Earth Journalism Network Investigative Journalism Editor

Internews’ Earth Journalism Network (EJN) is seeking an experienced investigative journalist, preferably with a track record of covering wildlife and environmental crime, to oversee a series of investigative journalism roundtables and serve as a mentor to the journalists commissioned to carry out investigative reports.

BACKGROUND

The Earth Journalism Network works with local jouranlists and media organizations around the globe to effectively produce and promote environmental content.

In East Africa, the Earth Journalism Network supports the Media Coverage of Conservation and Wildlife project to help empower and support individual journalists, editors, media outlets and journalism associations in the region to improve media coverage of conservation issues, including investigations of illegal wildlife trade, poaching and human-wildlife conflicts.

This is done through workshops that build reporting skills, story grants, stipends to support investigative reporting, and roundtables for journalists working on investigative features.

NOTE: This position is expected to begin in June 2020, last for a year, and to take up roughly 50% of the editor’s time. Due to the current situation necessitated by the Covid-19 pandemic, the suitable candidate must be prepared, and experienced, to work online effectively.

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITES

• Participate in a team of judges who will evaluate proposals from East African journalists seeking to carry out investigative reports;
• Liaise with the Project Manager to organize investigative roundtables. This involves scouting for the venue, deciding on the themes and relevant speakers, contacting, and bringing speakers and experts on board;
• Mentor the journalists working on investigative reports (the grantees), help them to plan their research, craft and refine their stories, and work with them to find additional sources, data, and experts;
• Guide the investigative journalists, particularly those who contribute for international media organizations, helping them to publish and air their stories locally;
• Edit grantees’ stories, scripts, and footage;
• Engage with East African editors on the need for wildlife and conservation journalism especially during this Covid-19 pandemic crisis, looking into possible links to the illegal wildlife trade;
• If desired and necessary, it is also possible the Editor could come up with investigative story ideas on topics related to wildlife and conservation to be assigned to trusted journalism partners.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Demonstrated track record of investigative journalism coverage in East Africa, preferably with experience in covering illegal wildlife trade and environmental crimes;
• A track record of journalism training and mentorship;
• Educational background in media, environmental studies, or international development;
• Strong editing skills, preferably in multiple media formats;
• Ability to work remotely with minimum supervision;
• Fluency in English;
• Familiarity with journalism networks in the region and strong contact list of experts and editors;
• Knowledge of data journalism and mapping a plus.
• Understanding of and demonstrated commitment to upholding Internews’ Core Values.

Deadline for Application: June 28, 2020

Further details here.

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