Malay Newswriter, BenarNews, KL-Based (Contractor)

BenarNews is a digital platform at Radio Free Asia that provides clear and accurate news on security, politics, and human rights on the local and regional level in the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Bangladesh, and Pacific Island nations. BenarNews is seeking a top-notch Malay newswriter to help cover Malaysia in diverse formats. This position reports to the Malaysia service Assignment Editor in Kuala Lumpur and the Washington DC-based Malay content manager. The job will ideally be performed in Kuala Lumpur, but candidates in other parts of Malaysia will be considered.  Working hours are mid-afternoon to late evening, with occasional weekend duties.

The ideal candidate will have a passion for current affairs, both domestic and regional; a commitment to high-quality journalism; the ability to craft an angle that takes the story forward; and strong storytelling skills. Strong English language skills are required.

Responsibilities include:

• Produce up to three articles a day in Malay, using content provided by other BenarNews journalists, ensure the Malay news content is impeccable and engaging, and follow BenarNews style guidelines and research requirements
• Translate and present English-language stories into correct, highly readable Malay reports
• Edit stories as required
• Write or edit script for video as needed
• Respond promptly to queries and instructions from team members 
• Occasionally write stories from scratch based on desk research
• Become an expert on the subject matter and issues BenarNews covers
• Upholding the BenarNews code of journalistic ethics.
• Other duties as assigned, including but not limited to occasionally working with RFA’s teams. 

Qualifications:

• Minimum of five years of recent experience as a Malay writer in a professional news organization, with daily reporting responsibility 
• Bachelor's degree in Journalism or related field; an advanced degree is preferred
• Superior news judgment and journalism ethics
• Native fluency in Malay, with strong English language skills
• Ability to write simply, clearly and concisely, while ensuring readability
• Excellent work ethic and reliability, with strong time management and prioritizing skills
• Ability to work in an international workplace; excellent cross-cultural communication skills
• Must be willing to work afternoon and evening hours in order to collaborate with Washington D.C staff. Occasional weekend work is required
• Experience writing for video, in addition to text articles, is highly preferred

To apply, send your resume, cover letter, and work samples (making reference to “Malay Newswriter Contractor” in the subject line) to jobs@benarnews.org.