/ 23 March 2011

M&G is hiring: Politics and court reporter

The Mail & Guardian Online is looking for a politics and court reporter. This is a junior to mid-level post that will report to the online deputy editor.

Purpose: To provide hard news and features.

Key performance areas

  • Break news stories focusing on South African politics and high-profile court cases
  • Write five to seven news pieces a week relating to the beat
  • Create accessible timelines, round-ups and “dummy’s guides” to complex stories
  • Write features and analysis where necessary
  • Track the latest developments in the beat
  • Create and pitch story ideas at daily diary meetings
  • Be able to work flexible hours, including weekends
  • Assist in the production of multimedia content where necessary
  • Interact with readers through comments, and maintain a strong online presence
  • Build contacts in your beat
  • Work with newspaper reporters to coordinate coverage of key news events

Articles

  • To be thoroughly researched, fairly reported, accurate and of a high standard
  • To explore beyond the immediately apparent or accepted version of events
  • To expose the abuse of power
  • To include major breaks that have an influence on the national discourse

Qualifications and experience
Required:

  • Appropriate post-matric qualification
  • At least two years’ experience as a reporter
  • Excellent understanding of South Africa’s political scene
  • Must be willing to travel

Beneficial:

  • Online experience
  • Experience of court or political reporting
  • A healthy contact book
  • A valid driver’s licence

Characteristics and competencies

  • Great attention to detail
  • Self motivated and passionate
  • A highly effective communicator — both verbally and in writing
  • Works well under pressure
  • A confident individual, unafraid of enforcing deadlines
  • A team player

Applications should be addressed to Rowena Montsho
Email address: [email protected]
Closing date: April 18 2011

Only shortlisted applicants who meet the criteria will be contacted. If you have not received a response within 14 days of closing of the advert, please accept that your application was not successful.