Food Security Correspondent

Job posted by: Thomson Reuters Foundation - Fri, 18 Jul 2014

Job Details:

Organisation: Thomson Reuters Foundation

Deadline Fri, 8 Aug 2014

Job type: Contract

Location: Italy

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At the Thomson Reuters Foundation we stand for free, independent journalism, human rights, women’s empowerment, and the rule of law. We expose corruption worldwide and play a leading role in the global fight against human trafficking. We use the skills, values, and expertise of Thomson Reuters to run programmes that trigger real change and empower people around the world. We tackle global issues. We achieve lasting impact.

With over 70 staff members around the world and offices in 10 locations across the Americas, Africa, Asia and Europe, the Foundation has quickly become a point of reference in the corporate philanthropic world.

Some of our high profile initiatives include:

  • Independent Journalism - for the past 30 years we have been training journalists and media professional, improving the standards of journalism around the world. We also build platforms for independent journalism like Aswat Masriya, an independent and unbiased political news website launched in Egypt in 2011. 
  • Under-reported stories - our growing team of journalists covers the stories other media won’t cover with an emphasis on humanitarian relief, corruption, women’s rights and climate change. 
  • Free legal assistance – TrustLaw is the world’s leading service providing free legal assistance to NGOs and social enterprise. The network boasts 1,900 members, including 1,500 NGOs and social enterprises, 400 law firms and corporate legal teams, and more than 100,000 lawyers.
  • Trust Women - an influential international conference to take action by putting the rule of law behind women’s rights. Every year Trust Women forges new strategic commitments to help women to know and defend their rights. 

 

THE POSITION

 

We are seeking a talented, high energy journalist, ideally with expertise in food and development issues, to bring to life the human impact of food insecurity and malnutrition, with a focus on innovation and solutions. This correspondent on a one-year contract will be based in Rome as part of the Thomson Reuters Foundation’s award-winning multi-media news team that focuses on under-reported humanitarian issues, climate change, women’s rights and the rule of law. You will work from the Reuters news bureau in Rome.

If you are excited about working for an international news organization and you want to have impact as a journalist, this could be the job for you. This position would suit an experienced journalist who is keen to put his or her energy and expertise into making a real difference. Fluency in English is essential and other languages, particularly Italian, are a strong plus. You will also be comfortable representing the Foundation internally and externally while building relationships with contacts and partners. You will report to the chief climate correspondent at the Foundation.

 

Responsibilities:

  • Research, report and write initiative stories on food insecurity and nutrition and related issues that impact on lives
  •  Mine documents and data to dig out news, spot trends and to add depth to reporting; incorporate graphics and other multimedia formats in storytelling
  • Report breaking news to tight deadlines, conduct exclusive interviews with leading figures in the food field and solicit thought leaders to contribute blogs 
  • Track policy developments in the food field
  • Develop strong sources among policymakers, government officials, development institutions, private sector and non-governmental organizations etc
  • Assist with some web production as assigned.  Generate thematic story packages
  • Build social media presence
  • Other duties as assigned

 

Skills:

  • Inquisitive, self-starter, driven with proven strength in reporting and writing
  • Excellent news judgment, enthusiasm for digging and a strong ability to extract compelling stories away from press releases and reports
  • Highly organised, strong team player, able to share skills and work with reporters remotely
  • Grace under pressure and able to meet deadlines
  • Familiarity with web production preferred and savvy in social media  
  • At least five year’s professional experience as a journalist with a track record of breaking news
  • University degree
  • Experience working in developing world contexts a plus
  • Languages an advantage, especially Italian

The deadline for applications is Aug 8. To apply for this position, send your CV and covering letter describing how you meet the specifications for this role and what you bring to it to laurie.goering@thomsonreuters.com. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted with interviews to be held in the middle of August for a September start.



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