Journalist (m/f/d), Berlin

AFP is a leading global news agency providing fast, comprehensive and verified coverage of the events shaping our world and of the issues affecting our daily lives. Drawing from an unparalleled news gathering network across 151 countries, AFP is also a world leader in digital verification. With 2,400 staff representing 100 different nationalities, AFP covers the world in six languages, with a unique quality of multimedia storytelling spanning video, text, photos and graphics.

THE JOB

You will be one of seven anglophone correspondents in Germany, tasked with covering Germany’s biggest news for AFP clients around the world.

We’re looking for an all-rounder who’s able to cover anything from politics to economics to culture. The news pace in Germany – Europe’s biggest economy -- can be very fast and the candidate should be able to identify alertable news and turn them if needed into well contextualized wraps within minutes. The candidate should be brimming with ideas about to explain the quickly changing country to a remote audience and to tell human stories.

• You will be able to turn jargon-heavy information into snappy and lively copy for a broad, international readership. You will need a vivid writing style and offer readers context and analysis in copy suitable for all media, including online and mobile.
• You will be part of a larger multimedia team of journalists in Germany, based mainly in Berlin, but also in Frankfurt and Munich. You will work under the supervision of editors in Berlin – the bureau chief, news editor and economics coordinator.
• If needed, you may also be sent to other AFP bureaus to help cover important events outside Germany.

SKILLS REQUIRED

• A strong command of German is essential for the job - even though many sources speak English, official press statements are made first in German. The job will occasionally involve producing English versions of French stories, so a good level of French is also a pre-requisite for the job.
• You must have a keen eye for the visual and multimedia aspect of the coverage and will work closely with the photo, video and graphics departments. Video skills are an advantage to help contribute to the production if needed.
• You will ensure the reliability of news covered and respect for the agency's editorial policy.
• Applicants need to demonstrate an ability to work under pressure.
• The job requires flexibility in terms of hours, especially early in the morning. You will work evenings and weekends on rotation with other correspondents in the team.