Job Title: Deputy News Editor  (World)

Function:   Publishing 

Department:   Editorial   

Reporting to:  News Editor, Irish Independent

Role Purpose

The Deputy News Editor (World) is responsible for leading, shaping and delivering the Irish Independent’s world news coverage across all digital platforms. This role oversees the day‑to‑day operation of the world news vertical - including planning, commissioning, editing and publishing - with a focus on providing timely, authoritative and engaging coverage of international events for Irish audiences.

The successful candidate will have excellent editorial judgement, a deep understanding of global affairs, and the ability to translate complex international stories into clear, relevant journalism.

They will ensure the Irish Independent makes best use of content from our syndication partners while also identifying opportunities for original reporting, explainers, analysis, and the creative use of multimedia formats. The Irish Independent has partnership arrangements with several international news suppliers and the successful candidate will be expected to carry out a value assessment for each of these on an ongoing basis.

Working as part of the Irish Independent newsdesk - and in close cooperation with fellow news editors and the Audience Team - the Deputy News Editor (World) will play a key role in delivering fast, accurate and impactful coverage that meets our audience needs and supports subscription growth. The role requires strong cross‑functional collaboration and confident decision‑making.

This role will normally involve an early morning shift start but flexibility is required. The successful candidate will have strong organisational skills and demonstrates the agility to work in a fast-paced and ever changing environment.

Role Responsibilities (Overview)

• Lead the day‑to‑day editorial output of the Irish Independent’s world news vertical.

• Edit, publish and oversee world news stories to the highest journalistic standards.

• Maintain live world news blogs, ensuring constant clarity, accuracy and pace.

• Respond rapidly to breaking international news, ensuring timely publication and optimal presentation across platforms.

• Make strategic use of world news syndication wires, ensuring strong value for money and high relevance to our audience.

• Select, refine and adapt syndicated material to fit our tone, standards and editorial priorities.

• Commission additional signature pieces when necessary, including analysis, backgrounders and specialist insight.

• Develop and write clear, engaging explainers and analysis pieces when required.

• Identify gaps in coverage and opportunities for distinctive Irish Independent angles on major global events.

• Coordinate with the audio and video teams, ensuring they are fully briefed opportunities in the international news space. 

• Apply a digital‑first, mobile‑first mindset to all world news content – but also assist print publishing teams in the selection of relevant content.  

• Work as part of the overall newsdesk team.  

Experience & Qualifications (Minimum Experience & Essential Knowledge)

• A minimum of three years’ experience as a senior media professional

• Demonstrable knowledge of global affairs

• Newsdesk experience is an advantage but not essential  

Skills

Behavioural

• Strong organisational skills with an ability to plan towards deadlines 

• Ability to work at speed and under pressure 

• Self-starting and shows initiative 

• Flexibility / willingness to adapt  

• Effective collaboration 

Technical

• Broad general knowledge and understanding of a news environment

• Strong editing and headline‑writing skills