David Uc-GrantThe Reuters News Accelerator Program (RNAP) is a groundbreaking initiative crafted to empower emerging journalists, with its initial focus on the sub-Saharan African region. This program offers participants comprehensive coaching, hands-on experience and modern skills critical for today’s media landscape.
Journalists in RNAP will gain expertise in multimedia storytelling, data journalism and digital news production while learning about global issues in politics, finance and business. Guided by seasoned Reuters journalists, participants will also connect with a network of peers, positioning them for leadership roles in the industry. Additionally, Reuters is seeking a Chief Correspondent for Nigeria-a vital role given the country’s influence in Africa and the global economy. This correspondent will report exclusive news and impactful human-interest stories that resonate with both local and global audiences.
The ideal candidate for this position will bring extensive journalism experience, strong writing skills and deep knowledge of Nigeria’s socio-political context, ensuring Reuters continues delivering insightful coverage of the region’s key issues. At Reuters, journalists benefit from a global career path, competitive compensation and the opportunity to work alongside Pulitzer Prize-winning peers. By joining RNAP, participants not only shape the future of journalism but also contribute to a legacy of transparency, accuracy and fairness that defines Reuters’ approach to news.
Role Overview: Nigeria Chief Correspondent
As the Nigeria Chief Correspondent, your responsibilities will include:
- Leading by Example: Produce exclusive articles, compelling human-interest stories and in-depth features that capture the complexity and vibrancy of Nigerian society.
- Collaborating with Peers: Work closely with regional and global colleagues to offer innovative and insightful reporting on various subjects, such as:
- The dynamics of Nigeria’s economy, including its business and political landscape.
- Opportunities within Nigeria’s oil industry.
- Prospects for foreign investment.
- The rich cultural scene, including Nigeria’s influential film and music sectors.
- Managing Bureau Operations: Oversee operations within the bureau, which includes:
- Acting as a stand-in for the Bureau Chief when necessary.
- Mentoring and developing junior team members.
Candidate Profile
To qualify as the Nigeria Chief Correspondent, candidates should meet the following criteria:
- Experience: At least eight years in a fast-paced journalistic environment, demonstrating a robust ability to generate compelling story ideas and cover a wide range of topics authoritatively.
- Timeliness: Demonstrate a consistent ability to deliver news swiftly, ensuring that Reuters clients receive critical information promptly.
- Track Record: A history of producing exclusive scoops and comprehensive, in-depth features.
- Collaboration: Ability to work well with visual colleagues and external stringers to create original, captivating multimedia content.
- Writing Proficiency: Exceptional skills in crafting clear, engaging copy that resonates with readers.
- Composure: Ability to maintain focus under pressure and work effectively as part of a team.
- Travel Flexibility: Willingness to travel on short notice as required.
Ideal Candidate Qualities
The ideal candidate for the Chief Correspondent role will demonstrate:
- Breaking News Proficiency: Proven success in breaking news and feature writing under tight deadlines.
- News Judgment: An acute sense of news prioritization and content creation that appeals to diverse audiences.
- Regional Understanding: Deep familiarity with current affairs in Nigeria and the wider region, particularly in challenging environments or emerging markets, with knowledge of energy markets being advantageous.
- Communication: Strong interpersonal and communication skills, essential for collaborative work.
- Management Experience: Some experience managing a news team.
- Multimedia Acumen: A solid understanding of multimedia news planning, with experience in visuals as a plus.
- Language Proficiency: Fluency in English, with additional language skills being advantageous.
- Work Flexibility: Availability for evening and weekend work as needed.
Benefits of Joining Reuters
Reuters believes that its people are its most valuable asset, offering numerous benefits that support personal and professional growth, including:
- Global Career Opportunities: As a global organization, Reuters provides extensive opportunities for career development and progression internationally.
- Learning and Development: Engage in immersive on-the-job training and coaching supported by a dedicated training team that prioritizes the continuous professional development of journalists.
- Competitive Benefits: Reuters offers attractive salary packages and comprehensive benefits, including paid volunteering days.
- Collaborative Environment: Work alongside Pulitzer Prize-winning journalists and a team committed to delivering award-winning, comprehensive coverage of major global stories.
Join Reuters: Shape the Future of Journalism
If you’re interested in joining a team that is shaping the future of the media industry, consider Reuters. For nearly 160 years, Thomson Reuters has been committed to creating a more transparent, fair and inclusive society. The company’s flagship products and services-ranging from specialized software for legal, tax, accounting and compliance professionals to the Reuters news service-empower professionals to improve their performance, enabling them to focus on the essential elements of their work: advocacy, governance, advising and informing.
