Assistant Director: News Services (senior Reporter)
Retail
Minimum Requirements
- Applicants must be in possession of a National Diploma (NQF Level 6) as recognised by SAQA in Journalism, Communication or an equivalent related qualification.
- At least three (3) years’ journalistic experience in print, broadcast and/or digital media, which one (1) year should be on salary level seven (7), eight (8) or equivalent supervisory level.
- Applicants must be computer literate, with sound working knowledge of Microsoft Word, email, internet-based research and digital content tools used for writing, editing, content filing and online publishing.
- Applicants must have sound knowledge of government policies and programmes, government communication, current affairs and the broader South African media environment.
- Applicants must be news-driven journalism professionals with strong editorial judgement and research skills.
- Applicants must have excellent English writing skills.
- He/she must be able to write accurate, clear and engaging news articles and feature stories for online platforms.
- He/she must also be able to produce or support the production of basic multimedia content, including photographs, short videos and other digital material suitable for digital platforms.
- Applicants must have knowledge of social media, digital publishing, online audience needs and multimedia storytelling.
- Applicants must have excellent interviewing skills, the confidence to interview senior and high-profile government officials, and the ability to process complex information, analyse the communication environment and generate original story ideas linked to government priorities and public interest.
- Good interpersonal, teamwork and communication skills are essential.
- Applicants must be willing to accept editorial guidance, coaching and mentoring.
- They must be able to work under pressure, meet deadlines, and be flexible and available to work after hours, including evenings, weekends and public holidays, when required.
- Applicants must also be available to travel, sometimes at short notice.
- A valid driver’s licence is essential.
- Proficiency in two official South African languages will be an added advantage.
Responsibilities
- The successful candidate will be responsible for initiating, researching, developing and producing news and feature content for SAnews.gov.za and other GCIS platforms.
- This will include attending government briefings, media events and official programmes locally and across the country; conducting research and interviews; writing accurate and balanced government news stories; producing multimedia content; filing content under tight deadlines; and contributing to digital platforms through text, photographs and videos.
- The role will require the use of relevant digital reporting, content production and publishing tools in the performance of duties, in line with departmental policies and available resources.
- The successful candidate will also be expected to maintain strong working relationships with other government communicators and relevant stakeholders and contribute to the effective positioning of SAnews as a credible government news agency.
