Starting date: May 1, 2019

Deadline for applications: March 8, 2019

Location: Addis Ababa, Africa region

 

The job

The Addis Ababa bureau is a key component of AFP's Africa and global network, with the correspondent responsible for the coverage of the continent's second-most populous country and the headquarters of the African Union.

Working under the supervision of the Nairobi bureau, you will be expected to provide a strong and lively file on both Ethiopia and pan-African issues at the AU. You need to be a self-starter and have a talent for writing on a range of issues – from Ethiopia's booming economy and fresh political reforms to its rich cultural heritage and sporting greats.

On the AU, in addition to following the organisation's regular summits and meetings, Addis Ababa is also an ideal dateline for writing engaging focus stories and analyses on wider African security, economic and social issues.

You will work from an office well situated in the center of Addis, and from there you will coordinate your work with our photo and video local correspondents, and with the Nairobi office.

You should have a keen eye for the visual and multimedia aspect of coverage and closely coordinate with the photo, video and graphics departments. It is important to stress that all AFP journalists contribute to AFP’s newsgathering process in all formats, working for the common goal of reacting and high quality multimedia journalism. We do not work by silo or by product. Text journalists may write for the wire, but their journalism is vital for video dopesheets, picture captions and graphics. Our visual journalists also play a significant role in the gathering of information for the text wires. He/she will contribute on a voluntary basis to AFP’s presence on social media.

When available and when asked by the Nairobi regional office, you must also be ready to edit copy from other parts of the East Africa region covered by Nairobi, and to conduct reporting assignments in other parts of the East Africa region covered by Nairobi.

You can be asked to come and work for short spells at the Nairobi office, for training or reinforcement purposes. The cost of such assignments will be covered by the Nairobi bureau.

You are also expected to contribute to coverage on Eritrea and Djibouti.

Priority will be given to native English-speaking journalist for this position.

You must ensure the reliability of our news coverage and respect for the agency's editorial policy.

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

It is important to stress that all AFP journalists contribute to AFP’s newsgathering process in all formats, working for the common goal of reacting and high quality multimedia journalism. We do not work by silo or by product. Text journalists may write for the wire, but their journalism is vital for video dopesheets, picture captions and graphics. Our visual journalists also play a significant role in the gathering of information for the text wires.

Use of social media (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram) and networking apps is essential, in accordance with the guidelines for using social networks as an AFP journalist. You are also encouraged to support the development of new formats, including close collaboration with AFP’s fact-checking journalists

Applicants need to demonstrate an ability to work under pressure and be available to work evenings and weekends when necessary.

 

The profile

A high quality of writing is essential

Experience of covering situations such as riots/crowd disturbances and conflicts would also be useful. Hostile environment training would be a plus

Strong English writing skills to produce concise news copy, compelling focus/analysis pieces and lively features;

A good knowledge of French is highly desirable;

Solid news judgment, the energy and drive to work in a high-pressure environment, and the initiative to generate stories and uncover interesting angles.

Video shooting and editing skills a plus.

 

Life in Addis Ababa

Addis is sunny and mild nearly year round with no danger of malaria as it is situated at 2,500 meters altitude. With low levels of crime and several international schools it is fine for families.

The rapidly developing city of 4-5 million inhabitants has numerous quality cafes and restaurants, but not a lot of western-style entertainments (movie, theatre). The AFP bureau is well-situated in the Kazanches business district, and not far from the suburb of Bole where many expats live.

Cost of living is relatively high, but Western grocery products can generally be found in several supermarkets. Internet access can be slow and costly.

Africa’s oldest independent nations is also one of its most culturally rich, and there are plenty of interesting reporting opportunities around the country, while its status as the headquarters of the African Union allows the correspondent to follow the continent’s most pressing issues.

Ethiopian Airlines offers easy and affordable connections to foreign cities.

 

The Nairobi bureau

The Nairobi bureau is in charge of 12 countries: Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Ethiopia, Eritrea, South Sudan, Djibouti, Somalia, the Seychelles and Mauritius.

Under the authority of the bureau chief and his deputy are working two French speaking journalists, one English speaking journalist, a regional photo coordinator, a regional video coordinator and a video journalist, and many text, photo and video stringers.

The bureau’s non editorial staff comprises a technician, an administrator and his deputy, a commercial representative.

 

Contacts

For further details on the position, contractual conditions and life in Addis Ababa, please contact Nairobi bureau chief [email protected].

Formal applications may be addressed to:

Nairobi bureau chief: [email protected]

Africa editor in chief: [email protected]

Africa director: [email protected]