Reuters employs a diverse workforce of over 26,000 people across 70+ countries, fostering a workplace that values contributions from all backgrounds in flexible, inclusive work environments. At a time when values like objectivity, accuracy, fairness and transparency are under scrutiny, Reuters is more committed than ever to uphold these principles. Sound appealing? Join Reuters and help influence the industries that drive society forward.
Accessibility Commitment
As a global organization, Reuters is committed to diversity and inclusion. The company actively recruits talented individuals from all backgrounds, regardless of race, gender, age, national origin, religion, disability or any other protected status under applicable laws. Reuters is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer, committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace.
Key Qualifications for the Role
- Skills Acquisition: Develop expertise in multimedia storytelling, data journalism and digital news production.
- Knowledge Expansion: Deepen your understanding of critical global issues in politics, finance and business.
- Professional Experience: At least eight years in a high-paced journalistic setting.
- Creative Ideation: Demonstrate creativity in generating story ideas and writing across a variety of topics.
- Rapid Reporting: Proven ability to deliver news swiftly, ensuring Reuters clients stay informed first.
- Team Collaboration: Work effectively with visual teams and stringers to produce captivating multimedia content.
- Writing Skills: Exceptional proficiency in producing clear, engaging writing.
- Stress Management: Ability to remain composed under pressure and work well within a team.
- Travel Readiness: Flexibility to travel on short notice as needed.
Responsibilities of the Chief Correspondent
- Mentorship: Receive personalized guidance from seasoned Reuters journalists and industry experts.
- Global Network: Connect with a diverse network of journalists and engage with a worldwide audience.
- Lead by Example: Consistently deliver exclusive news, human-interest stories and insightful features.
- Collaborative Reporting: Work closely with colleagues across Africa and internationally to produce innovative and relevant coverage on:
- Nigeria’s vibrant cultural landscape, including film and music.
- Operational Management: Undertake managerial duties within the bureau, including:
- Acting as deputy Bureau Chief when required.
- Mentoring and developing junior journalists.
Proven Track Record
Candidates should demonstrate a history of producing news scoops and in-depth, revealing features that distinguish Reuters’ journalism. Through RNAP, participants contribute to the future of journalism while gaining personal and professional growth opportunities. Joining RNAP means becoming part of a respected institution dedicated to high-quality journalism and transformative storytelling.
In summary, the Reuters News Accelerator Program and the role of Nigeria Chief Correspondent represent unique opportunities for ambitious journalists to excel in their careers. Through robust training, mentorship and an international network, participants are positioned to contribute meaningfully to the journalism field, driving forward Reuters’ mission to provide accurate, impartial and impactful news to audiences worldwide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible to apply for RNAP?
This program warmly welcomes emerging journalists with a robust dedication to storytelling, an eagerness to tackle global issues and a desire to develop new digital journalism skills, making it an ideal opportunity for those ready to grow their careers.
What specific skills will RNAP participants gain?
Participants will master a spectrum of essential media skills, from immersive multimedia storytelling and data journalism to digital news production, giving them a well-rounded toolkit to thrive in an ever-evolving media landscape.
Why is Reuters looking for a Chief Correspondent in Nigeria?
Nigeria, as Africa’s most populous and economically influential country, plays a vital role globally. This makes the Chief Correspondent position uniquely important for covering high-impact stories that resonate both locally and internationally.
What qualifications are required for the Nigeria Chief Correspondent role?
Candidates should have at least eight years of fast-paced journalism experience, an impressive track record in reporting news scoops, in-depth feature writing and a nuanced understanding of Nigeria’s complex social and political dynamics.
Will RNAP participants receive mentorship?
Yes, participants will benefit from personalized mentorship from experienced Reuters journalists, gaining invaluable insights and guidance while building a vibrant network of international journalism connections.
Are there any travel requirements for the Chief Correspondent role?
Indeed, the Chief Correspondent must be ready to travel on short notice, covering stories that require immediate, on-the-ground reporting to capture timely and impactful narratives.
What are the unique benefits of working at Reuters?
Reuters offers global career opportunities, an array of development programs and the chance to work alongside world-renowned journalists, all within a supportive and collaborative environment that fosters growth.
David Uc-Grant
