Health Journalist at Health Watch Foundation

The Health Watch Foundation, operating as "Nigeria Health Watch" is a not-for-profit organization that aims to advocate for the health of Nigerians, strengthen the capacity of health sector organisations, enlighten Nigerians on good health habits and practices and to engage government towards good health policies. Our dual strengths in health and communication enable us to provide solutions for communications and advocacy in the health sector.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Health Journalist

Location: Abuja (FCT)
Employment Type: Full-time

Job Summary

• The Health Journalist will be the driving force behind impactful content that sparks dialogue, influences policy, and champions better healthcare for all.
• S/he will craft captivating articles, reports, and features that resonate with audiences, raise awareness, and spark dialogue.
• S/he will uncover hidden stories, hold power to account, and advocate for health equity through impactful journalism.
• The candidate should be a skilled storyteller who can weave words into captivating narratives and is passionate about investigative journalism.

Scope of Services
Content Creation & Storytelling

• Craft compelling and informative articles, reports, and features on a diverse range of health topics, including disease outbreaks, healthcare access, policy decisions, and social determinants of health.
• Conduct in-depth research and interviews with experts, policymakers, healthcare workers, and community members to gather diverse perspectives and ensure accurate reporting.
• Develop engaging narratives that resonate with audiences, raise awareness, and inspire action.
• Research and write public health-focused stories from a solutions journalism lens.
• Utilize various digital storytelling formats like written articles, videos, podcasts, and infographics to reach a wider audience and maximize impact.
• Uncover hidden stories and hold power to account by investigating health-related injustices, corruption, and systemic issues impacting access to quality care.
• Analyze complex data and research findings to translate them into clear, understandable, and actionable insights for the public.
• Develop data-driven stories and reports that inform policy discussions and advocacy efforts.
• Foster dialogue and discussions around health issues through social media engagement, public events, and online forums.
• Build relationships with key stakeholders in the health sector, including NGOs, government agencies, and community organizations.
• Contribute to building a vibrant online community around health awareness and advocacy.

General Support:

• Foster productive relationships with healthcare organizations, industry influencers, and media outlets to explore and pursue strategic collaborations that amplify our reach and impact.
• Proactively seek out and identify opportunities to contribute beyond your core responsibilities, demonstrating initiative and a willingness to support the broader team and organizational goals.
• Undertake additional tasks as assigned or needed.

Essential Competence & Skills

• Bachelor's Degree in Journalism, Communication, or a related field.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience writing for online and/or print publications, preferably focusing on health or development issues.
• Strong research and investigative skills, with the ability to gather and analyze information from diverse sources.
• Excellent writing and editing skills, with the ability to produce clear, concise, and engaging content for various audiences.
• Proficient in digital tools and platforms, including social media and content management systems.
• Knowledge of using basic video editing and graphic design is an added advantage.
• Passionate about health equity and social justice and committed to using journalism to drive positive change.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills.
• Experience in investigative journalism.
• Knowledge of the Nigerian healthcare system and health challenges facing the country.
• Multilingual skills, including fluency in Hausa or other Nigerian languages.
• Experience working in non-profit or advocacy organizations.

Application Closing Date
12th February, 2024.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should send their CV (maximum 2 pages) and cover letter outlining suitability for the role to: [email protected] using the Job Title as the subject of the mail.