THE JOB

The English Desk in Nicosia is seeking an experienced journalist to join the editing team for the Middle East and North Africa.

You will check and sub copy filed in English from across the MENA region and translate copy from French and/or Arabic, coordinating with other desks to ensure matching coverage in different languages and platforms.

You may also be called on to travel throughout the region on short notice to reinforce bureaus, and outside the region to help with Middle East-related stories.

You must be able to integrate quickly into a busy desk of 10 people that handles a large volume of breaking news under pressure, as Nicosia is frequently dealing with the top two or three global news stories of the day.

You will ensure the credibility and reliability of our coverage as well as respect for the agency’s editorial guidelines.

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

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 fact-checkers in the network and ensure you are trained in the various methods of online verification, which are 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 must be ready to work 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

  • Strong writing skills are essential as well as experience editing copy
  • Excellent news judgment
  • English mother tongue with excellent knowledge of French and preferably also good Arabic
  • Experience of working in the Middle East and knowledge of the region is a plus
  • Ability to communicate calmly and effectively with colleagues in bureaus under pressure

APPLICATIONS

Please send CV and cover letter to: