Vacancy Announcement: West Africa Correspondents
Global South Development Magazine (GSDM) is an exciting, citizen journalism and volunteer driven quarterly publication.
We are learning, writing and growing. We need you to help take us to the next level. We are currently looking for volunteer correspondents to cover West Africa (on the ground or remotely). This is a unique opportunity for passionate and driven individuals to gain invaluable development journalism experience, while building their writing, editing and social media skills. The positions are flexible as the correspondents dictate their own workload (minimum a few hours a month). The experience will be a great reference on your CV, will give you a voice and an outlet for your thoughts, and will afford you the freedom you need to get your creative juices flowing.
The countries that fall under the responsibility of the West Africa Editor are Congo-Brazzaville, Cote D’Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone and Togo.
Candidates who are interested in specific issues can apply to be Special Correspondents for the West Africa region. Issues include but are not limited to: gender, economic development, health, education, politics and corruption, conflict and transition to peace, GLBT rights, agriculture and food security, children and youth, theoretical perspective, private sector development, disability, etc.
Duties
- Contribute at least two articles (typically around 800-1200 words) per year, to the quarterly magazine.
- Contribute ad hoc articles for the magazine website (www.gsdmagazine.org).
- Help spread the word via social media when articles are published.
- Actively provide ideas for strategy/growth (especially candidates interested in future positions of more responsibility with GSDM).
- Help with fact checking and editorial duties (for candidates who express interest in building editorial skills)
Person specifications:
- A college degree, or relevant professional experience.
- Very good English writing skills.
- Fluency in French or Portuguese (any other relevant language skills highly meriting).
- A strong connection and background to the country/issue for which you apply or be able to clearly articulate why you are looking to cover the country/issue and why you would be a strong candidate for doing so.
- Preferably a current resident of the West Africa region (albeit remote contributors are also welcome).
- A strong interest in international development issues and the global south in general.
- A highly motivated individual willing and able to actively contribute to the future of the magazine.
To apply, please email edvin.arnby@gmail.com with the following:
- A short CV/Resume (max 2 pages)
- A one-page cover letter outlining how you meet the criteria for the role, be it as country correspondent and/or issue of your choice. Please list three different countries/issues in preference order.
- A writing sample (around 1000 words) of an original, unpublished article that discusses a development theory, issue, or news, tells a development story, or gives your own opinion on a general development topic on a country/issue of your choice. If successful, this piece can act as your first contribution to the magazine.
For inspiration, please look through the GSDM website:
http://gsdmagazine.org
There are several positions open and recruitment will continue until they are filled. Early applications are advisable to avoid disappointment.
Any queries about the position(s) should be directed to Regional Editor Edvin Arnby-Machata at edvin.arnby@gmail.com.
Candidates interested in GSDM positions in other parts of the world should email Assistant Editor Ioulia Fenton on iouliafenton@gmail.com for details.
