Founded in 1999, Mongabay is an award-winning environmental science and conservation news organization, which publishes original news on a daily basis in an objective (does not advocate), accurate (relies on facts and scientific information) and timely manner to a global audience of conservation scientists, private-sector decision-makers, government policymakers, civil society organizations, journalists in other media outlets, and interested members of the public. Mongabay’s readership across its news sites positions the organization as one of the top sources of environmental news, analysis, information, and inspiration on the Internet. 

In January 2018, Mongabay-India was launched to reach an Indian audience with information about the state of India’s environment. Mongabay-India is a conservation and environment news and features service that aims to bring high quality, original reports from nature’s frontline in India. As the India-specific portal of the global news platform mongabay.com, this website follows the format of Mongabay’s dedicated Indonesia and Latin America news outlets.

Mongabay-India’s primary topics of news coverage are India’s energy transitions, climate, forests and water, all reported from a mainstream biodiversity perspective. With a goal to examine India’s development through the prism of environment and conservation, Mongabay-India organizes special reporting projects to dive deep into specific themes.

WHAT DOES THE STAFF WRITER DO?

The full-time staff writer will have knowledge and familiarity with conservation and environmental issues to produce content for Mongabay-India covering high-priority regions/topics. Together with the Managing Editor and Programme Manager, the staff writer will be responsible for producing stories and related content for Mongabay-India. The writer must have strong analytical skills and the ability to discern what stories are important and of interest to readers. This person must have exceptional fluency in English, be based in India, and excel at working remotely.

KEY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

WRITING, REPORTING, EDITING, PUBLISHING (90% of time)

• Work cooperatively with Mongabay-India’s editors to produce multiple news reports and/or features per week, consistently of high quality;
• Effectively research and generate story ideas to pitch to editors;
• Write, edit and post stories via Mongabay’s content management system (WordPress);
• Conduct interviews, phone calls and/or meetings, and perform other research as needed, to gather background for the planning of stories and article series; and
• Cultivate sources, in the mold of a beat reporter.

STRATEGIC PLANNING & ADMINISTRATION (10% of time)

• Report regularly to Mongabay-India’s Programme Manager and Managing Editor on progress toward meeting reporting objectives;
• Working with Managing Editor to demonstrate the wider impacts of our reporting;
• Collect data on impacts of stories including examples of republication for use in grant reports;
• Provide other support as needed to ensure content meets Mongabay’s high standards of professionalism, consistency, authenticity, and reliability; and
• Must be able to work within tight deadlines and be responsive to Mongabay.com headquarters and to other Mongabay staffers via email, skype, phone and messaging platforms.

EXPERIENCE, QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS 

• At least five to seven years of experience and demonstrated talent working in journalism / writing required;
• Exceptional fluency (writing and speaking) in English is required;
• Knowledge and familiarity with environmental issues and wildlife conservation in India is essential;
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills;
• An understanding of best practice of content use on the internet (e.g. respecting copyright, responding to “take down” requests);
• Demonstrated editorial ability to work with a variety of content including formatting of feature articles, graphics, photo captions, and HTML;
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office, WordPress (or similar), Google Drive, Social Media (Twitter / Facebook) and project management software;
• Ability to work independently and produce high quality work with tight deadlines;
• Reliable access to high-speed Internet is required;
• Must be willing to commit to a full-time role and available during regular business hours; and
• Must be based in India.

PROFESSIONAL QUALITIES

This position will play a critical role in the scale-up of Mongabay-India’s environmental reporting efforts. Due to our organization’s culture and global work-at-home staff, the most successful staffs at Mongabay are adept at working independently and produce consistent high-quality journalistic work by taking initiative and thinking creatively about solutions to problems. In this context, this person:

• Is extremely self-directed, motivated, and reliable;
• Demonstrates talent in writing and editing;
• Functions independently and produces high quality work with tight deadlines;
• Understands ethical and editorial journalistic standards;
• Makes timely decisions and demonstrates good judgment;
• Integrates cross-cultural dynamics into their thinking;
• Maintains a strong sense of professionalism and communication;
• Adjusts approaches according to feedback;
• Contributes to the Mongabay team by communicating and working cooperatively with staff, while following through on tasks and delivering results;
• Demonstrates personal integrity and ability to maintain confidentiality; and
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.

COMPENSATION & LOCATION

The work of our organization changes as we continuously seek to have greater impact. All of our team members must be flexible and able to adapt to short and long-term shifts in their job duties. As a globally distributed organization, we are hiring for this position who is based in India. The ability to coordinate with colleagues working in a diversity of time zones is strongly preferred. Mongabay aims to offer competitive pay rates that will attract, retain, and motivate our full-time staff. Please submit a pay range when applying.

TO APPLY

APPLICATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED. On the application, you will be asked to fill out basic contact information, pay rate expectations, reference information (2), and to upload the following two documents:

1. Cover letter – please provide specific examples of your experience related to this position, as well as specific examples of your ability to work effectively from home and meet deadlines (1-2 pages)
2. Resume – (1-2 pages)
3. Two references

Applications must be submitted in English. Please note that you do not need to provide letters of recommendation and we will not reach out to references before getting your permission to do so.

Benefits, Holidays, and Paid Time Off 

It is important for all staff to step away from work to renew themselves. That is why Mongabay provides generous paid time off (PTO) for professional development, holidays, sick time, rest and relaxation, and vacation including a flexible work schedule. 

We observe 11 holidays and support staff who celebrate other personal and religious holidays.  

Equal Employment Opportunity

Mongabay is an equal employment opportunity (EEO)/affirmative action employer and provides EEO to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetics, or any other status prohibited by law.

* The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications. Management reserves the right to change or modify such duties as required. All staff is responsible for following applicable Mongabay policies and procedures as defined by their manager and Employment Handbook.