The Role

The Middle East and Africa news editor is one of the most high profile, intense and fast-paced roles on the World News Desk. The successful applicant will be overseeing coverage on two continents at a time of  military conflict, rapid geopolitical change, and economic disruption. Few areas of FT coverage are scrutinised as closely. 

You will play a crucial coordinating role, working closely with Alex Barker, Andrew England and David Pilling. You will commission the FT’s network of reporters across the Middle East and Africa and edit stories on highly sensitive topics, often at speed. The job is one of the most demanding in the newsroom and we are looking for an energetic, unflappable team player with sound editorial judgement. 

 

Key duties include:

  • Actively commissioning stories with the confidence to make big calls and give the FT’s coverage a distinct edge
  • Edit a wide array of stories swiftly and accurately, from short news stories to in-depth reads
  • Spearhead digital story-telling projects and be ready to publish/produce across multiple platforms
  • Acting as an alert point of contact for correspondents who operate in dangerous conditions
  • Present when required the World agenda to morning editorial conference
  • Weekend shifts are required as part of the team rota

 

What we are looking for

You will show an understanding of the two regions and what interests a business reader, unpack complex political stories and shape a wide breadth of coverage from Chinese influence to military tactics.

The role would suit an experienced foreign correspondent with a desire to move into editing or an editor with regional knowledge and reporting experience. The role requires sharp assessment of risk and a full understanding of the FT’s safety protocols in liaison with the Managing Editor’s office. 

 

Please submit your application by the end of the day, Thursday 27th June 2024. 

 

Benefits

Our benefits vary depending on location, but we are committed to providing best in class perks across all our offices as well as an inclusive environment to develop your career. Examples of our benefits include; generous annual leave allowances, flexible working (including working from home), medical cover, enhanced maternity & paternity packages, subsidised gym memberships and Giving Back opportunities. Full details of our benefits can be found here.

 

How we work

Our hybrid setup means staff are expected to come into the office 3 days a week.

Our office is located across the street from St. Paul's Cathedral and is easily accessible from all corners of London. There are the main train terminals such as Liverpool Street, Moorgate, Blackfriars, City Thameslink or Waterloo all situated within walking distance or there are several tube stations within a few mins walk such as Mansion House, St. Paul's, Bank or Barbican.

 

Our commitment to diversity and inclusion in the workplace

The FT is committed to providing an inclusive working environment for all. We are an equal opportunities employer who seeks to recruit and appoint the best talent regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, socio-economic background, religion and/or belief. We believe that a supportive workplace is one where employees feel they can be themselves at work and have the flexibility they need to meet their personal needs. 

Please let us know if you require any adjustments as part of the application process or to enable you to attend an interview. If you would like to discuss your requirements, or have any questions, please contact talent@ft.com and a member of our team will be happy to help.

 

About the Financial Times

The FT has an uncompromising mission: delivering independent, quality information, news and services to individuals and companies around the globe. It’s the cornerstone of our reputation and the heart of our ambitions for the future. But for our people, the FT offers so much more than what we do. FT people come from all kinds of backgrounds and work across a huge range of disciplines and locations, and find an empowering, warm and welcoming culture that values curiosity and rewards smart, ambitious thinking. Those who are willing to unite around our mission and live our values will find plenty to challenge, inspire and interest them. Like the audiences we serve, no two FT people are the same; but together we help our audience be better informed and understand the world around them. It’s a job that’s never mattered more, and a career that can take you anywhere you want to go.

 

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