Assistant News Editor Job at SciDev.Net

[Jobrib]

Job Title: Assistant News Editor

Employer: SciDev.Net

Scheme: Part-time opportunities in SciDev.Net's Sub-Saharan Africa (English) regional office

Location: Kenya, South Africa or Nigeria

Based: Kenya, South Africa or Nigeria

Work Schedule: 0.6 FTE, 21 hours per week

Remuneration: £7 – £11/ hour

SciDev.Net is the world's leading source of news and analysis on science and technology for the global South. Our mission is to put science at the heart of global development, allowing decision-makers to draw on evidence and insights from science and technology for more effective policy and programmes.

We are expanding our regional operations in Sub-Saharan Africa to allow greater engagement with networks in the region. To support this expansion, we are creating the following new positions to support our Sub-Saharan Africa (English) office currently based in Nairobi. The position will either be based in the Nairobi office or will telecommute depending on the location of the successful applicant.

Assisting the Regional Coordinator in commissioning, writing, editing, subbing and proofreading news, opinion and feature articles, in line with the objectives of the organisation. Responsible for upkeep of the SciDev.Net style guide, and other tasks as required.

The work will involve:

•   Commissioning, editing and subediting news, editorials, feature and opinion articles from freelance correspondents and SciDev.Net staff

•   Researching and writing news stories

•   Assisting the Regional Coordinator in identifying suitable topics for news items through monitoring potential sources including, but not limited to, websites and newspapers, magazines and journals, press releases and personal contacts and Google alerts

•   Attending press and scientific conferences as required, and reporting from them

•   Undertaking occasional news projects, such as collating background information, links, images and other relevant material for news focuses

•   Identifying events and announcements, jobs and grants for listing in our notices section

•   Picture researching for images to accompany SciDev.Net articles

•   Supporting the production of multimedia content

•   Proofreading and subediting other material generated by SciDev.Net team members as required

•   Deputising for the Regional Coordinator as required

•   Maintaining calendar of events

•   Providing other editorial support as might be required

Knowledge required:

•   Degree in journalism, science communication or other science/technology subject

•   Basic news writing, editing and rewriting experience

•   Practical knowledge and experience of daily or weekly news journalism

•   A broad interest in science and technology as it relates to the developing world

•   A scientific background is desirable but not essential

•   Fluency in English is essential

Skills required:

•   Ability to summarise complex information concisely and accurately

•   Time management skills

•   Good Microsoft Office application skills

•   Familiarity with multimedia production software is desirable but not essential

Personal attributes:

•   Ability to work independently and in a small team

•   Attention to detail

•   Ability to prioritise tasks and meet deadlines under pressure

Application Hint:

To apply, please send a CV of no more than three pages with a covering letter explaining how you meet the requirements for the position. Be sure to indicate clearly in your covering letter the post that you are applying for.

Closing Date: 9th June, 2013

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