The New Humanitarian puts independent journalism at the service of the millions of people affected by humanitarian crises around the world. Our on-the-ground reporting informs humanitarian need and response, amplifies the voices of those at the center of crises, and acts as a watchdog to hold the sector accountable to itself, its funders, and the communities it serves.
We were founded as IRIN by the United Nations in 1995, in the wake of the Rwandan genocide, out of the conviction that objective on-the-ground reporting of humanitarian crises could help mitigate or even prevent future disasters of that magnitude. In 2015, we spun off from the UN to become a fully independent nonprofit newsroom, IRIN News, headquartered in Switzerland.
In March, we re-launched as The New Humanitarian, part of our goal to bring our unique reporting to wider audiences at a time when humanitarian crises have never been so global in their repercussions.
We are seeking an editorial assistant with journalism experience to support our reporting on humanitarian crises around the world. You will be the “Swiss army knife” of our small newsroom, using your editing and reporting skills alongside equally sharp organizational and administrative know-how. Duties are a mix of administrative and research tasks, with some opportunity to assist with editing and reporting. This is an ideal role for a recent journalism school graduate with some work experience. Tasks include assisting with day-to-day production, including copy-editing and fact-checking; coordinating calendars, schedules, invoices, and contributor information and contracts; supporting special editorial projects, including the annual 10 Crises to Watch package; carrying out research and reporting for info-graphics and articles; coordinating transcription and translation; contributing to newsletters and other communications; reporting and writing as needed; and offering general administrative support to the executive editor and editorial team.
Main responsibilities
Assist with daily and special projects production, through proofreading, research, fact-checking, and coordination
Update daily and longer-term publication schedules, working with the production and managing editors
Assist with various newsletters, including writing, production, and proofreading
Correct and coordinate audio transcriptions
Coordinate translations
Coordinate communications with contributors, including contracts, invoices, and risk assessments
Update events and other calendars
Undertake research to inform newsroom policies
Update style guide, code of ethics and other newsroom documents, working with the executive and managing editors
Draft and update informational pages on the TNH site for freelancers and others
Write entries for In the News, Cheat Sheet, Roundups and other editorial features
Assist with reporting and research, as needed
Provide general administrative support to the executive editor and editorial team
Profile requirements
Internship or other work experience in a newsroom or media organization
Proven journalistic writing, editing, and fact-checking skills
Experience with Excel, Google Drive, Trello and other standard newsroom and office tools
Knowledge of and attention to journalistic best practices and ethics
Excellent written and spoken English; knowledge of French, Arabic, or other languages is a plus
A global outlook with a proven interest in current events
Organized and detail-oriented
Calm under pressure and happiest working on several projects at once
Comfortable working as part of a remotely based team
MA or equivalent in journalism or comparable work experience
Multimedia and video production skills are a plus, as is knowledge of Photoshop or Illustrator
Work with humanitarian organizations or within humanitarian emergencies is a plus
To Apply
Please send a CV and cover letter explaining your interest in the role and how your prior experience has prepared you to work with The New Humanitarian to APPLY NOW with the subject line Editorial Assitant.
Please also include links to samples of your work. These may include articles and other content you have reported or produced as well as journalistic projects you have contributed to (please specify your contribution, ie videography or copy editing).
Application deadline: 19 April 2020
Due to the high number of applications, applicants who are not selected for interviews will not be notified.
Application deadline: 19 April 2020
Due to the high number of applications, applicants who are not selected for interviews will not be notified.
