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.