Who we are
Semafor is a global news platform for an increasingly complex world in which consumers are overwhelmed by too many news sources and unsure what to trust. We are building Semafor to enable world-class journalists to deliver reporting and insights with rigor in journalistic forms that ensure a new level of transparency. Our editors and reporters distill the most important stories from all over in formats that uncover the forces shaping the stories, explain the interests behind polarizing narratives, and replenish the stock of shared facts. As a global platform, Semafor recognizes that smart people can disagree and that informed readers need to understand alternative points of view from competing centers of power and culture in a multi-polar world. Want to join us? Read on.
About this Role
We're seeking an ambitious reporter in a full-time contract position to cover southern Africa with a particular focus on South Africa. The ideal candidate will have the instincts and sources to provide distinctive coverage of politics, business, economics, science, and technology, delivering a steady stream of exclusives and deep insights.
The Johannesburg-based role requires a self-starter with a deep knowledge of a range of issues, from the ANC's internal factions to the business trends that underpin Africa's most developed economy. Maintaining high level sources among key politicians, policymakers, academic, and business leaders will be key. The reporter must have a passion for scoops along with the ability to tell stories clearly and quickly. The successful candidate will be part of a team delivering regular insights to Semafor’s audience through our newsletters, the web, video, and in-person events. They will report to the editor and managing editor of Semafor Africa.
Your Responsibilities
- Cover regional politics, business and economic news daily with exclusives and insights
- Cultivate sources that will enable the regular reporting of scoops
- Have an ability to write quickly and accurately with valuable insights for both a southern African and global audience
- Collaborate closely with the video and events team to work seamlessly across all Semafor platforms
What makes you qualified
- 5+ years of relevant journalism experience
- The ability to quickly understand and concisely summarize information on a broad range of topics with tight deadlines
- Proven understanding of how stories spread online, and experience writing for large online audiences
- A strategic, sophisticated approach to identifying breaking news across different issues, storylines, and geographies and an ability to connect on wider pan-African trends
- A broad reading list across conventional and unconventional sources
- Eagerness to be part of a dynamic work environment demanding initiative, flexibility, and a willingness to jump in wherever needed to help the team succeed
What might give you an edge
- Local language skills and/or Portuguese.
- Share three *very* short ideas/proposals for stories or publishing approaches that you think would help a new publication like Semafor Africa stand apart in a crowded market
- Stellar business/economic/demographic data skills
This is a contract role and pay is based on several factors including but not limited to education, work experience, certifications, etc.
Please submit your application by Sept 7, 2022.
Additional job details
Comprehensive employee benefits: unlimited PTO, medical, dental, vision, short & long-term disability, flexible spending, health savings accounts, life insurance, 401(k), pre-Tax commuter benefits. (Benefits programs vary by country and are subject to eligibility requirements)
Semafor, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and enthusiastically encourages people from all backgrounds and experiences to apply. Semafor, Inc. will consider all applicants without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, physical and/or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, age, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law
What We Do
The world’s first news platform designed to meet the moment we are in. Providing an unparalleled level of journalistic transparency, cutting through the noise of the news cycle with smart, distilled views and exploring competing perspectives across borders for a curious, global audience.
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