THE JOB

The Moscow bureau covers a busy, complex and fascinating region of 280 million people: Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Moldova, the Caucasus and Central Asia.

The journalist, who will be writing in English, will cover breaking news in a highly competitive environment, showing strong news judgement and the ability to write punchy, engaging copy. You will generate lively, image-rich feature and focus stories in close cooperation with other members of a dynamic multimedia team.

You will edit copy filed by colleagues in the Moscow bureau and across the region, and translate copy filed in Russian from stringers, under the supervision of the news editor and bureau chief.

Working in a region that is frequently a source of top world stories, you will spot trends that can be broadened into features that tell underlying stories. You will cover a wealth of subjects, not just politics and conflict but also environmental issues, lifestyle, sports, business and culture.

You should have a keen eye for the visual and multimedia aspect of coverage and closely coordinate with the photo, video and graphics departments.

It is important to stress that all AFP journalists contribute to AFP’s newsgathering process in all formats, working for the common goal of producing high quality multimedia journalism. We do not work by silo or by product. Text journalists may write for the wire, but their journalism is vital for video dopesheets, picture captions and graphics. Our visual journalists also play a significant role in the gathering of information for the text wires.

You will link your production to the relevant event, to enable clients to access it through the event. Use of social media (Twitter, Facebook, Telegram, Instagram) and networking apps is essential, in accordance with the AFP’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.

You must be ready to work long days and a wide range of hours, including early mornings and late nights, as well as weekends, and to be regularly on call. 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

Strong reporting and writing skills are essential, and experience editing copy, especially from nonnative speakers, would be very valuable. Experience covering situations such as riots, crowd disturbances and conflicts would be a plus. Native or near-native knowledge of Russian is essential, and knowledge of French would be an advantage. Solid news judgement is crucial, as is the ability to work calmly and with professionalism under pressure. Experience covering the former Soviet Union would be an advantage, as would knowledge of AFP's internal workings.

THE OFFICE

The Moscow office includes eight francophone and five anglophone text journalists, four photographers and a photo coordinator, four VJs and a video coordinator, and three translators and an editorial assistant. Three other bureaus report to Moscow: Kyiv for Ukraine; Tbilisi for Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan; and Almaty for the five countries of ex-Soviet Central Asia. The office is modern and spacious, in central Moscow and easily accessible by public transport.

LIFE IN MOSCOW

Moscow is a vibrant modern capital, with a lively cultural and entertainment scene. Living conditions have improved significantly in recent years following a major reconstruction project, with new public spaces and parks, pedestrian areas and improved public transport. The city continues however to suffer from traffic jams and the winters can be long and cold. All modern conveniences are readily available. There are several good international schools and medical centres with doctors speaking English.

APPLICATIONS

Please send your CV & cover letter to:

Moscow Bureau Chief [email protected] and News Editor [email protected]

Europe Director [email protected]

Europe Editor-in-Chief [email protected] and Deputy Editor-in-Chief [email protected]