Career Opportunities: News Editor: Parliament (12736)

Career Opportunities: News Editor: Parliament (12736)

SABC NEWS & CURRENT AFFAIRS
Position: News Editor: Parliament
Report Line: Head: News Gathering & Business
Division: News & Current Affairs
Position ID: 60018805

CLOSING DATE: 23 APRIL 2025

MAIN PURPOSE OF THE POSITION:
To carry out short-, mid- and long-term planning, developing, national coverage and projects for all SABC News platforms as well as the managing thereof.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES:

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

REQUIREMENTS:

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