Journalists For Justice (JFJ) is a non-profit organisation working to advance improved African journalistic capacity for social justice causes and accountability through training and effective online platforms and social media engagement. Its vision is to lead in transforming how citizens see, understand, and define justice by providing them with reliable and usable information about how global justice systems work in seeking justice for victims of atrocity crimes, and catalysing their agency to demand accountability.

Job Description

JFJ is seeking the services of a Senior Reporter in The Gambia to produce news and feature stories, as well as news analysis and commentaries, for its websites, especially The Victims’ Bantaba (https://www.thevictimsbantaba.org/) and social media platforms for one year.

The Senior Reporter will cover events and functions with a special focus on the ongoing transitional justice processes in The Gambia, and which are also of relevance to the organisation’s field of operation.

He/she will follow news reports on the local transitional justice processes and international news and developments about The Gambia, and develop well-researched related reports.

Duties and Responsibilities

• The ideal candidate will be passionate about promoting social justice and human rights, and harnessing the power of modern communications and media to help accomplish these goals. He/she will have excellent journalistic skills, and a good understanding of the concept of specialised writing focusing on human rights, justice, and related topics.
• The stories will have a special focus on the transitional justice processes currently going on in The Gambia, with emphasis on issues that are important to victims, including human rights, truth, justice, and accountability.

This means that the Senior Reporter will be on the lookout for news and stories on areas that align with JFJ’s interests, which include human rights; justice; accountability; the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission and all issues surrounding its work, report, and recommendations; reparations; and victims. This will require good analytical and research skills.

• The Senior Reporter will write news and feature stories, as well as news analyses, with emphasis on human rights, justice, accountability, and the transitional justice process.
• He/she will also produce visuals (photos and short videos of selected events) to help illustrate the stories and also draw readers and viewers to JFJ’s social media platforms.

Requirements

• University degree or diploma in English, communications studies, journalism, or a related field, with relevant experience in news and feature reporting and writing.
• Strong command of the English language.
• Excellent communication and writing skills.
• In-depth knowledge of the journalistic/publication process and best practices.
• Ability to multi-task and work well under pressure.
• Proven writing and research experience, preferably in a similar role.
• A team player with exceptional communication skills.
• Attentive to detail.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Capacity to work on multiple writing projects simultaneously.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should email their letter of interest, two names and contacts of referees or letters of reference, and a brief sample of their unedited writing (600-800 words) to info@jfjustice.net and jfjusticejobs@gmail.com not later than April 10, 2022 5pm EAT.

Please specify the position you are applying for (Senior Writer – The Gambia) in the ‘subject’ line of your email.