Editor and Project Manager, Africa Environmental Journalism Programme

Start Date: Immediate Start

Position Type: Fixed Term (January-June 2022)

ABOUT THE AFRICA WOMEN IN MEDIA (AWiM)  

African Women in the Media (AWiM) is a network for African women working in media industries anywhere globally. We aim to impact the way media functions positively to women, and our vision is that one day women of African heritage will have equal representation in media industries. More information on the organisation can be found at https://africanwomeninmedia.com/

AWiMNews is our niche news website that produces content focused on women’s rights and media. The focus of AWiMNews on the intersection between women’s rights and the media addresses the glaring issue of inadequate coverage of African women’s rights and issues in media discourse.

ABOUT THE AWIM/UNEP AFRICA ENVIRONMENT JOURNALISM PROGRAMME

AWiM has partnered with UNEP for the African Environment Journalism Programme. The programme is underpinned by the African Green Stimulus Program and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. Freelance journalists and content producers will be invited to pitch environmental stories focused on Africa, especially the gendered aspects of environmental issues. Journalists commissioned to produce stories will have access to training, and we invite media partnerships from organisations who want access to quality environment stories. Given the global conversations around the environment, this is a timely and vital project that ensures women’s voices and broader environmental challenges in Africa do not get forgotten. The initial pilot phase will run for six months.

ABOUT ROLE 

We are looking for an experienced editor with a keen eye for detail to lead our environment journalism programme, a partnership between AWiM and UNEP Africa.  The successful candidate will play a crucial role in shaping the editorial direction of the outputs produced. They will work with freelance journalists they commission through the full editorial process to produce quality environmental stories with a gendered angle. A vital aspect of the role is building media partnerships and facilitating the reuse of content produced on the programme by said partners. Similarly, all journalists commissioned will be required to take short courses on our learning platform AWiMLearning. The candidate will work with our training team and consultants to ensure the training content meets the editorial outlook for the programme. Therefore, the role requires editorial, project and stakeholders’ management skills.

The successful candidate will be dynamic and outgoing, with excellent interpersonal skills and a keen eye for detail. You will be a highly organised and creative editor who understands critical environmental issues in Africa, particularly those discussed in the Africa Green Stimulus Programme. You will have a genuine passion for quality journalism and understand how to inspire a team to create industry-leading and engaging content that readers love and trust.  As the editor, you must be a calm and decisive problem solver with the ability and attitude to influence colleagues into positive and timely action.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

The environment editor’s key role is to manage the Africa Environmental Journalism Programme on AWiMNews, AWiM’s niche news website focused on African women and media.  Other responsibilities include;

• Lead and implement the Africa Environment Journalism Programme
• Commission and build a team of freelance journalists
• Develop and implement the full editorial process for content produced by commissioned journalists
• Working with consultants and the AWiMLearning programme officer to design two short training courses
• Develop media partnerships with organisations that will repurpose the content we produce
• Advice on publishing strategy and help lead on implementing best practice.
• Manage allocated budget effectively.
• Project reporting based on the agreement with partners
• All other roles required for the successful delivery of the programme

ESSENTIAL SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Outstanding writing and proof-reading skills
• A demonstrated interest in and knowledge of the environment
• A common-sense approach, critical thinking and a willingness to learn new skills
• A passion for implementing editorial processes
• Ability to multitask

EXPECTED BEHAVIOURS

• Continuous Improvement– Works in an innovative, flexible and focused way, is open to change, and suggests improvements.
• Collaboration– Builds and maintains positive and supportive working relationships with colleagues. Help to create an inclusive and professional virtual work environment.
• Building Capability– Keeps own knowledge and skillset current and evolving and looks for ways to continue learning to support organisational objectives.
• Quality Service– Delivers high quality and efficient service and takes account of the diverse stakeholders’ needs and requirements when looking at ways to improve what we do at AWiM.
• Responsive Delivery– Works to the agreed-upon organisation/project goals and objectives and deals with challenges constructively and responsibly. Takes personal responsibility for the quality of outputs.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION 

Please note that we will close applications earlier than the specified date if we recruit a suitable candidate before the closing date.

We treat all applications for employment on their merits and do not consider any factors that are not relevant to the job, such as disability, race, age, religion, gender, gender reassignment or sexual orientation and any other protected characteristics.

Candidates who meet the above requirements should send their a) CV b) cover letter, articulating why they are suitable for the role to dele@africanwomeninmedia.com (Use the subject line ‘Environment Editor’) no later than December 30, 2021. The interview date will be January 10, 2022, for immediate start.

Download Pdf here Environment Editor AWiMNews Job Description