Deadline: 20 April 2011
Location: Johannesburg
VACANCY : MANAGING EDITOR
Behind the Mask is a media NGO that publishes news about lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) people’s affairs in Africa. Through journalism and activism, BTM provides reliable information and initiates dialogue about LGBTI issues in Africa to ensure that human rights are recognised as indivisible and are guaranteed for everyone.
Behind the Mask is looking for a Managing Editor for its news website covering lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) affairs in Africa.
Managing Editor Duties:
* Edit news covered by Behind the Mask’s reporters in the newsroom, correspondents and citizen journalists throughout the African continent
* Commission LGBTI related news to reporters, correspondents and citizen journalists for publishing on Behind the Mask’s website
* Manage and mentor a team of reporters, correspondents and citizen journalists ensuring that they meet deadlines and that their writing style meets BTM’s standards
* Coordinate media related and other organizational projects; managing people, budgets, time and resources
* Ongoing training of partner organisations, constituencies and other stakeholders on journalism skills, communication and advocacy strategies
* Write weekly editorials, comments and frame polls for publishing on Behind the Mask’s website
* Create a style guide for BTM’s reporters, correspondents and citizen journalists that ensures that media laws are adhered to and that the safety of Behind the Mask’s sources is respected and enforced
* Presentations at sector related events as requested by the Director
* Interact with local, national and international media in order to mainstream LGBTI news
* Represent Behind the Mask in meetings, conferences and other important events as requested by the Director
* Edit and design Behind the Mask’s quarterly newsletter and other printed publications
Requirements:
* National Diploma/ Degree in Journalism, Media Studies or any other related fields
* Fluency in Internet research, Microsoft Word, Power Point, Publisher, Outlook and Photo Editor for email, writing/editing and design purposes
* At least 5 years editing experience preferably for online media coupled with people and project management skills
* Thorough knowledge of LGBTI issues in Africa and internationally
* Thorough understanding of media laws, in different African countries and ability to enforce them in the articles produced by Behind the Mask
* Sound understanding of the Human Rights sector in Africa and internationally
* Understanding of how the Print, Broadcast, and Online media operate in Africa and internationally
* Knowledge of laws/policies related to the LGBTI sector in Africa and internationally
* Good interpersonal skills with ability to adapt well in different situations
* Willingness to travel, sometimes at short notice, locally, regionally and internationallyAfrican LGBTI people are encouraged to apply
To apply please send a one page motivation letter and not more than three pages CV to director@mask.org.za
Closing Date: 20 April 2011
Contact Information:
For inquiries: Thuli Madi, +27 11 403 5566, director@mask.org.za
For submissions: Thuli Madi, +27 11 403 5566, director@mask.org.za
Website: http://www.mask.org.za/