Job Opening: Senior Correpondent for Thomson Reuters (Saudi Arabia)

18 May 2011
Job Opening: Senior Correpondent for Thomson Reuters (Saudi Arabia)
Saudi Arabia is one of the most intriguing and challenging assignments for any Reuters correspondent. Regional unrest has added a layer of complexity to a place that was already grappling with change. Even though it is the largest economy in the Middle East and the world's largest petroleum exporter, Saudi Arabia is still faced with a rapidly growing, younger population, joblessness and the need to adapt to a rapidly changing global economy. On top of all of that, there is a succession looming, a potential civil war ready to erupt in neighbouring Yemen and fears over Iran's influence in the region. Few countries offer the chance to meld a financial story with geopolitical risk -- something of increasing interest for the expanded Thomson Reuters client base. Reuters enjoys a dominant position in this market and seeks to defend it from aggressive competition.


Responsibilities:
The successful candidate will have experience in the Middle East, manage a difficult file where diplomatic skills are vital, and have a nuanced understanding of relevant religious and cultural differences. The ability to speak, read and understand Arabic is mandatory. We're looking for an accomplished writer who will be able to hit the ground running and write with authority soon after taking up the assignment. We're also looking for someone who can write across the file - from religion to politics to energy and economic reforms. Strong news judgment and writing skills are paramount. The candidate will need to set the agenda, act independently, show initiative and be willing to put in long hours when news breaks. The successful candidate will need to manage a small team of correspondents.

GAP terms plus 75 percent housing. 100 percent schooling, hardship bonus; shipment of household good depends on length of assignment. This is a 12-24 month assignment, with a possible 6- 12 month extension, plus enhanced home leave allowance.

This is a Senior Correspondent 4 GRF band I level posting.

Supervisor: Reed Stevenson.

Start date: asap

Qualifications Required skills:

• At least five years experience in journalism
• Excellent reporting and writing skills, cross-asset knowledge, sound news judgment
• Arabic, experience in the Middle East
• Diplomatic skills, confidence, ability to manage a small team
• Record of scooping, building contacts
• Ability to form sound opinion and analyses on security, politics and economic issues
• Willingness to spend long hours; ability to cope with ambiguity
• Close cooperation with group business development, client training and sales

Contact Information:

For submissions: apply here

Website: http://thomsonreuters.com/
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