News Editor: Parliament (12736) at The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC)

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Coordinate and provide Parliament coverage for SABC News.
• Plan, manage, coordinate and assign for the coverage of all activities in Parliament and related stories for the News and Current Affairs division.
• Brief and de-brief political journalists on coverage of stories.
• Avail Parliament content to programmes across platforms
• Brief and de-briefing reporters, overseeing and fine-tuning scripts and packages.
• Responsible for the final control of all Parliament content quality  
• Advise producers on Parliament stories on all platforms
• Compile, manage and oversee the utilisation of business unit budget cost effectively
• Introduce and implement corrective measures to ensure financial discipline and accountability
• Consult with Divisional Finance to determine budget requirements.
• Manage and authorize payment for all the logistical services, travel arrangements, outside broadcasts, over time, independent contractors (freelancers) and additional work contracts etc.
• To ensure that all stories are fair, balanced, accurate, and adhere the SABC Editorial Code.
• Compliance with broadcasting act and all related regulatory frameworks and legislative requirements.
• Compliance to all related policies and Standard Operating Procedures (SOP).
• Develop and maintain constructive and effective relationships with all stakeholders.
• To liaise and maintain close contact with all players in the economics space, business, government officials and foreign embassies as well as NGOs, Parliament, and legislatures.
• Communication with other specialist desks, News/Current Affairs editors and all relevant SABC platforms
• Contract and manage the SABC’s Performance Management System with the team in accordance with the organizational policies and procedures.
• Allocate responsibilities and scheduling of teams.
• Manage available staff and ensure fair and balanced distribution of work. 
• Coach, mentor and develop team members
• Provide input into adequate staffing, succession planning and effective leadership.
• Provide input on attracting, retaining and rewarding staff.
• Manage employee relations to ensure conducive and productive working environment. 
• Communicate effectively  with teams

REQUIREMENTS: 

• Bachelor’s Degree Journalism and/or political science or equivalent relevant qualification
• Honours in journalism and/or political science or equivalent relevant qualification
• 8 years’ experience in news and current affairs of which 3 should be at management level. 
• Proven work experience as a journalist and thorough understanding of the country’s legislative landscape
• Portfolio of published articles or newscasts
• Outstanding writing skills and ability to report on research findings clearly
• Historical and current knowledge of Parliament processes
• Up-to-date knowledge of political issues, structures and legislation
• Full understanding of the broadcast and digital environment
• Understanding of the complexities of South African politics and legislation
• Computer literate is essential (MS Word, Excel, and Outlook)
• Excellent communication (verbal and written)
• Good, credible and reliable professional network
• Must also have an active and trusted social media presence
• Proven track record of producing editorial content for digital platforms 
• A good, clear broadcasting voice, creative story treatment and storytelling skills 
• Knowledge of PFMA and other relevant legislative prescripts