Investigative Reporter

The Gecko Project is looking for an investigative reporter as they expand their investigations in Indonesia and globally.

The role

The successful candidate will have the time and resources to carry out in-depth investigations on globally-important topics in some of the most fascinating parts of the world. The candidate will get the chance to write their own stories – from news to longform – while also collaborating with leading publications from around the world.

They will help shape the direction of our investigations, identify leads and story ideas, carry out desk-based research, interviews, and fieldwork. They will also write and fact-check articles and help with production of films and other outputs.

The chosen candidate will likely be an experienced journalist with a track record in investigations and in-depth reporting (online, print, radio or TV journalism) and a desire for  reporting to be a catalyst for positive change. The organisation is also open to applications from less experienced candidates with demonstrably exceptional writing skills and bags of potential, regardless of their work background.

The applicant does not need a background in environment, land rights, climate change or corruption reporting but had to be able to demonstrate an interest in covering these issues.

Responsibilities

• Develop investigations working in collaboration with editors and other reporters.
• Carry out desk-based research.
• Analyse complex and sometimes messy information, in English and other languages.
• Write internal research dossiers.
• Manage research by other reporters/researchers, including those in other countries who may not have English as a first language.
• Travel internationally on reporting assignments (in line with current health guidelines).
• Cultivate sources.
• Interview sources.
• Identify story leads.
• Write short articles, news features, analysis and explainers to an exceptional standard.
• Work on production of films and other media.
• Fact check.
• Present the results of our investigations in public meetings and webinars.

Essential experience and skills

• Experience carrying out investigations or complex, in-depth research, whether as a journalist or in another field.
• Experience working on complex, in-depth projects.
• Exceptional writing skills.
• Ability to write concise, accurate and appealing copy.
• A passion for journalism that holds power to account.
• Willingness to take on ad hoc administrative tasks as required.
• A desire to help build and grow the organisation.

Desirable experience and skills

• Experience in data journalism, film production, audio production, GIS analysis and/or photography.
• Experience in collaborative journalism projects.
• Experience working internationally (i.e. in a country other than the applicant’s home country).
• Foreign language skills, particularly Bahasa Indonesia.
• Experience with researching/reporting on climate policy and/or business.

What The Gecko Project can offer

• Work with a team of experts committed to high-quality reporting on issues of global importance.
• A commitment to helping grow the applicant’s experiences and skill set and advance their career.
• A flexible working environment.
• Fixed-term one-year contract, to be renewed subject to funding.
• £40,000-£50,000 per annum, depending on their location and experience.

This is a remote position and the applicant can be based anywhere in the world. The position will require international travel. As an equal opportunity employer, The Gecko Project values diversity and continuously strives to maintain an inclusive and equitable workplace.

About the organisation

The Gecko Project is a non-profit journalism organisation that investigates the role of land use in some of the most pressing global challenges: climate change, deforestation, the collapse of biodiversity, food security, and the rights of marginalised communities.

To apply, please click here.