Health-e News Service is a non-profit news service providing content to a range of mainstream and community newspapers and television stations. In 2010, the service began its OurHealth citizen journalism project, recruiting and training citizen journalists in the National Health Insurance pilot projects around the country. Today, more than 20 citizen journalists report from more than 12 health districts around the country.

Health-e News Service is currently recruiting for the position of Citizen Journalist Editor to work with its team of citizen journalists. The Citizen Journalist Editor will work closely with the OurHealth Project Manager and Health-e News Print Editor to mentor journalists and edit citizen journalist copy to ensure that it is in keeping with Health-e News standards. As part of this, you will be assigned a group of citizen journalists to work with and be responsible for editing their copy.

It is anticipated that this editor will be responsible for editing and, at times, re-writing about 25 stories monthly.

Responsibilities 

• Regularly check a shared folder for copy from citizen journalists
• Provide timely feedback to citizen journalists via email and telephone about submitted stories. This feedback will include advice on sourcing and angles, as well as queries for clarification and advice on angles and continues until the story is complete
• Fact check and edit citizen journalist stories. At times, this may require extensive re-writing
• Ensure that all stories are in line with the South African Press Code
• Track the progress of stories from submission to completion
• Providing a monthly tally of stories submitted to facilitate payment
• Identify stories that may be of interest to mainstream and community outlets
• Be able to seek additional comments on stories that are time-sensitive and of possible interest to Health-e News clients
• Be able to load stories on the website when asked
• Other duties as required

 Qualifications

• At least three years experience as a journalist
• At least one year experience in editing copy
• Familiarity with the South African Press Code
• A passion for journalism and mentoring young journalists
• Ability to work remotely and well within a small team
• Preference will be given to those with proven experience with health reporting.
• Ability to speak SeSotho or an Nguni language, as well as experience with WordPress are added advantages

Applicants are requested to send a CV and a one-page cover letter to editor@health-e.org.za by 5pm on 30 March. Short-listed candidates will be asked to complete a written test.