. He was born on September 12, 1957, and grew up in North Suntreso in Kumasi.

Attached is an image of all his businesses sourced from the Registrar General

Frank Beard the Drummer’s Biography

Who was Frank Beard?

Born in Frankston, Texas, Frank Beard was an American drummer; a founding member and 56-year drummer of the rock band ZZ Top.

Beard was nominated for three Grammy Awards for his music with ZZ Top. The band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004.

In 2025, Beard had to temporarily step away from the road for an undisclosed medical problem

 

When did Frank Beard die?

Legendary ZZ Top drummer Frank Beard on Monday, Aug. 17, at 77 following a five-decade run with the rock band.

Beard died while in hospice care at his ranch in Richmond, Texas, “with family members at his side,” the band’s representative said in a statement to USA TODAY. No cause of death was reported, though he had left the band’s The Big One Tour earlier this month amid health issues.

Frank Beard died Aug. 17 at age 77 in hospice care at his Richmond, Texas ranch, USA TODAY reported.

Apply for the Migration Partnership Facility (MPF) 2026; €14 Million In Eu Grants Now Available

The Migration Partnership Facility (MPF) has launched its 2026 Calls for Proposals, providing €14 million in funding to support projects that strengthen migration partnerships, border management, and internal security.

Financed by the European Commission and implemented by the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD). If your institution is eligible, this is a valuable opportunity to secure funding for impactful international cooperation initiatives with partner countries.

 

Deadline: No fixed deadline but early submission is highly encouraged.

APPLY

 Benefits of the Opportunity:
• Access funding of up to €6 million under the Migration Partnerships Call.
• Support projects in migration governance, border management, and internal security.
• Collaborate with EU Member States and partner countries on strategic migration initiatives.
• Benefit from a rolling application process, allowing submissions while funding remains available.
• Contribute to implementing the EU Migration Policy’s External Dimension through high-impact projects.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

5 Essential Strategies for African Applicants Aiming for Chevening 2027

For many talented professionals across Africa, a Chevening Scholarship can be more than a master’s degree.

It can mean gaining the knowledge, network, and credibility to return home and tackle problems that matter.

But here is the reality:

A strong CV alone won’t win Chevening.

Chevening’s own guidance emphasises leadership, influencing, professional relationships, clear career goals, and the connection between your chosen UK course and your future impact.

So, if you’re applying from Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, Uganda, Angola, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia, or elsewhere across Africa, here are five strategies I would keep in mind.

  1. Don’t just describe your African context. Show what you are doing about it.

Your country’s challenges can provide powerful context.

But don’t turn your application into a catalogue of problems facing Africa.

Instead, ask:

What specific problem have I encountered?

What have I personally done about it?

Who did I influence?

What changed because of my actions?

Chevening wants evidence, not just statements that you are a “leader” or “change-maker.” Its guidance specifically encourages applicants to use concrete examples with clear results and to focus on their individual contribution.

Your African context should explain why your work matters.

Your evidence should demonstrate why you are the person to take it forward.

 

  1. Build a career plan that goes beyond “I want to help my country”

This is where many applications become generic.

“I want to return and contribute to economic development.”

“I want to empower young people.”

“I want to improve healthcare.”

These are admirable ambitions, but they’re not yet a strategy.

Think in three horizons:

Immediate: What will you do when you return?

Medium-term: What position, organisation, initiative, or influence do you want to build over the next 5 years?

Long-term: What systemic change do you ultimately want to contribute to?

Chevening itself encourages applicants to think about their plans in the 2, 5 and 10-year horizons and to make their goals specific and realistic.

Your ambition can be big.

Your pathway needs to be believable.

  1. Choose your UK courses as strategic tools, not just prestigious names

Don’t choose universities simply because they appear high in global rankings.

 

Ask yourself:

What capability am I missing today?

Which course will help me develop it?

Why this university rather than another?

How will I use that knowledge when I return?

 

The strongest applications make a clear connection between previous experience, the chosen course, and future goals.

For example, if you want to transform supply chains in Ghana, don’t simply say that a particular university has a “world-class programme.”

Explain which modules, expertise, networks, research, or ecosystem will help you address the specific challenge you’re trying to solve.

Your university choice should make your career plan stronger.

  1. Don’t underestimate the power of your professional network

Networking isn’t simply attending conferences, adding people on LinkedIn, or saying that you “have a large network.”

Chevening wants evidence that you can build and maintain professional relationships and use those relationships to achieve positive outcomes.

 

Think about:

A partnership you helped create Stakeholders you brought together. A mentor who opened a door for you. A cross-border collaboration A relationship that helped deliver a project. A network you intend to leverage for your future goals

 

Then explain the result.

And think beyond your current network.

How could the Chevening community itself help you achieve your long-term goals?

  1. Don’t underestimate your own story

This might be my most important advice.

You don’t need to have founded a multinational organisation.

You don’t need to be a CEO.

You don’t need to have changed an entire industry.

Leadership can happen in organisations, communities, professional settings, social enterprises, voluntary organisations, and projects.

Chevening explicitly says that leadership does not necessarily require managerial experience. What matters is demonstrating how you have led, influenced others, and achieved positive outcomes.

So don’t compare your journey with someone else’s.

 

Your story might be:

A teacher who transformed learning in her community.

An engineer who improved a process at work.

A healthcare professional who introduced a new initiative.

A young entrepreneur who created employment.

A civil servant who influenced policy.

A professional who brought stakeholders together to solve a problem.

Your job is not to sound impressive. Your job is to demonstrate impact.

 

One final piece of advice

Don’t write your Chevening application as though you’re asking:

“Why should you give me a scholarship?”

Instead, think:

“What am I going to do with this opportunity, and why am I ready to do it?”

Chevening is looking for people with leadership potential who can use their UK education, relationships, and experience to create positive impact in their home countries and beyond.

Africa doesn’t lack talented people.

It needs more people who can turn talent into leadership, knowledge into action, and opportunity into impact.

That could be you.

If you’re applying for Chevening this year and want help developing your scholarship strategy, choosing the right UK universities, positioning your leadership story, or strengthening your application, send me a message.

 

I’m Humayun Nosheerwan, Founder & Chief Mentor at Mentor Launch, and as a Chevening Scholar myself, I know what it feels like to stand on the other side of that application.

Your global journey starts with one application.

 

Credit; Humayun Nosheerwan, Founder & Chief Mentor at Mentor Launch