Editor on the MENA English desk, Nicosia

THE JOB

The English desk in Nicosia is seeking an experienced journalist to join the editing team for the Middle East and North Africa.

You will check and sub copy filed in English from across the MENA region and translate copy from French and/or Arabic, coordinating with other desks to ensure matching coverage in different languages and platforms.

You may also be called on to travel throughout the region on short notice to reinforce bureaus, and outside the region to help with Middle East-related stories.

You must be able to integrate quickly into a busy desk of 10 people that handles a large volume of breaking news under pressure, as Nicosia is frequently dealing with the top two or three global news stories of the day.

You will ensure the credibility and reliability of our coverage as well as respect for the agency’s editorial guidelines.

You will have a keen eye for the visual and multimedia aspects of coverage and closely coordinate with the photo, video and graphics departments.

You will ensure the optimal use of Iris360, to plan coverage and link content to event numbers and that Iris360.

You should be familiar with the issues involved in handling user generated content and AFP’s guidelines concerning the use of UGC.

You will closely monitor social media and strictly adhere to the Agency's guidelines on social media activity.

You will contribute to the fight against misinformation by helping factcheckers in the network and ensure you are trained in the various methods of online verification, now indispensable for all journalism. Online training is available here.

As a general rule, you commit to respecting AFP's ethics charter as well as all the editorial guidelines in force and in the Agency's style guide.

You must be ready to work a wide range of hours, including early mornings and late nights, as well as weekends.

In an ever-changing media environment, the nature of the job could evolve in line with coverage demands and the requirements of an increasingly diverse client base.

SKILLS REQUIRED

Strong writing skills are essential as well as experience editing copy

Excellent news judgement

English is the working language. Excellent knowledge of French and preferably also good Arabic

Experience of working in the Middle East and knowledge of the region is a plus

Ability to communicate calmly and effectively with colleagues in bureaus under pressure 

APPLICATION

To apply, email hrm.MENA@afp.com a CV and a cover letter in English explaining your motivation and suitability for the role. 

AFP is committed to equal opportunities and greater diversity within its teams. We therefore encourage all applications in order to preserve the wealth of profiles, cultures and languages that constitute the strength of our network.