| Freelance journalist in Shenzhen seeks a news assistant for help with news cover...Freelance journalist in Shenzhen seeks a news assistant for help with news coverage, as well as occasional assistance with other obligations. Primary work is par-time, though other work could occasionally make the position more like a full-time responsibility.
Working hours will be variable, so candidates must have the flexibility to alter schedules at short notice. Schedules will be usually set at least a week in advance, but can change because of breaking news or other schedule changes. This can be an exciting job if approached in the right way, but can be frustrating for those not able to approach it with an innovative, open mind and understanding that flexibility is a major component. For those interested in the media business it would be an excellent opportunity to learn from an experienced professional. If you come prepared to see each day as an adventure and an opportunity to learn something, it can be an exciting job. If you want to just "put in your hours" with little passion for the work, save us both the time and don't bother applying.
The assistant will be paid a part-time salary by the journalist's primary client Bloomberg BNA, which includes Chinese social insurance, based on a commitment of around 20 hours a week to work for this client. This can fluctuate to more or less depending on the work that needs to be done. Currently the journalist is the Shenzhen bureau chief for Bloomberg BNA and is primarily covering regulatory and legal developments around environmental, energy and climate change policy, though that could expand or change.
Pay for other assistance with freelance projects outside of the main client work will be arranged on a case-by-case basis, usually a percentage of what the journalist will make off the story determined by whether the assistant just did in-office work or accompanied the journalist on an assignment, with the latter paying higher. A stipend arrangement is also a possibility if this side of the work expands. There is a lot of potential here as the journalist is starting to expand this work. Other assistance with personal matters from time to time will be paid with bonuses.
The news assistant would usually work at the office from 10am to 6pm on days that the journalist is in Shenzhen. Lunch is provided when the journalist is at the office, which is located near the Gangxia Bei metro stop.
Some travel is possible for both the work for the main client and outside freelance work, and will be covered by the journalist or his organization.
Requirements include excellent communication skills, organizational skills, the ability to follow directions and carry out tasks, and the ability to behave in a professional manner. Essential that the candidate is able to translate and interpret from Chinese to English. Knowledge of Cantonese or Chinese dialects is also welcome.
Work includes daily monitoring of news and government websites; assistance with arranging and conducting in-person and phone interviews; transcribing and translating interviews; locating and gathering contacts and sources for stories; researching and providing summaries of government documents or news items in a short turnaround time; also some administrative duties during an "office day" usually at the start of each month.
Candidates should be confident but not arrogant and able to associate and communicate with people from all levels of society. Journalism study or experience is welcome, but not absolutely necessary. An understanding of the media landscape in China is also welcome.
The news assistant would likely need their own laptop, though arrangements could be made for those who do not possess one.
Interviews will begin immediately with the hire hopefully starting a trial run during late June. July would be a probation month, after successful completion of which, a set contract will be offered starting from Aug. 1.
