Volunteer Freelance Journalist

What will you be doing?

Role descriptionWe are looking for inspirational and determined freelance journalists to research and write stories on health in Africa and the Diaspora. They report news on health, as well as on medical and on determinants of health. They also cover national and international stories, events and human-interest stories on Africa and the UK.ResponsibilitiesAs a freelance journalist, your duties will include:• researching existing stories on health related to Africa and global and publish them on the website and social media• interviewing people on health in a range of different circumstances• seeking out and investigating health stories, press releases and other media• attending health press conferences and asking questions• attending a range of events, such as health meetings, community health projects, contests• reacting to breaking news stories on health and medical breakthrough• producing concise and accurate copy and adhere to strict deadlines• writing shorter, 'filler' stories to entertain, and researching and writing longer feature article• researching, creating and uploading news content for the organisation website• 'live' online reporting or real-time blogging when covering important events • Send stories to news distributors across the world to promote AHO's work and capability to reach a global audience.

What are we looking for?

Qualifications, skills and knowledge Degree in Journalism, media studies, sociology, history, and any related course Show evidence of the following:strong written and oral communication skillsa keen interest in news, current affairs, health and people in Africa and globalaccurate spelling, grammar and punctuationgood organisation skills and the ability to work under pressure to tight deadlinesan ability to grasp complex issues quickly and explain them in simple, concise languageresilience, determination, flexibility, persistence, motivation and integrity.Work experience3 years record of relevant work experience accompanied by a professional file of cuttings (samples of your published writing). Someone who has taken every opportunity to write articles and reviews for local, free, national or specialist publications, especially if you get a byline (your name above the story). Get involved in student newspapers and try to build up a network of sources.

What difference will you make?

The volunteer's impact on the organisation is increasing awareness of the charity through social media marketing to enable it carry out its projects in Africa and the UK. The volunteer will be able to allow the Directors time to concentrate on managing the organisation and reduce stress from the CEO by reducing his responsibilities. The organisation will be able to carry out its activities better with social media and marketing engagement with members, funders and stakeholders. This will increase the morale of the staff if they know that they have support from members to help them do their work. As for the impact on beneficiaries, this will be enormous. Our beneficiaries are people in Africa and UK with health and social care issues. We will be able to understand the issues people face specially for vulnerable populations such as pregnant women and children. We will be able to improve health and well-being for people with myriad conditions such as diabetes, cancers, kidney failure, etc. Having a social media marketer enables us to showcase our work to members and better support to people in humanitarian emergencies facing wars, diseases and starvation such as in South Sudan, Cameroon, Nigeria and Central African Republic and members will be able to donate to the charity. We will be able to improve the welfare of the people in emergency situation. We will also be able to prevent maternal deaths and infant mortality which are high in Africa due to shortage of resources.