Job description

Agence France-Presse (AFP), one of the world’s leading news agencies, is looking for a dynamic, experienced editor to join its English-language news desk at its Asia-Pacific headquarters in Hong Kong.

The desk produces multimedia stories for AFP’s global audience. While there is a primary focus on the Asia-Pacific, desk editors will also become involved in stories from around the globe at short notice or on dedicated shifts covering other world regions.

The role is primarily to edit and write text copy to world-class standards, while embedding AFP’s rich visual content into multimedia formats.

Candidates must demonstrate very strong news judgement, be multimedia-minded and able to generate ideas across all formats, have a very strong knowledge of the Asia-Pacific and its complex range of stories, possess strong management skills and display a high quality of writing.

The role can lead to reporting assignments and longer-term correspondent postings, as well as opportunities to work across the organisation’s other editorial departments.

Other than that, the role will closely monitor social media and strictly adhere to the Agency’s guidelines on social media activity. As a general rule, the successful candidate commits to respecting AFP’s ethics charter as well as all the editorial guidelines in force and in the Agency’s style guide.

In an ever-changing media environment, the nature of the job could evolve in line with coverage demands and the requirements of an increasingly diverse client base.

Preferred experience

• We are looking for a journalist with exemplary writing and multimedia skills, excellent news judgement and the ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced, dynamic newsroom
• A journalist who is flexible and nimble, able to write and edit breaking news and longer articles wrapping up complex events, . They must also be able to write and edit in-depth features and analysis pieces
• In any one shift, a desk editor may need to turn their attention from a conflict story to one on climate change, then diversity, technology, business, sport, lifestyle, or any other of the many and varied subjects that all our media clients demand that we cover
• Good diplomatic skills are also essential. Editors are required to communicate with, and edit copy from, junior reporters and experienced bureau chiefs around the region – ranging from Auckland to Afghanistan
• The successful applicant will have a proven track record in journalism, with experience handling and editing top global stories to real-time deadlines
• Editors will contribute to the fight against mis/disinformation by working with factcheckers in the network, developing skills in the various methods of online verification, now indispensable for all journalism, online training is available here. Sourcing and verifying UGC content is also part of the role
• Knowledge of French would be a major advantage
• Knowledge of Asian affairs and other foreign languages are desirable
• The desk operates 365 days a year, from 7am to midnight. Candidates must be willing to work shifts within these timeframes and on weekends

Recruitment process

Please send your CV and Cover Letter by clicking on Apply.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for a writing test and interview.

AFP is committed to equal opportunities and greater diversity within its teams. We therefore encourage all applications in order to preserve the wealth of profiles, cultures and languages that constitute the strength of our network.