Editor-in-Chief, Nigeria at Okapi Net Foundation (ONF)

Okapi Net Foundation (ONF) is the registered name of Radio Ndarason International (RNI) in Nigeria. RNI has studios in Maiduguri, Nigeria and in Ndjamena, Chad which produce programs in Kanuri, Kanembu, Buduma and French. RNI is a regional radio network broadcasting across the entire Lake Chad basin region on shortwave and FM, as well as via live-streaming. RNI was set up and is managed by Okapi Consulting (South Africa). The network provides a platform that allows for the free-flow of information across the Lake Chad basin, regardless of borders or physical barriers.

This regional radio network interacts with the estimated 10 million Kanuri/Kanembu speakers as well as those who speak Buduma and French in order to encourage a constructive dialogue for peace and progress in a region decimated by poverty, lack of education and violent extremism.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Editor-in-Chief, Nigeria

Loaction: Maiduguri, Borno
Reports to: Regional Editor-in-Chief

Job Description

• We are looking for a talented, motivated and experienced Editor-in-Chief (Nigeria), to be based in Maiduguri, to join our international team.

General Position Summary

• The Editor-in-Chief (Nigeria) will work alongside the Regional Editor-in-Chief and the Regional Coordinator (who are based in Ndjamena), the Country Director in Nigeria, and the team of nearly 35 journalists, producers, administrators, freelancers and technicians in Maiduguri.
• S/he will be responsible for ensuring quality of the subject-matter, production values, and structure of interviews, vox pops, news and current affairs, health, youth and other programs. S/he will also regularly update the Editorial Guide, and ensure that all journalistic and production staff understand it, as well leading hiring of broadcast journalists. S/he will also work with the Operations and Finance Officer and Human Resources, and will be involved in engagement & management, performance management, special project / programs management.
• The Editor-in-Chief (Nigeria) provides day-to-day support to broadcast program operations, in close cooperation with the Country Director and the Regional Editor-in-Chief.
• S/he is under the direct supervision of the Regional Editor-in-Chief and the Nigeria Country Director with dotted lines to Okapi Consulting Directors and the Finance Director based in Johannesburg. As part of his/her responsibilities, the Editor-in-Chief (Nigeria) will undertake tasks under management, administration, logistics and programs.
• S/he will promptly and effectively provide all required support to programs so as to ensure all programs are broadcast on time, and that they comply with the objectives of the RNI project and funders.
• S/he may also be required to undertake other tasks as necessary and as directed by the Regional Coordinator or by Okapi Consulting directors.

Essential Job Responsibilities

• Lead RNI’s Nigeria editorial team in the successful production and broadcast of high quality programs
• Support the Regional Coordinator and Nigeria Country Director to ensure that management and control systems enable the highest quality of program to be produced and broadcast
• Support the Regional Coordinator and Nigeria Country Director to ensure that management and control systems enable the highest quality of program to be produced and broadcast
• Provide required trainings to all on-air, journalistic and production team members
• Update, manage and maintain a database available to all staff of contacts and useful speakers, participants etc for all languages
• Ensure new journalists, on-air and production staff receive complete and relevant professional orientation within 5 days of hire
• Proactively update the Directors, Regional Coordinator and Nigeria Country Director on issues & grievances and provide feedback from journalists, on-air and production staff
• Ensure adherence to editorial standards as outlined in the Editorial Guide, and maintain awareness of all relevant rules and regulations in the Staff Handbook.
• Contribute to, edit and assure timely upload of daily news updates on the English language website
• Conduct himself/herself both professionally and personally in such a manner as to bring credit to RNI and to not jeopardize its humanitarian mission.
• Write suitable proposals (in agreement with the Regional Coordinator and Directors), and respond to RFQs and RFPs
• Produce programme schedules as and when necessary, remaining aware of regular changes to shortwave frequencies

Supervisory Responsibility:

• On-air staff, production and technical staff, and journalists in Nigeria

Works Directly with:

• All editorial staff, heads of programme departments, Regional Editor-in-Chief, Regional Coordinator, Nigeria Country Director, and Okapi Directors

Knowledge and Experience

• University Degree in relevant field or equivalent experience
• 5-10 years of professional experience in a broadcast media environment including at least 2 years in a similar role
• Demonstrable understanding and proven experience of managing production staff, journalists and on-air talent
• Demonstrable experience in international and/or development environments
• In-depth knowledge and experience of the Lake Chad basin environment and understanding of the regional historical, social, political and conflict context
• High level of proficiency in MS Office, digital editing, production (including drama), and demonstrable interest and ability in social media
• Ability to communicate, influence and problem solve effectively across diverse cultures and geographical distances with sensitivity
• Fluency in English essential, French fluency highly desirable
• The successful candidate must have excellent interpersonal skills, strong oral and written communications skills and should be an excellent listener. S/he must have excellent analytical skills, good reasoning abilities, and sound judgment.
• S/he will also be able to thrive in a fast-paced environment and will demonstrate strong understanding of the cultural and social environments that exist in the region and will have the willingness and ability to work effectively with a wide variety of people.
• S/he will develop and maintain productive professional relationships with a broad spectrum of stakeholders within the organization and throughout the radio project.

Application Closing Date
9th September, 2022.