Managing Editor

The Editor in Chief’s writing & editing talents can make a meaningful difference in peoples' lives. The overall purpose of the Editor in Chief is to develop content for various platforms to engage and cultivate stakeholders, audiences, participants and lead on the development and implementation of the media discourse towards LGBTIQ+ and key populations in the MENA region. The Editor is expected to improve and lead the LGBTIQ+ platform (in 3 languages) while also supporting AFE's other departments and staff the staff in report writing and final editing of project deliverables.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Content Development & Management - 80% of Time:

1. Ensure daily management of the media platform including management of editorial team, translations, visual material, etc.
2. Create a general and monthly editorial policy based on AFE's values and vision, taking into consideration the desired outcomes of the media platform.
3. Prepare and/or edit blogs and press materials, including press releases, Q&As, backgrounders, and features, where necessary. 
4. Create and oversee the implementation of media platform's social media strategy and ensure interaction with readers and followers.
5. Review and proofread all documents published by AFE in Arabic, French and English 
6. Write, develop, proofread, and oversee design and dissemination of yearly reports (AFE annual report, yearly media monitoring reports)
7. Participate in the writing and reviewing of progress reports and donor reports.
8. Organize and lead weekly editorial meetings with media platform staff and AFE's executive team.
9.  Suggest stories and generate headline ideas in alignment with AFE’s mission.
10. Edit articles and fact-check information for accuracy, language and style.
11. Ensure all content and its translation has proper voice/tone, context, balance and clarity while being aligned with the editorial strategy.
12. Evaluate content and make decisions regarding publications.
13. Write a monthly editorial based on AFE's key messages and actuality in the region.
14. Write in depth reports or investigative reports when needed.
15. Ensures all deadlines are met, including online publishing.

Collaboration Activities- 20% of Time:

1. Participate in the recruitment efforts for the media platform.
2. Assist in the creation of the media platforms visual and brand identity including name, logo, concept.
3. Oversee the creation of the media platform's website and ensure follow-up, update, and maintenance.
4. Coordinates and follows up with the web developer and the web designer.
5. Builds a list of contacts for networking and outreach.
6. Deliver training on gender-sensitive reporting.
7. Coordinate between the Media department team members, and internal team members at AFE across programs.
8. Represent AFE in the media, meetings, events, and conferences related to gender and journalists (locally, regionally and internationally)

QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS, AND EXPERIENCE

Experience & Education: 

• A minimum of 7 years of significant professional experience in Communication, media, journalism, including 2 years as a senior editor or managing editor or head of section.
• A proven track record of strong writing/editing/proofreading skills with an excellent portfolio of completed work.
• Graduate or Postgraduate degree (Masters) preferably in communications or journalism or translation. 
• Good media/journalist connections, especially in the MENA region
• Good connections with gender rights organizations and activits in the MENA region
• Good knowledge of the regional economic, legal and socio-political landscape with a strong sense of different local cultures especially related to vulnerable communities.

Qualifications:

• Ability to build strong interpersonal relationships, in particular working with cross-cultural and global teams. 
• Good planning and organizing abilities.
• Good time management 
• Ability to lead, motivate and instill passion.
• Innovative
• Autonomous, flexible, and agile. 
• Knowledge sharing - Values diversity
• Ability to strategize and experience in designing and implementing online campaigns with strong knowledge of social media platforms.
• Strong knowledge and extended network and connections in the media industry in the region; with the ability to maintain a good PR. 
• Strong training skills and strong knowledge of gender related cultures and theories
• Strong knowledge in media behavior and coverage of gender-related issues in the region 
• Solid experience in dealing with media outlets (including the ability to conduct TV interviews, strong skills in formulating and delivering messages to the media, understanding how media organizations work and the rating/viewership/readership system) 
• Soli experience in leading editorial teams

Skills:

• Strong verbal communication skills in Arabic, English & French
• Strong copywriting skills (e.g.: the ability to write press releases, blog posts, key messages, etc) 
• Strong editorial judgement & ability to respond to the media quickly.
• Project management and the ability to coordinate with external allies