IWPR vacancy: English-Language Regional Editor, Central Asia

IWPR is seeking an editor to commission and generate English-language copy and multimedia outputs for our Central Asia programme. The post requires native English and fluency in Russian, although we will also consider candidates with native-level Russian and fluent English writing skills.

Location: TBD

Reports To: Central Asia Regional Director and Managing Editor (London)

Duration: 24-32 Hours a Week

Desired Start Date: April, 2015

Payment Details: Dependant on qualifications and experience

Summary:

The successful candidate will communicate with IWPR editorial staff, field staff and contributors on a regular basis; commission and edit text and audio pieces; provide mentoring to improve reporters’ skills; and deliver timely, relevant content for IWPR’s website. As well as journalistic output, the editor will commission and produce reports on IWPR’s programmatic work in the region. S/he will work with other staff members to disseminate content in regional media, social media outlets and newsletters. The editor may be asked to conduct training sessions.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Editorial production:

· Liaising with London editors, country editors and freelance journalists, commission articles and audio reports for IWPR publications and set deadlines;

· Generate ideas for new content;

· Edit material to IWPR’s standards and style, ensuring factual accuracy, objectivity, political/ethnic impartiality, and basic sense,

· Be alert to libel and contempt-of-court issues in the UK and other relevant states; and to the dangers facing editors and reporters working in conflict zones or repressive states.

· Ensure that the number of stories produced meets programme targets and deadlines, and work with administrators to keep records of published content;

· Edit other material (publicity, manuals etc) as required;

· Help promote/syndicate IWPR content in local regional and international media;

· Participate in managing social media accounts;

· Manage the production of translations into Russian and other regional languages.

Training and mentoring:

· Communicate with authors about revisions to their texts;

· Provide editorial evaluation and feedback to contributing writers;

· Expand the network of contributors;

· Provide advice and direction to project staff on editorial-related outreach activities, like round tables, seminars and promotional material;

· Deliver practical training courses where necessary;

· Plan and lead roundtable discussions and generate publicity around them;

· Respond to requests for comment/media appearances on IWPR’s work and areas of operation.

Other:

· Monitor safety and security

· Actively follow equal opportunities policies;

· Carry out other tasks within the scope and purpose of the post, as requested by the Central Asia Regional Director and Managing Editor

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Experience

Essential:

· Editing and reporting in print or online journalism;

· Strong editing skills;

· Excellent understanding of political, security, social and economic issues in the region;

· Fact-checking and validating sources;

· Sound understanding of libel and contempt-of-court laws;

· Managerial, communication and organisational skills.

Desirable:

· Media training/mentoring, preferably in the Central Asian region;

· Coordinating teams of journalists;

· Managing social media outlets;

· Broadcast journalism experience;

Knowledge/Skills

Essential:

· Native English and high degree of fluency in Russian. We will also consider candidates with native-level Russian and fluent English writing skills;

· Exceptional content and copyediting skills;

· Ability to provide professional mentoring in journalism;

· Ability to work towards objectives and deadlines;

· Excellent planning, organisational and communication skills;

· IT literacy including editing journalistic content and research;

· Professional work ethic;

· Ability to work as part of an editorial and administrative team;

Desirable

· Knowledge of regional languages other than Russian.

Behaviours

· High level of motivation and ability to work outside normal office hours, if required;

· Act with integrity and in accordance with IWPR’s values and obligations;

· Recognise and value the contribution of others;

· Take responsibility for own decisions and actions;

· Work effectively and open-mindedly in a team with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures.

Special Circumstances

· Willingness to work out of office hours when necessary.

APPLY NOW

To Apply: Please complete an online application form