Interview Journalist

**Purpose**:
To research and secure the most appropriate interviewees and guests for news and current affairs programmes, by utilising your extensive network of contacts and building and extending your contact lists, preparing factual research information and briefings for the Presenters.
**Main Duties & Responsibilities**:

- Research and secure the most appropriate interviewees and guests for news and current affairs programmes within budget
- Organise and prepare comprehensive background briefings for presenters, programme teams and other relevant team members
- Attend Editorial meetings and participate in informal discussions and contribute by offering creative, researched ideas and suggestions for guest and contributors
- Work collaboratively and closely with output, input, Planning and Satellite teams to ensure all necessary information is provided and communicated effectively, whilst ensuring all relevant details are entered into the systems
- Keep accurate records of your communications, interactions and transactions, including entering accurate costs associated with interviews, guest fees, transportation costs etc. which are within agreed budget.
- Greet and provide a very warm and professional welcome to guests and contributors to the studio/our office and ensure they are introduced to the appropriate production staff and make any other arrangements they may need prior to them leaving the studio/office e.g. transport, refreshments, information
- Working with the Production teams in the studio/gallery and ensure that live interviews/DTL’s/phones appear at the appropriate time in the programme, amending running orders as appropriate and with both accuracy and speed.
- To carry out the above duties and responsibilities in accordance with applicable legal obligations, including broadcast regulations specifically in accordance with the Ofcom Code.

**Essential**:

- Previous experience working as an Interview producer or similar role within a dynamic news environment and demonstrating an impressive international contact list
- To be able to react immediately to breaking news ad providing best suitable guest for output
- Flexible, willing to assist colleagues and able to maintain composure, communicate professionally and demonstrate excellent problem solving skills
- Recent experience as a Journalist with a good understanding of production techniques
- Demonstrates an in depth knowledge and understanding of news and up to date current events in both the Arab world and internationally
- Excellent up to date knowledge of spoken and written modern standard Arabic as a first or equivalent language
- Excellent written and spoken English language skills
- An effective decision maker who demonstrates good judgement and commands credibility and respect from their colleagues
- Proven analytical, conceptual and problem solving skills
- Demonstrated ability to effectively plan, organise and prioritise and perform in a multi changing priorities environment
- Excellent negotiation skills
- Performs consistently and exerts optimal effort in successfully completing tasks under pressure
- Demonstrated talent for identifying, scrutinizing, improving and streamlining work processes
- A good understanding and experience of working with social media tools
- Approachable manner that encourages positive interaction with others
- Tenacity to overcome obstacles and to perform and deliver what is required
- Collaborative approach and work style across the business to achieve positive relationships and work objectives
- A good understanding of security and broadcasting obligations
- An up-to-date knowledge of spoken and written modern standard Arabic, as first or equivalent language.
- A fluent knowledge of English, including complete comprehension of written and spoken English and the ability to communicate effectively.
- Recent experience as an interview journalist and /or producer with a good knowledge of production techniques.
- Comprehensive knowledge of regional and international news.
- Ability to work under pressure and to tight deadlines.
- An excellent understanding of Alaraby output and audience.
- Awareness of the growing importance of social media and the benefits and challenges it brings.
- Strong team working and highly developed communication skills.
- Ability to build strong relationships with key people in other parts of Alaraby, and in external organizations.
- Thorough knowledge of Alaraby’s editorial guidelines and values
- Experience and thorough understanding of the Company’s legal obligations, including the Ofcom Code.

**Desirable**:

- 3+ years of Experience working in a similar role
- Has excellent contacts network list which is relevant to channels content

**Education/Qualification**
- BA degree in Journalism or similar