THE JOB

Reporting and desk editing about the region covered by the Johannesburg office. The Southern Africa region comprises of South Africa, Lesotho, Eswatini, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Angola, Malawi, Zambia, Madagascar and the Comoros.

News from Southern Africa is varied, ranging from political unrest to wildlife conservation. The bureau is often called upon to contribute to pan-African stories that cover issues such as economic development and sporting events.

In addition to covering news, you will regularly work on features relating to technology, societal issues, culture, health, science and the environment.

You will pay a special attention to developing our economics coverage, as it is a frequent request from our clients.

You should be prepared to cover breaking news, at times in hostile environments such as conflict zones or natural disasters.

Working under the daily direction of the bureau chief and her deputy, you must respect the agency's values and standards, ensuring that content is accurate, unbiased and timely.

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 reacting and high-quality multimedia journalism.

You should be familiar with the issues involved in handling user generated content and AFP’s guidelines concerning the use of UGC, especially to find and verify amateur videos.

You will maintain the accuracy and journalistic integrity of our coverage, respecting the agency's editorial policy and copyright guidelines.

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.

You must be ready 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

Dynamic native English-speaking journalist, with at least a first few years of experience in reporting and desk editing.

Competency in French is a plus to be able to edit/translate stories from French when necessary.

Sound news judgment, equally at home with writing breaking news and focus/analysis pieces as with sparkling and original features from a vast and exciting region.

You need to demonstrate an ability to work under pressure.

You must have undergone hostile environment training or plan on doing so as quickly as possible.

THE BUREAU

Managed by a francophone bureau chief and an anglophone news editor, the Johannesburg editorial team comprises of six text journalists, three fact-checkers, two video journalists including a regional coordinator and two photographers, including the Africa photo editor. The team is assisted by two sales managers, a technician, an accountant and secretary.

The Johannesburg bureau covers news events in South Africa but also coordinates a network of around 35 text/video/photo freelancers across the region.

LIFE IN JOHANNESBURG

Living in Johannesburg can feel like living both in Europe and Africa at the same time. Shopping malls, theatres, bars and private hospitals and schools can make life very comfortable. The weather is pleasant, and the city's altitude around 1,700 m prevents the threat of malaria.

Crime remains a constant threat in South Africa, and the bureau is protected by a high wall and guard. Newcomers to Johannesburg are often shocked by the level of security in the city, one of the consequences of the stark inequality that persists despite the end of apartheid.

Life in Johannesburg is cheaper than in most African or European main cities.

APPLICATIONS

Before submitting applications, candidates should ask Denis Blondeau in Paris about the financial terms of the post.

Applicants should send CV and cover letter to: Johannesburg bureau chief: [email protected] Africa editor: [email protected]

Africa director: [email protected]