Editorial Consultant 32 views

Reference Number: NA

Projected start date:  1^st May 2021

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 Ethiopia today and 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 spellbinding 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 Role

As an integral part of its growth and in line with evolving market, corporate development, and industry needs; JaKenn would like to contract an editorial consultant to produce editorial corporate documents; coach editorial senior leaders and newsroom members including journalists and social media curators; and project manage the editorial transformation of Jakenn Publishing PLC. This position reports to the CEO and will have a mix of part-time and work from home options.

Duties and Responsibilities 

Production of Institutional Documents (60%)

The consultant, in collaboration with the CEO, Managing Editor, and Product Editors, will provide or produce the following important institutional documents for Jakenn Publishing including:

• Editorial and Content Strategy
• Revise the Editorial Policy of Addis Standard
• Detailed Editorial Philosophy and Standards Handbook
• Reporters Handbook
• Editorial Operations Manual for Jakenn Publishing
• Synchronized Editorial Style guide for Addis Standard print, online and digital Product

Coaching of Senior Leaders (25%)

• Coach the Managing Editor and Editors to implement the editorial and content strategy of Jakenn by attending meetings one day per week at the office
• Provide coaching assignments, follow-up, and report progress and course correction to CEO

Monitoring and Evaluation (15%)

• Setup a monitoring and evaluation structure for the performance of the Editorial Department
• Coach and transfer the practice knowledge to other senior leaders

Qualifications

• A minimum of Masters degree in Journalism, Mass Communication, and/or related degrees that combine communication/journalism with a management or law background from a recognised University with a GPA of 3.0 or higher.

Experience and skillset

• At least five years journalism experience and demonstrated editorial leadership experience in a newsroom.
• Exceptional writing and editing skills, with good understanding of editorial practices, writing and editing requirements in a busy newsroom in English and preferable one or two more local languages in Ethiopia 
• Exceptional understanding of the delicate nature of Ethiopia as a multinational state home to different nations and nationalities whose stories should be treated on fair bases
• An excellent entertainer, amplifier, and promoter of the discourse in media studies as it relates to cross-functional elements like political economy, political ideology, corporate interests, and development studies.
• Experience working in a very deadline driven environment;
• Strong interpersonal skills & communication skills;
• Very strong analytical skills;
• Ability to think strategically and execute with efficiency
• Ability to adapt to and perform well in a multicultural setting composed of people from different backgrounds and strong opinions