In September 2015, the Bhekisisa Mail & Guardian Centre for Health Journalism received funding from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to expand its health coverage.
In March 2016, the centre launched its own website. Bhekisisa focuses on solutions-based journalism, whether in news stories and analysis that help turn over our website traffic daily, or in narrative features that have become a trademark of our brand.
Like most donor-funded journalism teams, we work closely together as a team to make things work – whether that’s dividing up daily social media shifts, helping to boost web traffic or sharing ideas about how to develop our stories and our brand.
Bhekisisa is looking for a new addition to our growing team. This person ideally has a post- graduate degree in international or media development and should be keen to get a better understanding of international and local donors as well as project management work within the sector. This position is based in our Johannesburg office.
Key responsibilities are as follows:
- Handle day-to-day budgeting and logistics including but not limited to obtaining donor authorisation for expenses, staff travel arrangements, freelance contributor payments and reimbursements;
- Help compile financial and narrative reports for donors and assure that this is done in a timely manner as per grant cycles;
- Monitor the fulfillment of donor requirements; as new donor requirements arise, develop plans to ensure Bhekisisa remains compliant;
- Develop and maintain a detailed understanding of how Bhekisisa works and contribute alongside team members to the organisation’s growth;
- Work with Bhekisisa’s engagement and collaborations officer and other team members to organise a wide-range of events for communities such as experts, readers and grassroots organisations. This will include booking venues and suppliers and ensuring payments are made correctly and on time;
- Work with our engagement and collaborations officer and the team to contribute to Bhekisisa’s brand;
- In line with donor guidelines, develop information management systems to ensure that finances and reporting are done in a timely, organised manner. Similarly, ensure all administrative work is carried out for the assigned programmes in line with procedures;
- When necessary, represent Bhekisisa at donor or stakeholder meetings and help identify funding opportunities;
- Other duties as required.
Our ideal candidate has a mix of the following:
- A post-graduate qualification in international or media development studies or a related field;
- Two to five years experience in an non-profit office environment;
- A familiarity with the non-profit environment and regulations governing it is highly desirable;
- Excellent computer skills including Word and Excel; database and online content experience management systems is an advantage;
- Demonstrated exceptional communication, multitasking and organisation skills. A keen eye for detail is crucial to this role;
- Ability to work independently and also as part of a team;
- Excellent writing and language skills, including spelling and grammar, and attention to detail; ability to speak two or more official languages preferred;
- Willingness to work outside of working hours should this be needed;
- A high degree of professionalism and maturity;
- Ability to prioritize tasks in a high-energy, fast-paced environment.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Ideally, the position will start in January 2018. Questions and applications should be directed to health@mg.co.za. Applications must include a CV with three contactable references and a one-page motivational letter. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Applications should be sent to health@mg.co.za. People who do not hear back within four weeks should consider their applications unsuccessful.
