Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Find, research, investigate and pitch original content and ideas for news, feature and analysis stories around the positive work of schools in South Africa;
• Write quality news and feature articles related to this good news beat, adhering to strict deadlines and News24’s style;
• Break developing events and original reportage when required;
• Create target-market-specific articles and contribute to multi-media content;
• Generate ideas for news and features stories on a daily and weekly basis;
• Adhere to the quality, style and content standards as laid out and required by News24;
• Comply with the requirements of the South African Press Code;
• May be required to assist and support freelance staff and junior permanent staff;
• Proofread articles;
• Generate and liaise with network of contacts to assist with research or completion of articles/features;
• Will be required to take photographs and shoot video;
• Live tweet stories from location as they unfold;
• Secure newsmakers for in-depth interviews on topical issues.

Skills & Competencies:

• A passion for South Africa’s schools and future leaders;
• Proficient in relevant computer software packages and application used in the media field;
• Passion for media, knowledge of current affairs and schools in South Africa;
• Established network of contacts (over and above official spokespersons);
• Strong command of English;
• Creativity;
• Able to work under extreme pressure and to strict deadlines;
• Good time management, the ability to multitask effectively and complete tasks timeously;
• Sound news judgement;
• Knowledge of the online news environment and digital publishing tools, including mobile video and photos;
• Knowledge of social media;
• Detail orientation;
• Good people skills;
• Quality orientation and the ability to deliver clean copy;
• Good decision-making abilities;
• Persistence and results orientated;
• Strong questioning and listening skills;
• The ability to work independently;
• Resilient.

Minimum Requirements: 

• Diploma or degree in journalism, languages, politics or media studies;
• Experience writing for an online or wire news operation, or mainstream newspaper, magazine or a broadcast news service;
• At least 1-3 years’ experience;
• Preferred would be some experience in producing multi-media content;
• Good general knowledge;
• Insightful knowledge of South Africa’s socio-political landscape;
• Knowledge of topical issues and current affairs;
• Demonstrable network of contacts and a portfolio of work;
• Valid driver’s licence.1