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Journalist, Sofia Bureau

Open until suitable candidate is identified

Please quote vacancy number: BLGB025-2201


RFE/RL Journalists initiate, prepare, produce, and deliver wide variety of journalistic material on multiple platforms (Radio, TV, online, social media, printed…) as assigned, relevant to the target audience and to RFE/RL mission, adhering to and striving to exceed RFE/RL content quality standard. RFE/RL journalistic jobs are versatile and cover wide range of tasks and activities. Employees may need to acquire knowledge of and focus on different areas for their assignments or projects while in the same job and while being flexible in terms of time and location. Versatility and ability to flexibly respond to challenges of the fast changing world while maintaining the integrity and recognized quality of RFE/RL journalism are key to success for both RFE/RL and its employees.

 

RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Creates original content on a wide variety of topics and issues, from bulletins and dispatches to features and analyses for relevant platforms. If editor of a program, prepares running order. Adapts content as necessary. Translates according to the language proficiency.
  • Works as field correspondent and reporter on assignment, determining focus of reports.
  • Conducts interviews in the studio, by telephone, or in the field.
  • Moderates, delivers live, blogs, records, contributes, inputs online, shots photos and video as required, coordinates other staff, sound and camera crews as necessary.
  • Produces live, recorded, online, printed, etc. content, as appropriate, using the available techniques, operates relevant technologies, tools and computer equipment, and/or directs specialists or other involved staff if assigned.
  • Maintains up–to–date familiarity with political, economic, and social developments in and related to the target area. Briefs himself/herself on latest news and issues prior to starting work day.
  • Researches material and selects reliable information from a varied range of reputable sources.
  • Keeps deadlines and strives to meet or exceed RFE/RL standards for the quality of the output.
  • Adheres to RFE/RL editorial standards at all times and takes editorial responsibility for all own material.
  • Actively participates in program feedback sessions.
  • Is expected to regularly suggest viable coverage ideas and to contribute to program planning.
  • May act as an editor responsible for an output segment, e.g. radio or TV program or program stream, website, blog, newspaper, etc., as appropriate for the given platform and as applicable. Commissions, selects, and edits the relevant material.
  • May be required to assume responsibility for program/organization unit budget.
  • Expected to explore innovative angles for coverage, ensuring relevance for the audience.
  • Takes part, as required, in programs by local media and develops contacts for both journalistic work and RFE/RL reputation.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

  • Combination of education and experience
  • Journalism or related field MA - Master degree (Mandatory)

 

Work Experience:

  • Experience as a journalist. 5-8 years (Mandatory)
  • Good familiarity with political, economic, and social situations in the broadcast area as well as with regional and international affairs.

 

Competencies:

  • Ability to provide basic coaching to junior staff when required.
  • Able to effectively use all RFE/RL content management system options - capable of posting and editing text and photos, making photo galleries, posting videos, program scheduling, and of basic Internet TV operation.
  • Contributes to maintaining a positive working environment. Proactively provides support within and outside own team.
  • Has an understanding or RFE/RL mission and broadcast area targets.
  • Intermediate level of English. Reliably translates current affairs texts from English into native language.
  • Possesses comprehensive content creation skills and requires minimal editing and editorial supervision. Has developed a network of original sources and cultivated one or more specific beats, in addition to being capable of all-round reporting and writing.
  • Proven abilities in multiple platforms and media, good knowledge of other media and platforms.
  • Seeks opportunities for professional development both in terms of challenging assignments and in training.
  • Sound editorial judgment. Ability to edit work of others and to take responsibility for an output segment.
  • Willingness and ability to learn and to work with audio and video equipment, word processing tools, information research tools and new technologies and media platforms as well as to acquire or enhance the knowledge of journalistic practices relevant to the assignment.

 

Languages:

  • Broadcast region language Native (Mandatory)
  • English language Working Knowledge Oral+Written (Mandatory)

 

 

Should you be interested in this position please apply by submitting your CV and a cover letter in English.

Apply Now

Salaries for employees in RFE/RL's broadcast regions are competitive, based on prevailing local conditions. Employee benefits in RFE/RL's broadcast regions are in accordance with the local labor law specific to the country.
Note: In response to changing operational requirements, RFE/RL retains the discretion not to make an appointment, or to modify the job specifications for a particular vacancy.


Privacy Notice for RFE/RL Job Applicants RFE/RL, Inc. is a private, nonprofit corporation funded by a grant from the U.S. Congress through the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM). Due to RFE/RL’s special character, the countries in which RFE/RL operates, and the type of work RFE/RL performs, it is RFE/RL's obligation to verify the accuracy of information provided by each applicant in order to ensure the safety and security of our employees and workplace. RFE/RL must ensure that everybody who advances to the final stage of the selection process for a position at RFE/RL and who wishes to enter into an employment relationship with RFE/RL must undergo pre-employment background check

With respect to the above, RFE/RL informs you, as an applicant, that your employment at RFE/RL is contingent on the successful completion of pre-employment check.

Therefore after your acceptance of RFE/RL‘s offer letter, you will be subject of pre-employment check (performed by external Czech entity). Detailed information about collection and processing of your personal data in this matter will be provided to you together with the offer letter.

Privacy Notice for RFE/RL Internship or Fellowship Applicants.

The process described above largely applies to applicants for internships and fellowships as well – simply replace the word “employment” with “internship” or “fellowship” as applicable.

Who we are ...

Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) is an international news organization headquartered in Prague, Czech Republic and Washington, D.C., with 21 bureaus throughout Russia, Central Asia, Afghanistan, and Central and Eastern Europe. Reporting in 27 languages across 23 countries, RFE/RL is one of the most comprehensive news operations in the world, providing responsibly reported, fact-based news in countries where media freedoms are under threat or banned outright. From Iran and Pakistan to Hungary, Ukraine, and Azerbaijan, RFE/RL journalists give audiences what they can't always get from their own local media: uncensored information and open debate. Reporting via digital, TV, and radio platforms, RFE/RL has a measured weekly reach of 38.1 million people. A private nonprofit, RFE/RL is funded by the U.S. Congress through the U.S. Agency for Global Media. RFE/RL's editorial independence is protected by U.S. law.

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RFE/RL is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. Positions at RFE/RL are considered Public Trust Positions, with appointment contingent upon the positive outcome of a background investigation.

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