Journalist, Sofia Bureau

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)