Issa G. Shivji (2009) Where is Uhuru?.
Online News Editor
Reporting to: Director, Fahamu
Job Status: Part-time (three days a week)
Pambazuka News, the electronic weekly newsletter and website focusing on social justice issues in Africa, is seeking an ONLINE NEWS EDITOR. You will be a forward thinking and independent person with a strong background in journalism and experience and/or a strong interest in the power of the internet for information delivery and campaigning.
Pambazuka News is produced by Fahamu (www.fahamu.org), an organisation that uses information and communication technologies to serve the needs of organisations and social movements that aspire to progressive social change. You will form part of a Fahamu team working on Pambazuka News and be responsible for driving forward the development of the service.
RESPONSIBILITIES
You will be responsible for:
- Assuming responsibility for the weekly production of Pambazuka News, including the coordination of editorial support staff;
- Editing, proofing, researching and posting content online in line with weekly production deadlines;
- Maintaining a contacts list and editorial diary, including research and commissioning of articles to ensure coverage of key events and issues;
- Research and writing of comment and analysis items on events and issues related to Africa;
- Participating in strategic and development issues that relate to editorial content, future development and editorial staff and interns;
- Completion of necessary administrative tasks.
PERSON SPECIFICATIONS
You will have:
- A degree in journalism or other relevant field;
- At least five years experience and a sufficient track record;
- An ability to “never miss a deadline” and work accurately under pressure on numerous tasks at once;
- Experience with the online medium and a critical eye when it comes to working with online information;
- Access to the internet and suitable infrastructure to conduct the job;
- Ability to write analytically and coherently on issues related to Africa (evidence required);
- The ability to network, commission articles and build relationships,
- A good understanding of social movement and civil society politics and the ability to peer beyond prevailing development dogma;
- Excellent written and spoken English. Fluency in French will be considered an advantage and/or knowledge of Kiswahili and/or Arabic;
- A high degree of organisation, confidence and initiative.
This job is on a part time basis (three days per week) in the first instance. Candidates should preferably be resident in Africa. Residence in Kenya or South Africa will be considered an advantage. The initial contract is for a fixed period of six months in the first instance, renewable for up to 2 years depending on performance and the availability of funds. Remuneration will be commensurate with experience.
If you believe you fit the above details please send a one-page covering letter and two-page CV to pambazukajobs@gmail.com. The deadline date for applications is 15 August 2006. Please note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted. Short listed candidates will be required to complete a test prior to being interviewed.