Reuters has announced the launch of the Reuters News Accelerator Program (RNAP), an innovative initiative designed to integrate talented local journalists into its global newsroom while accelerating their professional development. The program aims to nurture a diverse cohort of journalists, starting with participants from sub-Saharan Africa and intends to expand its focus to different regions annually.
RNAP offers a comprehensive experience, combining coaching, hands-on learning and mentorship. Participants will acquire cutting-edge skills in multimedia storytelling and data journalism while gaining in-depth knowledge of key global issues, such as politics, finance and business. The program also emphasizes the importance of expert guidance from seasoned Reuters professionals and aims to prepare journalists for leadership roles within the industry.
In conjunction with RNAP, Reuters is actively seeking a dynamic and experienced Chief Correspondent for Nigeria, the continent’s most populous nation and largest economy. This role, based in either Lagos or Abuja, involves producing compelling multimedia content tailored for a global audience, particularly investors and industry professionals.
The Chief Correspondent will lead by delivering exclusive news and engaging human-interest stories while collaborating with colleagues across Africa and globally. Candidates are expected to have a minimum of eight years of journalistic experience, exceptional writing and collaboration skills and a deep understanding of current affairs in Nigeria. The position offers an opportunity to significantly impact the coverage of vital economic, political and cultural topics in the region.
About Reuters
Founded in 1851, Reuters is the world’s largest multimedia news organization. We adhere to the Trust Principles of independence, integrity and freedom from bias. With exceptional coverage available in over 16 languages, Reuters reaches billions of people around the globe every day, providing trusted intelligence that empowers individuals and machines to make informed decisions. Our offerings include business, financial, national and international news delivered to professionals via desktop terminals, media organizations, industry events and directly to consumers.
Overview of the RNAP
The RNAP offers a distinctive combination of coaching, education and practical experience. This program aims to equip journalists with essential skills and insights needed to thrive in the fast-paced, ever-changing news industry. Participants in this program will gain:
- Advanced Skills: Participants will master the latest techniques in multimedia storytelling, data journalism and digital news production.
- Comprehensive Knowledge: The program facilitates a deeper understanding of critical global issues, particularly in politics, finance and business.
- Expert Guidance: Attendees will receive tailored mentorship from seasoned Reuters journalists and industry veterans.
- International Exposure: Participants will connect with a broad network of journalists and gain access to a global audience.
- Career Development: The program is designed to prepare participants for leadership positions, enabling them to have a meaningful impact on the future of journalism.
The RNAP is set to begin on February 3, 2025.
Role of the Nigeria Chief Correspondent
The Chief Correspondent for Nigeria will be a pivotal role within the Reuters News Accelerator Program.
Reuters is in search of an energetic and seasoned Chief Correspondent to oversee our reporting from Nigeria, which is not only Africa’s most populous nation but also its largest economy and leading oil producer. This position can be based in either Lagos or Abuja and the successful candidate will be tasked with creating compelling multimedia content targeted at investors, industry professionals and our global media audience.
Responsibilities of the Role
As the Nigeria Chief Correspondent, you will:
- Lead by Example: Consistently deliver exclusive news, engaging human-interest stories and comprehensive features.
- Collaborate: Work closely with colleagues across Africa and globally to ensure insightful coverage of a wide array of topics, including:
- Nigeria’s economy, business and political landscape
- The future of the oil industry
- Foreign investment opportunities
- The vibrant cultural scene, including film and music
- Manage: Take on managerial responsibilities within the bureau, which includes:
- Acting as a deputy to the Bureau Chief as required
- Mentoring and training junior team members
Candidate Profile
To be considered for the position of Nigeria Chief Correspondent, candidates should possess:
- Experience: At least eight years of journalistic experience in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong Writing Skills: Proven capability to generate compelling ideas and write authoritatively on a diverse range of topics.
- Speed and Accuracy: Ability to deliver timely news to ensure Reuters clients are informed first.
- Proven Track Record: Demonstrated success in producing exclusive stories and in-depth features.
- Collaborative Spirit: Strong teamwork skills, particularly in working with visual teams and stringers to develop original multimedia content.
- Exceptional Writing: Ability to produce clear and engaging copy.
- Composure Under Pressure: Capability to remain calm and work effectively within a team dynamic.
