Associate Editor

Okapi Consulting is recruiting a regional deputy editor-in-chief to join its field team in the Lake Chad Basin sub-region. We are looking for a talented, motivated and experienced journalist. The position is based in N’Djamena.

He/She will work with the Regional Editor-in-Chief in leading the editorial content of Radio Ndarason Internationale (RNI).

RNI is a regional radio network broadcasting across the greater Lake Chad Basin region on shortwave and FM in Kanouri, Kanembou and Boudouma. RNI operates studios and broadcast sites in Maiduguri, Nigeria; N’Djamena, Chad; Mora, Cameroon and Diffa, Niger.

Launched and managed by the South Africa-based NGO Okapi Consulting, the RNI network provides a platform that enables the free flow of information across the Lake Chad Basin. This regional network targets the 10 million Kanuri, Kanembou and Boudouma-speaking people affected by the violence of armed groups operating in this area. RNI encourages a constructive dialogue for peace and development in this region. Okapi Consulting is an innovative organization that promotes the role of the media in peacebuilding.

To learn more, visit our websites: www.ndarason.com and: www.okapi.cc

Core responsibilities

The Deputy Editor-in-Chief assists the Regional Editor in managing a team of approximately 100 journalists, producers, correspondents and technicians in Maiduguri, N’Djamena, Mora and Diffa.

He/she will be responsible for the quality of programs and programming, production standards and respect for journalistic formats.

He/she will work closely with the Regional Editor to ensure that the goals and objectives of the project are met. He/she will also work with the Operations and Finance Manager and Human Resources, and will be involved in recruitment, performance management, project management and special programs.

He/she will work under the authority of the Regional Editor-in-Chief and in close collaboration with the editorial teams in Chad, Nigeria, Niger and Cameroon. The position reports to the Regional Editor.

Job description

• In collaboration with the Regional Editor-in-Chief, he/she will manage the editorial teams of the 4 countries in the production of newspapers and programs.
• Lead the day-to-day production of regional news programs and editions
• Select regional content for RNI programs and editions.
• In collaboration with other key staff members, oversees and ensure the quality of RNI program deliverables.
• Liaise with partners in content production
• Initiate new content sharing and production partnerships.
• Innovate in regional programming.
• Work closely with the M&E teams.
• Participate in the creation and writing of content for RNI’s websites (French and English).
• Help improve and expand RNI’s social media presence.

Criteria for the position of Associate Editor

• At least 10 years of journalism experience in the production and management of news and radio news programmes (pre-recorded and live).
• Experience managing reporters/newsrooms/production teams
• Experience working in Africa, particularly in fragile/conflict areas.
• Experience in the fields of basic journalism training and continuing education: editing, digital audio mixing (Cool-editAdobe Audition) of magazines, interviews, reports, debates, )
• Experience in music programming. (Proficiency in program and music programming software is a plus)
• Understanding of budgets and financial controls within an NGO
• Experience working in a large international team operating in multiple countries.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, strong oral and written communication skills.
• He/she must have excellent analytical skills, good reasoning skills, and good judgment.
• He/she must also be able to thrive in a fast-paced, multicultural environment and demonstrate a strong understanding of the specific cultural and social issues in the region.
• He/she must demonstrate an ability to work effectively in an environment with people of diverse skills.
• Written and spoken Fluency in French and English