THE JOB

As one of five text journalists based in AFP's busy Cairo office, including the Francophone bureau chief, you will have an in-depth knowledge of Egyptian politics, culture and society. You must be passionate about Egypt and have an enviable contacts book stretching across different sectors of this multi-faceted, fascinating country.

Along with other text journalists writing in French and Arabic, you must be able to write clear, fluent, punchy English copy. You should be able to rapidly analyse information and breaking news in order to relay it accurately and efficiently to AFP's clients not just in the Middle East, but across the world.

Apart from monitoring current news, you must be able to take the initiative and research features and focus pieces, seeking to tell good stories in greater depth. You will also enjoy getting out of the office if needed to report on the ground.

You must be a team player. You should have a keen eye for the visual and multimedia aspect of coverage and closely coordinate with photographers and videographers.

You will also link your production to the relevant event, to enable clients to access it through the event.

You will closely monitor social media and strictly adhere to the Agency's guidelines on social media activity. You will contribute to the fight against misinformation by helping factcheckers in the network and ensure you are trained in the various methods of online verification, now indispensable for all journalism.

As a general rule, you commit to respecting AFP's ethics charter as well as all the editorial guidelines in force and in the Agency's style guide.

You may have to work long days and a wide range of hours, including early mornings and late nights, as well as weekends.

In an ever-changing media environment, the nature of the job could evolve in line with coverage demands and the requirements of an increasingly diverse client base.

SKILLS REQUIRED

You must have fluent Arabic and English. Knowledge of French is also desired. You must have proven reporting experience on the ground especially in Egypt, and a sound knowledge of the Middle East region, its politics and culture. You must show you can react quickly to breaking news, and that you are highly organised.

You must be motivated, and show an ability to work under pressure, as well as being available to work evenings and weekends as needed. You will also have to translate stories from Arabic or French into English.

THE BUREAU

The bureau works closely with a network of stringers across the country to help cover everything from the Arab League to the police, courts, the Sinai peninsula and sports.

The office is organised into three shifts a day, opening at 9:00 am and closing around 9:00pm. Weekends are also shared. But the days can be long if there is breaking news.

LIFE IN CAIRO

Life in Cairo, a busy, chaotic metropolis of more than 20 million people, can be challenging, with pollution and noise comprising daily irritants. While winters are pleasantly warm, in summer temperatures climb above 40 degrees. Huge traffic jams have become a major inconvenience making journeys around the city difficult, but taxis and social network driving schemes like Uber and Careem are well-developed and relatively efficient.

A return to greater political stability in recent years has made reporting trips outside of the capital possible. Although the northern Sinai, where jihadist attacks have been concentrated, remains off-limits, other regions can be visited, including the southern Sinai peninsula, the Red Sea, Alexandria and the northern coast, as well as the sites of Fayum, Luxor and Aswan.

Cairo office is situated in the Giza district along with many Egyptian and international institutions.

APPLICATIONS

Please send a resume and cover letter to:

Cairo bureau chief: [email protected]

MENA director: [email protected]

MENA editor-in-chief: [email protected]

MENA deputy editor-in-chief: [email protected]