Role: Political Reporter – Maternity Cover

Department: Editorial

Function: Publishing

Reporting to: Political Editor

Location: Dublin (Hybrid)

Role Purpose

We are seeking to hire a political reporter on a specific purpose contract for the Irish Independent to provide exclusive, signature journalism. The ideal candidate will be a self-starter with a strong track record in breaking stories. He/she should be an excellent writer who can work off-diary and originate their own journalism. The role demands an ability to call a story, identify underlying themes and to explain the detail to readers in an accessible way. They will regularly contribute to our video and podcast output. The successful candidate will work closely with the political team and Newsdesk. They will also contribute to the Sunday Independent.

Role Responsibilities (Overview)

• To break stories and be a champion for original journalism.

• To be able to write political analysis in a concise and informative way.

• To work with the Political Editor to ensure the Irish Independent has the most comprehensive and exclusive coverage of Irish politics.

• To interview people in a wide range of different circumstances and situations.

• To collaborate with other newsroom specialists and news editors on journalistic projects.

• To contribute to our video and audio coverage.

• React quickly, accurately and professionally to breaking news.

• Engage with the Audience Desk to ensure the best projection of stories in order to drive subscriber attention time.

• Carry out your duties at all times in accordance with Mediahuis’ Editorial Code of Practice and relevant professional and legal codes

Experience & Qualifications (Minimum Experience & Essential Knowledge)

• Proven experience as a news or politics reporter, with demonstrated ability to break news.

• An outstanding grasp of Irish and global politics.

• Experience working in an online environment.

• Broadcast (podcast/video) experience is an advantage but not essential.

Skills (technical & non-technical)

Technical & Non-Technical

• Written / Digital journalism

• Copy editing

• Ability in Audio/Video

• Broad general knowledge and understanding of Irish politics.

• News judgement

• Managing a wide and varied mix of stories

• Use social media and other digital tools to source news information and to promote our journalism

• Leadership – Ability to inspire other team memberships through your work ethic and attitude.

• Team player - working with other journalists and editors to manage situations.

• Meet rolling deadlines

• Organisation – ability to plan towards deadlines

• Excellent knowledge of libel law

• Ability to represent the Irish Independent in a positive manner.

Other 

• Passion for journalism

• Creative Flair

• Ability to work at speed and under pressure

• Ability to conceptualise

• Self-starting and shows initiative

• Accuracy, fairness, balance, commitment to ethics

• Flexibility / willingness to adapt

• Detail Oriented

• Effective Collaboration

• Learning Agility