Desk Editor

A rare opportunity has arisen for a journalist with excellent copy-editing skills to take on the role of desk editor for Asia at the fast-growing global information service Chemical Watch News & Insight.

Chemical Watch News & Insight reports on the actions taken by governments, industry, and voluntary bodies to improve the management of chemicals around the world to protect human health and the environment.

Reporting to the managing editor for Asia, the desk editor will be responsible for editing the weekly news copy produced by the desk’s team of UK and Asia-based contributors. Based in the UK, the desk editor will also be expected to research and write news stories on the Asia region.

Alongside excellent news judgment and great interpersonal skills, the successful candidate must be able to demonstrate a strong track record in delivering high-quality news in a business or professional environment.

The successful candidate must also be able to quickly learn how chemicals are regulated across Asia, so they can edit contributors’ copy with confidence, ensuring clarity and accuracy throughout.

Experience working for a news service aimed at professionals working in the environmental, regulatory, scientific, or chemical sectors will be an advantage.

Key responsibilities and tasks

Edit news copy produced by the Asia desk’s UK and Asia-based reporters.
Ensure news copy is timely, accurate and meets our quality standards, fact-checking and validating where necessary.
Liaise closely with writers and sub-editors to maintain a swift copy flow from the first draft to publication.
Research and write news stories on the Asia region.

Key attributes

Excellent copy-editing skills and strong news judgment.
Proven track record in delivering high-quality news in a business or professional environment (minimum three years experience)
Proactive communicator, able to build great rapport with writers.
Ability to develop a good working knowledge of the regulatory environment for chemicals across Asia.
High levels of professionalism, and the people skills and personal drive to work remotely with success.
Highly organised, with excellent forward-planning skills.

Benefits

Alongside a competitive salary, pension scheme, and holiday allowance, benefits include a discretionary bonus scheme and private medical insurance.