The Financial Times is looking to hire a West Africa Correspondent based in Lagos (or nearby)

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For more information and to apply click here

 

The Role

The FT is looking for a west Africa Correspondent. This is an exciting and challenging role requiring a strong commitment to world-beating business, economic, political and social news from a complex and vast region. 

Nigeria is by far the biggest economy in west Africa and the successful candidate will be able to tackle issues from the foreign exchange regime to the inner workings of the oil industry. You will produce compelling journalism about a country of 200mn people with some of the biggest development challenges on earth, from insurgency to structural governance issues, and with one of the most powerful and ambitious business communities anywhere in Africa. Nigeria is increasingly a cultural and artistic centre and a forum for ideas on issues of political representation, state accountability, civic and minority rights and identity.

Nigeria is only a part of the story. The correspondent will also be expected to report widely from a region spanning Mauritania to Gabon and including Ghana, Senegal and Ivory Coast.  Francophone governments are trying to recalibrate their relationship with France, and economies throughout the region are seeking to break away from dependence on raw materials such as cocoa, rubber and gold. Businesses are preparing for the challenges and opportunities of the continental free trade area.  There is also a simmering security threat in the Sahel, which could become an issue of global focus, with implications for Europe and beyond.

There are big themes to explore from energy transition and climate change to rising debt burdens and the fragile state of democracy; from youth unemployment to population growth; and from economic transformation to the growing influence of China and Russia. The successful candidate will be able to bring these themes to life with compelling narratives and personalities and be as interested in the workings of Bollore as Boko Haram. There is ample opportunity to write for all sections of the news site including the Big Read, Project Publishing and FT Weekend as well as day-to-day news and analysis.

 

What we’re looking for

The role has traditionally been based in Lagos, but for the right person we are happy to consider a different location in the region. Ideally you will have experience in business journalism. But we would consider those without a long track record in this field if they show an appetite to learn and an ability to think critically.  Above all, you should be able to rise above the noise and produce a factually and analytically rigorous stream of stories for a sophisticated and engaged international audience. This could be an exciting new opportunity for a talented journalist already working within the region.

A working knowledge of French would be a big advantage, as would that of a west African language or Mandarin. 

 

Our commitment to diversity and inclusion in the workplace

At the FT, we aim for employees across all regions to have a voice so that diverse perspectives are heard and valued. We believe that a supportive workplace is one where employees feel they can be themselves at work and have the flexibility they need to meet their personal needs. We'll continue to remove barriers for all, and in particular barriers facing employees from underrepresented groups.

 

Further Information

The FT is committed to providing an inclusive working environment for all. We are an equal opportunities employer who seeks to recruit and appoint the best talent regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, socio-economic background, religion and/or belief. We also promote flexible working and will consider specific requests around flexibility for all roles where it can be accommodated. Please let us know if you require any adjustments as part of the application process or to enable you to attend an interview. If you would like to discuss your requirements, or have any questions, please contact a member of our HR team who will be happy to help. 

For more information and to apply click here