Editor-in-Chief 27 views1 application

Reference Number: JKP/ED/ED/03

Projected start date: As soon as possible

Who we are

Jakenn Publishing is the media company of the present and the future of Ethiopia. We bring our passion for reporting and independent journalism to tell the stories which matter in the Ethiopia today and the Ethiopia being shaped for tomorrow.

JaKenn is widely known for its flagship publication and web portal Addis Standard. Started as a magazine in 2011, Addis Standard has evolved into the digital platform of choice for breaking news, analysis, and spell-binding commentary about Ethiopia that establishes understanding of happenings beyond your eyes and ears. One of the most followed media brands in Ethiopia on twitter and a solid web presence that has a firm grip on Ethiopia’s rapid political, economic, and social transformation, Addis Standard provides consumers content worthy of their time and attention.

As a young and dynamic company, JaKenn embodies an emerging multicultural Ethiopia where people are valued for their contribution to the development of a democratic and prosperous country. We understand that this means listening to our consumers, employees, and stakeholders in all processes from product development to execution. We value diversity and make an honest effort at providing an inclusive work environment that supports growth, nurtures innovation, and embraces risk taking.

The Job

As part of its corporate strengthening efforts to standardise, scale platforms, grow audience and deliver content that is independent, factual, and attention-capturing, JaKenn would like to hire an Editor-in-Chief. This position reports to the Managing Editor and will work with other members of the Editorial team including Product Editors, reporters, digital officers, and others.

Role Summary- In a tag of war for narratives among the federal government, regional government, official opposition, special interest groups, and other potential influencers over different issues, you are the person who thinks, asks, and acts “what on earth is going on, where are the facts, how do capture them in the most efficient and cost-effective way, and how/when/where/when do we deliver it to our audience in a way that is worthy of their time and attention”.

Duties and Responsibilities 

• Review, edit, and provide final approval for all content produced by reporters, freelance writers, and guest contributors. These include, but not limited to, articles, photographs, and audiovisual materials like infographs, sound, and video clips.
• Compile high-quality editorials which express and define the editorial stand of Jakenn Publishing PLC after presiding over a thorough deliberation with the entire editorial team and external advisors.
• Lead the in-house training of reporters, product editors, proof readers, and sound/video editors on technical editorial skills and build the knowledge base for contemporary socio-political and socio-economic, and socio-cultural affairs of the country.
• Lead evidence- based consistent brainstorming sessions on political ideologies and programmes of the ruling and opposition political parties
• Develop and implement daily editorial plans on how to provide quick updates on up-to-date topics
• Coach the digital officer and social media curator on assembling releases of daily scoops from state institutions, political parties, civil society, business organisations, media, and other relevant stakeholders;
• Guide, mentor, and monitor product editors to edit, repurpose, and package external information via the websites, newsletters, and social media accounts of Jakenn Publishing;
• Decide on items that need further investigation; and together with product editors, assign reporters accordingly.
• Plan and lead the coverage of special one-time and recurring events in Ethiopia’s political, economic, social, technological, and legal landscape including elections; parliamentary handover at federal and regional state levels; revision of landmark proclamations and regulations; truth and reconciliation; budget submission; strategic international negotiations like the GERD; and others.
• Provide up-to-date regular briefing to the CEO and occasional briefing to Jakenn Board and external stakeholders on salient political, economic, social, technological, and other relevant aspects of the state of Ethiopia as well as its foreign policy, security positions, and economic interests vis a vis the Horn of Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa, North Africa and the Middle East, Europe, Asean, the United States of America, and other emerging geopolitical and economic power centers.

Qualifications

A minimum of Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, Communications, Law, Political Science and International Relations, Economics, Business, and other related degrees that combine current affairs subject matter knowledge with rigorous writing skills from a recognized University with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Master’s degree in any of these and related majors desirable.

Experience and skillset 

• At least five years of progressive editing experience working in a media company with a heavy focus on digital publishing
• A news and current affairs junkie who has their fingertips on “what is going on right now”.
• A strong track record of supervising editorial staff and mentoring junior staff to growth
• A stickler for details and non-compromising on content quality and delivery
• Excellent writing and publishing skills in English and Amharic; ability to communicate in more than one other Ethiopian language is strongly desired.
• Ability to adapt to changes in a fast-growing company and provide solutions to these growing pains
• Ability to put our audience first in every interaction involving the company and always look out for ways to improve audience growth and increase coverage impact using evidence
• Excellent photography, videography, and social media curation skills
• Ability to adapt to and perform well in a multicultural setting composed of people from different backgrounds and strong opinions
• A steadfast commitment to independent journalism and its role in the democratic transition of Ethiopia