Assistant Director: News Services (Senior Reporter)

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.

Key Responsibilities

The successful candidate will be responsible for initiating, researching, developing and producing news and feature content for SAnews.gov.za and 28 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.

How to Apply

Enquiries

Ms Roze Britz Tel No: (012) 473 0263

Notes

In line with the Directive on the Professionalisation of Human Resource Management and Development in Public Service, all shortlisted candidates will undertake a pre-entry practical exercise as part of the assessment method to determine their suitability based on the technical and generic requirements of the post. Please detail courses passed in the CV as per the academic transcript. This post will be filled by a suitably qualified candidate whose appointment will assist the department in achieving its Employment Equity targets in terms of the Department’s Employment Equity Plan. Preference will be given to coloured and white candidates. Suitably qualified People with disabilities will be given preference regardless of Race or Gender.