Newsperson (Southern Africa Reporter)

The Associated Press seeks to hire a talented journalist with a track record of breaking and anchoring major stories to drive AP’s text coverage as part of a cross-formats reporting team covering Africa. Reporting to the chief correspondent for Southern Africa, this reporter will aim to consistently break news, ensure the speedy filing of urgent spot developments and support the Africa team’s efforts to produce distinct, deeply reported enterprise.

Responsibilities: In this role, you will primarily be a fast-paced text reporter and writer, and you’ll be expected to help guide, edit and elevate the work of other AP journalists and freelancers contributing to our text report. You will work closely with AP beat teams around the world – including with the Climate and Environment, Health and Science, Migration and Religion desks – to help improve the storytelling about Africa’s development, spanning a range of topics including water and sanitation, nutrition and urban planning, gender-based violence and equality.

We're looking for someone who will:

deliver spot news and enterprise coverage that breaks news, has impact and is exclusive to AP.

develop AP’s network of freelancers and stringers across the region to report, translate and edit spot developments accurately and speedily, elevate their work and coordinate it with other formats.

be willing to travel at short notice on assignment to other countries in Africa and further afield, including in hostile environments.

have strong communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively with the diverse team of journalists at the AP who operate in all formats: text, photo, video, audio, digital/social, interactive and graphics.

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

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

Preferred Qualifications: This reporter must have demonstrated excellence as a journalist covering a complex and challenging beat, with a deep record of delivering enlightening and distinctive stories. You must be able to explain complex issues in clear and compelling ways and do so swiftly and accurately on extremely tight deadlines. You must be able to work effectively as a member of a team and have a demonstrated ability to coach and edit others in their reporting and writing. You should 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. Proficiency in photo or video journalism is a plus, as is demonstrated excellence in health and development reporting.

Required Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience, such as at least one year of full-time work at a daily newspaper, broadcast station, online or digital news outlet or AP bureau.

Advanced-level professional competency in written and spoken English. Professional competency in a regional language is a plus.

All applicants must be able to work in South Africa or be able to gain permission to do so.

We’ll 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: January 19, 2024 @ 11:59 PM ET