Overview:
RFA is currently seeking a highly driven and competent candidate to lead the newly established Istanbul Bureau as Bureau Chief for RFA’s Uyhgur Service. The ideal candidate will have a proven ability to lead by example and deliver high-quality journalism to meet our ever-evolving audience needs. S/he will be responsible for leading and managing all aspects of the Istanbul office, executing editorial strategy and spearheading content production across formats, and be in constant communication with RFA Uyghur Service Director, who is based in Washington D.C. to fulfill the mission of delivering unbiased, credible and timely Tibet-related news and information.
Responsibilities:
- Legal Representation: Act as the legal representative of RFA’s Istanbul office.
- Management: Oversee all facets of RFA’s Istanbul office under higher supervision, ensuring a smooth and efficient operation tailored to the Uyghur language news service.
- Safety and Risk Management: Implement safety protocols for staff and assets, and continually assess risks in the area of operations. Ensure all staff members are trained on safety protocols and understand potential risks in their roles.
- Communication with HQ: Consistently inform Uyghur Service Director in Washington DC headquarters of significant news developments, challenges, and planning for upcoming events in the region.
- Content Contribution: Provide content and editorial support to enhance the Uyghur Service programming.
- Staff Supervision: Directly manage all Uyghur Service staff in Istanbul, coordinating closely with senior management to maintain the pinnacle of journalistic integrity in broadcasts and online reports.
- Coordinate Resources: Maintain open lines of communication with Uyghur Service personnel in Washington DC, as well as with RFA consultants in Istanbul, for cohesive programming and resource allocation.
- Office Direction: Guide the Istanbul office manager and broadcasting team, ensuring that all office tasks—both editorial and administrative—are executed professionally. Ensure accurate budget management in collaboration with RFA’s Finance Department.
- Other Duties: Carry out additional responsibilities as designated by senior RFA management.
Qualifications:
- Education: Bachelor's degree in Journalism, International Relations, Politics or related disciplines. Advanced degree is favored.
- Experience: A minimum of 15 years in journalism, with at least 5 years in a managerial role. Candidates with prior experience in broadcasting and risk management will be given preference.
- Language Proficiency: Native fluency in the Uyghur language. Fluency in Mandarin Chinese and Turkish. Proficient English communication skills, both written and spoken.
- Editorial Judgement: Possess robust editorial acumen. Ability to identify and assign story ideas consistent with Uyghur Service’s mission and values and guide journalists in the production of the story
- Professionalism: Strong organizational, problem-solving skills, with attention to detail and ability to collaborate and multitask effectively across stories
- Regional Understanding: Deep comprehension of Uyghur issues, the socio-political landscape of Istanbul, and the dynamics between the Uyghur community and the Turkish government.
- Relationship Management: Demonstrated ability to foster positive relations with the local Uyghur community and maintain favorable ties with the Turkish government.
Application Instruction: Please apply directly through RFA Career Page.
Application Deadline: Oct 18 2024