General News Journalist (Mid-weight and Senior) wanted: Salary R12 300 to R23 400 per month

Johannesburg, Gauteng
Full-time, Contract
R12 300 – R23 400 a month

Opera, a well-known international software company, is looking to grow its South African news and content business through the Opera News app.

The Opera News app (available on iOS and Android) is a completely personalised news app, powered by our most powerful AI news engine to deliver real-time, AI-curated content according to your interests. It has been downloaded over 50 million times word-wide and is one of the most popular apps in South Africa.

Opera News South Africa is looking to recruit two (2) mid-weight general news journalists, and one (1) senior general reporter to join its current editorial team in Sandton, Johannesburg.

Responsibilities include:

Monitor social media platforms for the latest breaking or trending news – international and local
Work quickly and efficiently to identify, write, edit and publish compelling content
Produce several original pieces of content per day
Write compelling SEO-friendly headlines and use relevant images
Work with the News Editor to manage a portion of the homepage
Monitor site traffic and analytics to maximize pageviews, unique users, and retention
Research, write and contribute articles to ongoing Features series and evergreens
Prepare news copy and images for the social media accounts
Suggest new angles and topics and formulate ideas on how to increase traffic to the app and news website.
Occasionally attend news events and pressconferences, which could be after-hours
Interview prominent figures in industry
Areas of reporting will include (but not limitedto) breaking news, politics, crime, government, and business

Requirements

Mid-weight: at least 5 years’ experience as a journalist
Senior: at least 7 years’ experience as a journalist
Thorough knowledge of South African and international news cycle
Background reporting and previous general news writing compulsory
Ability to follow deadlines and fast-check information
Close familiarity with social media platforms and other news sources
The ability to identify trending news or viral trends
Comprehensive knowledge of today’s news landscape
Familiarity with Photoshop or photo-editing software
Ability to adapt to Opera News’ style guide
Ability to work independently as well as in a team
Excellent communication skills
Flexibility to work weekends
Establish and maintain contacts in the news industry
Availability: Immediately or within the next 14 days
Location: Sandton, Johannesburg
Type: Fixed-term contract (min 1 year) with possibility of extension based on KPIs and performance

Work hours: Mon – Fri 8am – 5pm, some after-hours might be required

Reports to: News Editor and Editor-in-Chief

Job Types: Full-time, Contract

Salary: R12,300.00 to R23,400.00 /month

Experience:

general news journalism: 5 years (Required)
journalism: 5 years (Required)

Education:

Bachelors (Required)

Apply Now

Source: Indeed