- Flexibility: Willingness to travel at short notice as necessary.
Ideal Candidate Qualifications
The ideal candidate will have:
- Success in Breaking News: Proven history of delivering news under tight deadlines and producing insightful features on complex subjects.
- Excellent News Judgment: Ability to prioritize coverage and generate ideas that resonate with a diverse audience.
- Understanding of Current Affairs: In-depth knowledge of current issues in Nigeria and the surrounding region, with experience in challenging environments or emerging markets. Familiarity with energy markets is a plus.
- Interpersonal Skills: Strong communication and relationship-building abilities.
- Leadership Experience: Some background in managing a news team.
- Multimedia Acumen: Solid grasp of multimedia news planning, with experience in visual content being desirable.
- Language Proficiency: Fluent English is required; knowledge of additional languages is advantageous.
- Availability: Readiness to work nights and weekends as needed.
Application Deadline: Interested candidates must submit their applications by October 13, 2024.
Advantages of Joining Reuters
At Reuters, our employees are our most valuable assets. We offer a range of benefits aimed at fostering both personal and professional development, including:
- Global Career Opportunities: Being part of a global organization allows for truly international career prospects and advancement opportunities.
- Learning and Development: On-the-job training and coaching, supported by a dedicated training team focused on the continuous improvement of our journalists.
- Competitive Benefits: Competitive salary packages complemented by industry-leading benefits, including paid volunteer days.
- Prestigious Environment: Work alongside Pulitzer Prize-winning journalists and a team known for delivering unparalleled coverage of the world’s most significant stories.
Join Us in Shaping the Future of Knowledge Professionals
Are you interested in being part of a team dedicated to redefining how knowledge professionals operate? At Thomson Reuters, we have committed ourselves to creating a more transparent, equitable and inclusive future for almost 160 years. Our leading products and services encompass specialized, information-driven software and tools tailored for professionals in legal, tax, accounting and compliance sectors, paired with the world’s most extensive news services-Reuters. We enable these professionals to perform their jobs more effectively, allowing them to concentrate on their primary responsibilities of advising, advocating, negotiating, governing and informing.
Our workforce comprises 26,000 talented individuals across over 70 countries, where every employee is given the opportunity to contribute and grow in flexible work environments that celebrate diversity and inclusion. In a time when objectivity, accuracy, fairness and transparency are increasingly challenged, we see it as our responsibility to uphold these principles. Are you excited about the prospect of making a difference? Join us and help influence the sectors that drive societal progress.
Commitment to Accessibility and Inclusion
As a global entity, we recognize that a diversity of cultures and perspectives is crucial to achieving our objectives. To facilitate this, we seek talented and qualified individuals for all roles within our organization, regardless of race, color, gender, including pregnancy, gender identity and expression, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, citizenship status, veteran status or any other protected classification as dictated by applicable laws. Thomson Reuters is proud to operate as an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer, promoting a drug-free workplace.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the primary responsibilities of the Nigeria Chief Correspondent?
The Chief Correspondent will lead coverage from Nigeria, delivering exclusive news, compelling human-interest stories and in-depth features. Responsibilities also include collaborating with colleagues, managing the bureau, mentoring team members and acting as a deputy for the Bureau Chief when needed.
What qualifications are required for the Chief Correspondent role?
Candidates should have at least eight years of journalistic experience, strong writing and collaboration skills and the ability to deliver news quickly. Experience in producing exclusive stories and a deep understanding of Nigerian and regional issues are also essential.
Is there a specific application deadline for the Chief Correspondent position?
Yes, the deadline for applications for the Chief Correspondent role is October 13, 2024.
What benefits does Reuters offer to employees?
Reuters provides competitive salary packages, market-leading benefits including paid volunteering days and opportunities for global career advancement. Employees also have access to on-the-job training and mentorship from industry leaders.
How does Reuters support diversity and inclusion in the workplace?
Reuters is committed to hiring a diverse workforce and fostering an inclusive environment. The organization actively seeks qualified individuals regardless of race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, disability or any other protected classification and makes reasonable accommodations as necessary.
How can I apply for the RNAP or the Chief Correspondent role?
Interested candidates can apply by visiting the Reuters careers page and following the application instructions provided for the RNAP and Chief Correspondent position.