We are hiring: Deputy Editor – Spotlight

Spotlight is a South African public health publication that aims to produce compelling, in-depth, public interest health journalism (see online at www.SpotlightNSP.co.za). Spotlight is published by SECTION27 and the Treatment Action Campaign, but is editorially independent and a member of the South African Press Council. Spotlight’s staff are employees of SECTION27.

SECTION27 seeks to employ a Deputy Editor for Spotlight, ideally based in Cape Town, though candidates based elsewhere in South Africa will also be considered. The position provides for significant remote work and some limited travel will be required.

JOB SPECIFICATION

Required qualifications and experience

• At least five years of journalism experience in a mid or senior-level editorial role.
• Substantial experience commissioning and managing journalists.
• An Honours degree or higher in journalism, Communications, or related field.
• Experience in health journalism, experience in the health sector, and experience managing social media accounts and working with online publishing tools will all be advantageous, but are not essential.

Required knowledge and skills

• Excellent writing and editing skills, keen attention to detail, and good editorial judgement.
• Good management skills and Ability to work both as part of a team and independently.
• Ability to understand technical statistical and scientific health information and to communicate it in an accessible manner.
• Knowledge and understanding of the healthcare system, healthcare policy, political context, and the legal framework in South Africa.
• Knowledge and understanding of media ethics, the media landscape, and media regulation in South Africa.
• Knowledge and understanding of online publishing and web analytics.

Language requirements

• Fluency in English, spoken and written, is essential.
• Ability to speak and/or write in one or more of South Africa’s other official languages will be an advantage.

Required personal attributes

• Commitment to upholding high journalistic standards (as set out in the South African Press Code and Spotlight’s Editorial Policy).
• Professionalism, efficiency, and ability to deliver against deadlines.
• Ability to take initiative and the discipline to work independently.
• Attention to detail and an obsession with getting the facts right.
• Good communication skills and kindness.

Duties and responsibilities

• Assist with the planning, commissioning, editing, publishing, and syndication of Spotlight articles.
• Assist with the support, mentorship and management of Spotlight’s freelance journalists, interns, and other contributors.
• Write articles for Spotlight as agreed with the Editor.
• Assist with the management of Spotlight’s social media channels.
• Support the Editor with the ongoing development of Spotlight’s strategy and longer-term planning.
• Support the Editor with budgeting and the effective management of Spotlight’s funds.
• Support the Editor with donor engagements, reporting to donors, and managing Spotlight’s monitoring and evaluation systems.

Please forward your curriculum vitae accompanied by a motivation as to why you are interested in and suitable for the position to applications@section27.org.za by 6 October 2023. Late applications will not be considered, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews.