The interim bureau manager will have a broad range of responsibilities, including:
Overseeing daily office operations, ensuring efficient workflow and adherence to company policies and procedures.
Managing office budget, tracking expenses and ensuring cost-effectiveness.
Maintaining office equipment and supplies, coordinating repairs and replacements as needed.
Maintaining employee records and confidential information.
Filing expenses and paying freelancers.
Obtaining and managing newsroom equipment and tools, including office supplies, safety equipment and communication tools like internet, cell phones, SIM cards and satellite phones.
Arranging safe travel for correspondents, obtaining flights, drivers, lodging and local currency, often at the last minute, and to difficult to reach places.
Assisting correspondents in obtaining visas and travel permits, often at the last minute, often in challenging circumstances.
Requesting and obtaining access in difficult-to-reach locations.
Keeping the bureau operating safely and effectively.
Providing translation to correspondents and editors as needed.
Performing other journalistic duties as determined by supervisors.
Demonstrate support and understanding of our value of journalistic independence and a strong commitment to our mission to seek the truth and help people understand the world.
Our ideal candidate:
Fluent in English and Swahili, written and spoken.
Experience with accounting and maintaining budgets
Meticulous organizational skills; ability to prioritize with strong attention to detail.
Excellent communication skills, written and verbal.
A strong, demonstrable passion for journalism.
Shows initiative and independence; identifies and tackles tasks that need completion, without instruction.
A good collaborator and receptive to feedback.
Ability to deal with all levels of management, staff and sources in a highly professional manner.
Professional judgment with respect to confidentiality is a must.
An appreciation of The Times culture, writing style and commitment to journalistic standards and ethics.
Good general computer and tech skills are a must, including experience with Google Docs and spreadsheet, Excel, email and video chat programs.
Excellent troubleshooting skills.
Must be able to work on a scheduled basis, including Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays.
Must be able to start from mid-February.