Africa Editor – French

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 average roughly eight million unique visitors each month, which positions the organization as one of the top sources of environmental news, analysis, information, and inspiration on the Internet.

Mongabay.com is now expanding its coverage of environmental and conservation news in Africa. This new editorial position is focused on publishing French-language reporting on issues relevant to the conservation of Africa’s wildlife and their habitats, development pressures and the activities of natural resource industries, and the impacts of climate change on both ecosystems and communities across the continent. Please see Mongabay’s existing coverage of Africa and on-going reporting projects for examples of relevant topics

WHAT DOES THE AFRICA EDITOR – FRENCH DO?

This position will be responsible for the production of daily news and feature stories in French. The editor will help to grow our team of contributors focused on Africa’s environment, manage assignments, edit articles, and ensure adherence to grant guidelines and reporting expectations. This is a high-profile role with opportunities for valuable professional development. A successful candidate should possess exceptional analytical skills and be able to identify stories that will captivate readers. Additionally, they should have a strong understanding of environmental issues and/or forest conservation.

KEY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

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

Commission, edit, and publish French-language content on topics related to the environment and conservation in Africa, with a special focus on wildlife and natural resource industries in West and Central Africa.
Work cooperatively with Mongabay editors and staff writers to develop and produce story series, arrange field reporting, and publish multiple news and features articles per week, consistently of high quality;
Conduct interviews, phone calls and/or meetings, and perform other research as needed, to gather background for the planning of stories and article series;
Generate pitch requests and assess story proposals from freelance reporters;
Work closely with freelance journalists to manage assignments and editor contributor submissions;
Research, fact-check, and review articles prior to publication;
Source and/or produce visual content including photos, videos, charts, and maps, as needed, for each article produced;
Occasional aggregation of breaking news from third-party sources;
Write, edit and post stories via Mongabay’s content management system (WordPress);
Support editorial and co-publishing partnerships between Mongabay and other French language journalism outlets;
Provide other support as needed to ensure content meets Mongabay’s high standards of professionalism, consistency, authenticity, and reliability.

STRATEGIC PLANNING & ADMINISTRATION (10% of time)

Report regularly to Mongabay’s Africa Program Manager on progress toward meeting reporting objectives;
Support editorial planning to reach established goals in the set timeline;
Collect data on impacts of stories including examples of republication for use in grant reports;
Must be able to work within tight deadlines and be responsive to Mongabay headquarters and to other Mongabay staffers via email, asana, video call, phone, and text.

EXPERIENCE, QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS

Three or more years of experience working in journalism / editorial /writing is required.
Exceptional fluency (writing and speaking) in French is required, English language fluency is viewed favorably but not necessary.
Knowledge and familiarity with conservation and environmental issues is required, and an understanding of agribusiness and extractive industry impacts on deforestation, biodiversity, rural communities, and climate change is preferred.
Professional experience working with media outlets in Africa is preferred.
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills vital.
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.
Reliable access to high-speed Internet is required.
Must be willing to commit to full-time role (40 hours per week) and available during regular business hours.
Full-time residents of an African country are strongly preferred.

PROFESSIONAL QUALITIES

This position will play a critical role in the scale-up of Mongabay’s environmental reporting efforts in Africa. 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;
Is required to demonstrate 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;
Considers risks carefully and takes actions to mitigate them;
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;
Fosters positive relationships with journalists and co-partnership media outlets and;
Demonstrates personal integrity and ability to maintain confidentiality.

COMPENSATION & LOCATION

As a globally distributed organization, there is no required location for this position. However, location is a consideration and an 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

WE ARE NO LONGER ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR THIS POSITION. The deadline for applications is November 3, 2023. 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:

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)
Resume – (1-2 pages)
Two references

Pour la description du poste en français, veuillez cliquer ici. Applications may be submitted in either French or 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.