Newsperson (Amazon Rainforest/Deforestation Reporter)

The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world's population sees AP journalism every day.

The Associated Press seeks a curious and aggressive reporter to join our Climate Team as a text reporter based in Colombia or Peru. In this role, you will be responsible for covering climate change and deforestation as well as all of its related angles in the Amazon basin. That includes Indigenous rights, wildfires, carbon credit programs, drug trafficking, mining, conservation programs and tourism. When possible, you will contribute to reporting on environmental and other issues across Latin America, such as climate-related migration and innovative emerging technologies like the electrification of bus fleets. This is a temporary position lasting 18 months with the potential for renewal.

This position can be located in either Bogota, Colombia or Lima, Peru.

Responsibilities: Reporting to the global climate and environment news director, you will cover breaking news and write in-depth feature stories. The job will involve cultivating a diverse array of sources and traveling throughout the Amazon to report on a variety of stories related to deforestation and climate change.

The successful candidate will:

work among a team of reporters and editors around the world to deliver spot news and enterprise coverage related to myriad happenings in the Amazon, collaborating with diverse teams operating in all formats: text, photo, video, audio, digital/social, interactive and graphics.

demonstrate a history of successful beat reporting, strong source development and explanatory storytelling that is illuminating and entertaining.

have a great news sense, with the ability to communicate stories that people will want to share on social media and other platforms.

pursue innovative and inclusive storytelling techniques while maintaining AP’s standards for integrity and objectivity.

have the ability and willingness to work any shift, including at night and on weekends, or as coverage demands, as AP is a 24/7 operation.

Preferred Qualifications: We're looking for someone who will consistently break news and deliver high-impact enterprise stories that appeal to AP’s global audience. You are an idea machine, able to think creatively and critically, and are driven by curiosity. It is essential that you can write clearly, concisely and conversationally and deliver success on complex, challenging story lines. You have strong organizational skills and can juggle multiple projects across formats. You should have at least five years of full-time experience at a daily newspaper, broadcast station, online or digital news outlet, or an AP bureau or regional desk.

Required Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.

All applicants must be able to work in Colombia or Peru or be able to gain permission.

Advanced-level professional competency in written and spoken English and Spanish.

Basic proficiency in using an iPhone for photos and video is required. Advanced proficiency is a plus.

We will consider strong candidates who do not meet every listed qualification. You may use a cover letter to describe the unique qualifications you would bring to this role.

Application deadline is 11:59pm EST on November 20, 2023.