Head of News

ABOUT DIN MALAWI

Development Initiative Network (DIN Malawi) is a local, humanitarian, women-centred, non-profit organisation operating in rural and disaster-prone communities across Malawi since 2016.

The organisation focuses on climate change adaptation and mitigation, good governance, accountability, protection, and sustainable development.

DIN Malawi is establishing DIN Regional Radio, a broadcasting platform designed to reach 13 districts across the Southern Region.

POSITION DETAILS

Position: Head of News
Reports To: Head of Broadcasting and Technical Services for administrative and operational coordination.
Editorial Responsibility: Responsible for newsroom leadership and editorial decisions within approved organisational policies and professional journalistic standards.
Supervises: News reporters, correspondents, and other newsroom personnel assigned to the news department.

Job overview

To lead the newsroom and ensure the production and dissemination of accurate, balanced, timely, and ethical news that reflects community concerns and promotes public interest.

1. News Planning and Management

• Plan daily and weekly news coverage, identify newsworthy issues, assign stories, and coordinate the preparation of news bulletins.

2. News Gathering and Verification

• Supervise news gathering, interviews, field reporting, and investigations, ensuring all information is accurate, credible, and verified before broadcast.

3. Editing and Editorial Quality Control

• Review and edit news scripts, reports, and bulletins to ensure accuracy, balance, clarity, impartiality, and compliance with professional journalistic ethics.

4. Community and Public-Interest Reporting

• Develop reliable news sources and community reporting networks.
• Ensure adequate coverage of governance, climate change, agriculture, health, education, human rights, and other issues affecting communities in Chikwawa and Nsanje.

5. Newsroom Supervision and Staff Development

• Supervise, mentor, and assess reporters and correspondents.
• Ensure timely production of news content.
• Coordinate with the Broadcasting and Technical Manager on broadcast scheduling and newsroom performance.

Qualifications and experience

• Degree in Journalism, Mass Communication, or Media Studies from a recognised institution.
• At least five (5) years of professional journalism experience. Newsroom leadership experience is an added advantage.
• Strong news-writing, editing, interviewing, fact-checking, and research skills.
• Knowledge of media ethics, media law, and public-interest reporting.
• Fluency in Chichewa and strong English communication skills.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

Applicants must demonstrate professionalism, integrity, accountability, teamwork, and commitment to DIN Malawi’s humanitarian and community-development mission.

Experience working with rural communities or development organisations will be an added advantage.

How to apply

Interested candidates should submit the following documents:

• An application letter clearly indicating the position applied for.
• An up-to-date Curriculum Vitae (CV), including contact details for at least three professional referees.
• Copies of relevant academic and professional certificates.

Applications should be sent to:

Email: [email protected]

Email Subject: Application for Head of News

Closing date: 10 November 2026

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Qualified women are particularly encouraged to apply.
• Applicants currently residing in Chikwawa District will have an added advantage.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.