Editor-in-Chief

Who we are

 Jakenn Publishing is the media company of the present and the future of Ethiopia. We bring our passion for reporting and independent journalism to tell the stories which matter in the Ethiopia today and the Ethiopia being shaped for tomorrow.

 JaKenn is widely known for its flagship publication and web portal Addis Standard. Started as a magazine in 2011, Addis Standard has evolved into the digital platform of choice for breaking news, analysis, and spell-binding commentary about Ethiopia that establishes understanding of happenings beyond your eyes and ears. One of the most followed media brands in Ethiopia on twitter and a solid web presence that has a firm grip on Ethiopia’s rapid political, economic, and social transformation, Addis Standard provides consumers content worthy of their time and attention.

 As a young and dynamic company, JaKenn embodies an emerging multicultural Ethiopia where people are valued for their contribution to the development of a democratic and prosperous country. We understand that this means listening to our consumers, employees, and stakeholders in all processes from product development to execution. We value diversity and make an honest effort at providing an inclusive work environment that supports growth, nurtures innovation, and embraces risk taking.

 The Job

As an integral part of its growth and in line with evolving market, corporate development, and industry needs; JaKenn would like to hire an Editor-in-Chief to oversee the dynamic growth of Addis Standard tri-lingual online publications (Addis Standard English, Addis Standard Afaan Oromoo and Addis Standard Amharic), as well as Addis Standard monthly print magazine and a soon to come Addis Standard digital production.

 This is a senior position and the person holding it reports to the CEO on all aspects of editorial operations, most importantly: overseeing the independent operations of the product leaders for the three language departments and the magazine, providing guidance and leadership in professional editing of high end products, supporting and providing leadership and guidance to leaders on sourcing of high quality media products, overseeing and monitoring and the smooth publishing of qualified products, and impact assessment of the overall performance of the Addis Standard brand across the board.

 The Editor-in-Chief will also work to improve the consumer experience of products by keeping abreast of industry developments and adopting best practices in audience retention, user growth, and customer acquisition.

 The Editor-in-Chief will share the representation responsibilities of JaKenn with CEO in industry events, sector associations, and in discussions with regulators and other external stakeholders.

 Specific Duties and Responsibilities

By adhering to and within the framework of the institutionally established Editorial Philosophy of JAKENN Publishing PLC on aspects of politics, economics, social, cultural, and constitutional purview the Editor-in-Chief will:

•  Strengthen the editorial operations for existing products by reviewing current processes and adopting new ones in consultation with product managers on regular basis and the CEO whenever necessary.
• Monitor and evaluate the expansion and performance of new products in tandem with JAKENN's financial capabilities
• Execute the leadership for JAKENN's planned projects in digital multimedia production, YouTube, and Social media
• Conduct regular coaching to and execute directions to product editors, assistant editors and journalists aimed at improving professional growth and skills
• Implement standard monitoring and evaluation mechanism across all production lines (Website, Magazine and YouTube) in line with editorial institutional documents such as reporters handbook, editorial guideline, and editorial style guideline (documents readily available at JAKENN)
• Review the newsroom performance on routine schedule and give regular feedback and support to the editors and reporters on areas that require improvement
• Provide regular coaching on the process of editorial content monitoring and evaluation to management team members
• Work with the product editors across website, digital and magazine products to produce monthly performance and monitoring and evaluation reports of the three departments and report to the CEO.
• Prepare and execute time sensitive and suitable newsroom roadmap for production of timely and quality contents across all products;
• provide high end on the job coaching to product/assistant editors on editing for language, clarity and credibility of products.
• Any other related activity as assigned by the CEO

Qualifications

A minimum of Masters degree in Journalism, Mass Communication, and/or related degrees that combine communication/journalism with a management background from a recognized University with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. A postgraduate qualification in journalism, media studies strongly preferred.

 Experience and skillset

• At least five years journalism experience and demonstrated writing and editing experience in a newsroom.
• Exceptional writing and editing skills, with good understanding of editorial practices, writing and editing requirements in a busy newsroom in English and preferable one or two more local languages in Ethiopia
• Exceptional understanding of the delicate nature of Ethiopia as a multinational state home to different nations and nationalities whose stories should be treated on fair bases
• Must have a good eye for detail, with excellent spelling, grammar and punctuation skills
• Experience working in a very deadline driven environment;

• Good organizational skills and ability to work effectively with the team and collate material from multiple sources;
• Strong interpersonal skills & communication skills;
• Very strong analytical skills;
• Strong writing and reporting skills;
• Ability to work under pressure.
• Ability to adapt to changes in a fast-growing company and provide solutions to these growing pains
• Ability to think strategically and execute with efficiency
• Ability to lead cross-functionally with teams and negotiate constructively with evidence
• Ability to adapt to and perform well in a multicultural setting composed of people from different backgrounds and strong opinions