Junior Digital Business Writer at The Citizen news

Job Summary

An exciting opportunity for a go-getter with an excellent sense for business news exists as a junior digital business writer in The Citizen’s editorial department.

The ideal candidate will have the opportunity to be at the forefront of daily digital business news gathering and production in South Africa.

Main Responsibilities:

• Identify and write high quality articles on a number of business and financial interests for a wide audience.
• Ensure that content remains relevant to The Citizen’s differing audiences.
• Constantly track performance of written articles and make improvements where necessary.
• Plan, commission and execute multimedia stories with a focus on business, financial interests, personal finance, etc.
• Be the authority on all business, economic and financial developments in South Africa.
• For example, can explain coherently how the repo rate is determined and the role inflation plays.
• Contribute story ideas to other editorial sections. Work with relevant editors to generate business-orientated content for these sections.  
• Utilise analytics to maximise all stories and articles published on citizen.co.za.
• Adhere to Google algorithm requirements and write with SEO and Google search in mind.
• Study and adhere to The Citizen and citizen.co.za’s Voice and Style Guide.

Core Competencies:

Knowledge/Experience

• Matric/Grade 12 qualification or SAQA Accredited Equivalent
• Bachelor’s or higher degree in Journalism or appropriate work experience
• Minimum 2 years’ experience in mainstream journalism, with a proven track record in business news and financial reporting, including a wide range of industries
• Digital newsroom experience advantageous
• Good network of contacts
• Good talent for writing and copy tasting abilities
• Excellent business insight
• Advanced awareness of the media law and current trends

Skills

• Good news gathering skills
• Good computer skills
• Excellent people/interview/communication skills
• Excellent organisational and administrative skills

Attitude

• Ability to work under pressure and at times irregular hours
• News awareness
• Self-motivated
• Deadline driven
• Team player

Other requirements:

• Valid driver’s licence
• Own vehicle
• Solid references
• No criminal record