Réviser la description de poste en français

Founded in 1999, Mongabay is an award-winning environmental science and conservation news organization that publishes original news daily 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 2023, Mongabay launched the Africa bureau to broaden coverage into some of the world’s most diverse biodiverse hotspots and raise awareness about the continent’s environmental challenges. To establish the platform as the go-to source of conservation news on the continent, Mongabay Africa launched a new strategy in the last quarter of 2023. The plan aims to inspire critical players in the conservation space to take action to address Africa’s numerous environmental challenges. Mongabay Africa’s strategy focuses on producing impactful investigations and accountability journalism while adopting a solutions-based approach. To achieve these goals, the strategy includes the development of multimedia products, such as visual and audio storytelling, and expanding into Francophone Africa. The plan acknowledges the vast potential of the African media market and aims to expand by creating relevant journalism for African audiences.

WHAT DOES THE STAFF WRITER DO?

The staff writer is primarily responsible for generating news and feature stories. The staff writer will develop and produce articles working closely with colleagues in the Mongabay’s editorial team to discuss story ideas and coverage plans. This position is expected to both generate story ideas aligned with Mongabay’s editorial priorities and deliver on assignments provided by staff editors. This person should have strong analytical skills and the ability to discern what stories are important and of interest to readers. Extensive knowledge and familiarity with environmental issues and/or forest conservation are strong positives.

KEY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

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

• Work cooperatively with Mongabay editors to produce multiple news reports and/or features per week, consistently of high quality;
• Effectively research and generate story ideas;
• Conduct interviews, phone calls, and/or meetings, and perform other research as needed to gather background for the planning of stories and article series;
• Cultivate sources in the mold of a beat reporter;
• Occasional commissioning and editing of reporting materials or research from freelance journalists;
• Occasional travel for reporting assignments;
• Research, fact-check, and review articles prior to publication;
• Source and/or produce visual content, including photos, videos, charts, and maps;
• Occasional aggregation of news from third-party sources;
• Write, edit, and post stories via Mongabay’s content management system (WordPress);
• Provide other support as needed to ensure content meets Mongabay’s high professionalism, consistency, authenticity, and reliability standards.

STRATEGIC PLANNING & ADMINISTRATION (10% of time)

• Report regularly to the Program Director of Mongabay Africa on progress toward meeting reporting objectives;
• Support editorial planning to reach established goals in the set timeline;
• Collect data on the impacts of stories, including examples of republication for use in grant reports;
• The candidate must be able to work within tight deadlines and be responsive to Mongabay.com headquarters and other Mongabay staffers via email, Asana, Zoom, phone, and messaging platforms.

EXPERIENCE, QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS

• Three or more years of experience working in journalism/editorial/writing required;
• Exceptional fluency in French and English is required for French and English writers, respectively. Proficiency in a second language is desired.Knowledge and familiarity with African conservation and environmental issues, particularly around the Congo Basin and the Sahel.
• Professional experience working in Central or West Africa in a journalism capacity is also preferred;
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills;
• 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 a full-time role and be available during regular business hours;
• Must be based in any part of West or Central Africa

PROFESSIONAL QUALITIES

This position will be critical in the scale-up of Mongabay’s environmental reporting efforts in West and Central Africa. Due to our organization’s culture and global work-at-home staff, the most successful staff at Mongabay are adept at working independently and producing consistent, high-quality journalistic work by taking the 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;
• Fosters positive relationships with journalists and co-partnership media outlets and;
• Demonstrates personal integrity 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, there is no required location for this position (however, we expect the final candidate to be based in West or Central Africa). However, location is a consideration, and the ability to coordinate with colleagues working in diverse time zones is strongly preferred. This position will be filled on a 12-month contract initially. 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

Apply online here. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until filled. On the application, you will be asked to fill out basic contact information, pay rate expectations, and 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 page)
2. Resume – (1-2 pages)
3. Two references

For French writers, applications must be in French (pour la description du poste en français, veuillez cliquer ici); for English writers, in English. Letters of recommendation are not required, and references will not be contacted without your permission.

Benefits, Holidays, and Paid Time Off

All staff need 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, vacation, and a flexible work schedule. We observe 11 holidays and support staff celebrating 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 are responsible for following applicable Mongabay policies and procedures as defined by their manager and Employment Handbook.