Job Opportunity. Apply if you qualify Job Title: Journalist (Writer & Reporter) Location: Nairobi Grade: Local Duties: We are seeking a Kenyan journalist to join AFP’s busy Nairobi bureau, the hub of our news operations of Kenya and 11 other countries of the east Africa, Horn of Africa and Indian Ocean sub-region: Burundi, Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia (including the African Union), Mauritius, Rwanda, Seychelles, Somalia, South Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda. The journalist will play a pivotal role in the reporting of breaking news and the writing of angled and feature stories from Kenya, and will also be required to work on topics outside of Kenya – such as using his/her expertise in Swahili to monitor developments in Tanzania, as well as reporting on regional events, trends and issues that go beyond Kenya’s borders. Working under the supervision of the bureau chief, deputy bureau chief and senior correspondents and as part of a multicultural and multimedia team of writers, photographers and TV journalists, the journalist will expected to keep abreast of national developments and be determined to break news at any time of the day or week. The journalist will be expected to generate original ideas for news and feature coverage on a variety of topics – including but not limited to politics and diplomacy, business and the economy, security issues and unrest, lifestyle, culture, health, the environment, wildlife and sports. As the bureau’s eyes and ears on Kenya, the journalist will seek out stories that go beyond institutional news topics by providing a full picture of Kenya and the region and all its diversity. The journalist will be expected to also assist when necessary with the coordination of a large network of correspondents and stringers. The journalist will be expected to conduct reporting assignments in and around Nairobi and across Kenya, with opportunities for reporting missions in the wider region and beyond. Above all, the journalist will be expected to perform in accordance with strict editorial and ethical standards that are required by AFP. All work is expected to meet high standards of accuracy, impartiality, balance and speed. The journalist is expected to develop, maintain and constantly renew contacts with a wide variety of sources. An employee of AFP is also an ambassador of the agency, and the journalist is expected to comply with internal guidelines and regulations, including the maintenance of exemplary personal and professional conduct. Competencies: Candidate must meet the following criteria: - A clear commitment to a career in journalism and a desire to develop new skills in a fast-changing industry; - An exceptional level of written and spoken English and a flair for clear, concise and engaging writing; The ability to comprehend and accurately communicate complex and conflicting information and ideas; - Fluency in Swahili. Knowledge of French is an advantage but not essential; - A strong work ethic, passion, initiative, drive and curiosity - always on the pulse and interested in what’s new and what’s next, with a determination and desire to lift the lid on major issues affecting society, to build sources, break news and deliver content for both a regional and international audience; - Exemplary personal and professional conduct; Attachment to journalistic ethics and good practice, and a commitment to honest, balanced and accurate reporting backed up by rigorous fact-checking; Sound professional conduct extends to personal use of social media platforms. - Flexibility: regular office hours are the norm but not the rule, and journalism frequently requires the working of unsocial hours, sometimes at short notice, and weekends, and in a variety of situations; - Editorial Judgement, demonstrating balanced and objective judgement based on a thorough understanding of AFP’s editorial guidelines, the agency’s objectives, clients and target audience; - Planning and organisation, the ability to think ahead in order to establish an efficient and appropriate course of action for self and others. Prioritises and plans activities taking into account all the relevant issues and factors such as deadlines, staffing and resources; - Excellent interpersonal skills, the ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with a range of people. To work co-operatively with others as part of a team and to present sound and well reasoned arguments; A passion for engaging with people from all walks of life; - Resilience, demonstrating personal effectiveness by managing emotions in the face of pressure and ever immediate deadlines, or when dealing with challenging situations. Demonstrates an approach to work that is characterised by commitment, motivation and energy; - An international outlook with a good knowledge of and interest in Kenyan, East African, African and international affairs. Recruitment procedure: Please send an email, not exceeding 300 words, telling us about yourself and explaining why you think you are suited for the position. Please also indicate your current salary and/or salary expectations. Please attach a concise CV of no more than two pages and in pdf format that also includes links to a selection of your published work and any social media presence. Applications should be sent to AFP Nairobi bureau chief Stefan Smith (stefan.smith@afp) and deputy bureau chief Peter Martell (peter.martell@afp). The closing date for applications is January 5th, 2015. Please note that ONLY shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Posted on: Mon, 08 Dec 2014 10:24:34 +0000
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