Pambazuka News (www.pambazuka.org)

Job Title: Regional Correspondent: East Africa

Reporting to: Co-Editor, Pambazuka News

Part-time

About Pambazuka News and Fahamu

Pambazuka News is the authoritative electronic weekly newsletter and platform for social justice in Africa providing cutting edge commentary and in-depth analysis on politics and current affairs, development, human rights, refugees, gender issues and culture in Africa.

Pambazuka News offers a comprehensive weekly round-up of news on human rights, conflict, health, environment, social welfare, development, the internet, literature and arts in Africa. 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.

We are looking for motivated, independent and socially conscious individual to join our team as REGIONAL CORRESPONDENT.

Responsibilities: As part of the Pambazuka News team, and in close contact with our office in Cape Town, South Africa, your responsibilities will involve:

- Researching and writing material for the weekly newsletter and website;
- Researching, commissioning and/or interviewing relevant sources for articles to be published in the newsletter and on the website;
- Report on key events in the region;
- Monitoring of relevant information sources;
- Developing relationships with sources of information in your assigned region and extending the reach of Pambazuka News;
- Developing contacts with relevant media in your area and liaising with them where necessary.

Person specifications

You must be a socially committed individual with excellent writing skills. We are seeking someone with the following skills and qualities:

Essential:

- Experience as a researcher or journalist in an academic, media or development field;
- Writing, editing and commissioning skills;
- Fluency in English written and spoken, and good command of Kiswahili;
- Proven track record, interest and commitment to social justice and advocacy;
- Familiarity with the internet as a research, reporting and communicating tool;
- Ability to work without direct supervision;
- Access to the internet;
- Knowledge of new media and the potential of technology for social activism;
- Excellent general knowledge and a good understanding of African affairs and the current debates around Africa’s development;
- Experience of working in Africa, especially in the media, would be an advantage;
- Ability to meet tight deadlines;
- Be living and/or working in the region.
- Willing to travel occasionally

Desirable:

- A degree in journalism or other relevant field;
- Knowledge of the civil society sector in Africa;
- Direct engagement as an activist in the region;
- Knowledge of operations of African Union, and other regional bodies.

This 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. We envisage that the position will require a commitment of two to three days per week. 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 [email protected]. The deadline date for applications is 26 OCTOBER 2005. Please note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted. Short listed candidates will be required to complete a short test.

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