The New York Times recruits a News Assistant
Job Description
The News Assistant will produce original work from the region with an emphasis on supporting the accuracy and breadth of Times stories through newsgathering and research, and helping to promote Times journalism.
Cover the news accurately and efficiently on assignment for any and all media: obtain information through interview, observation or research, as well as from other reporters, stringers and news services; ascertain the facts relevant to the assignment, evaluate them, present them in clear written or other form and in conformity with style, length or other requirements; revise copy as additional newsworthy material is received; work in parallel assignments where practicable. Discover and cultivate news sources and contacts; follow news trends closely. Provide material, including but not limited to audio, video, and Web links as required and as practicable. Perform related work as assigned.
Job responsibilities
- Work closely with the Bureau Chief, Correspondents and Editors to identify, research and write high-impact stories accurately and efficiently, for any and all media
- Presenting facts and analysis in clear written or other form and in conformity with style, length and other requirements, and developing high-impact stories from the broader themes that underpin incremental news developments
- Cultivate and maintain sources and contacts, especially for news related to the region
- Monitor current events across local news media, and provide updates and briefings for our Correspondents and Editors
- Obtaining information through interviews, observations and research, conduct interviews by telephone and in person with sources independently and with correspondents, in Dakar and on reporting trips in the region
- Provide translation to English and vice versa for Correspondents and other Journalists
- Assist in making appointments for interviews and arranging logistics for reporting trips, maintain or expand coverage at or below budget, with a view to maximizing benefits to NYT and assuring reliability and quality
- Monitor social media and search trends for story ideas and to aid reporting and ensure that Times content is optimized
- Represent NYT at events and conferences
- Other tasks as required by newsroom management
Requirements
- Strong writing ability
- Transcriptions of interviews
- Newsgathering skills, including use of social media
- News judgment and knowledge of world affairs
- Facility with content management software
- Familiarity with research tools such as Factiva and Nexis, and ability to analyse data
- Language skills: English and French required, candidates with other regional languages, especially Hausa and Pulaar, preferred.
- Knowledge of West African history/ politics/ culture
- Reports to the Bureau Chief, Senegal.
- Full-time position.
- Must be able to work on a scheduled basis, including Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays.
The New York Times is committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce, one that reflects the varied global community we serve. Our journalism and the products we build in the service of that journalism greatly benefit from a range of perspectives, which can only come from diversity of all types, across our ranks, at all levels of the organization. Achieving true diversity and inclusion is the right thing to do. It is also the smart thing for our business. So we strongly encourage women, veterans, people with disabilities, people of color and gender nonconforming candidates to apply.
The New York Times Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of an individual’s sex, age, race, color, creed, national origin, alienage, religion, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation or affectional preference, gender identity and expression, disability, genetic trait or predisposition, carrier status, citizenship, veteran or military status and other personal characteristics protected by law. All applications will receive consideration for employment without regard to legally protected characteristics. The New York Times Company will consider qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local « Fair Chance » laws.
Closing date : 4 July 2020
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