We’re hiring: Apply to be our new Investigative Reporter (Indonesian)

We’re looking for a talented Indonesia-based reporter to join our team.

Location: Indonesia

The Gecko Project is a non-profit journalism organisation that investigates the role of land use in some of the most pressing global challenges: climate change, deforestation, the collapse of biodiversity, food security, the rights of marginalised communities and the health of democracies. We harness the power of investigative journalism and storytelling to catalyse change that will protect the environment and human rights. Since the project began in 2017, our reporting has focused principally on Indonesia but we cover issues of international concern. We operate on a partnership model, collaborating with larger media organisations to maximise our reach and impact.

Our award-winning team is growing, and we are looking for a talented investigative reporter to join us as we expand our investigations in Indonesia and globally. This position is for someone with native Bahasa Indonesia and based in Indonesia. When we reach full capacity in 2021, the successful candidate will be part of a team of six.

The role

The investigative reporter will play a central and wide-ranging role in The Gecko Project’s investigations in Indonesia. They will help shape the direction of our investigations, identify leads and story ideas, carry out desk-based research, interviews, fieldwork and write articles. They may also be required to carry out some interpretation and translation tasks.

They will be involved in fact checking, legal reviews and production of outputs, including but not limited to articles and films. They will play a key role as a liaison between The Gecko Project and our contributors and partner publications in Indonesia.

The successful candidate will likely be an experienced journalist with a track record in investigations and in-depth reporting (online, print, radio or TV journalism), great contacts and a desire for their reporting to be a catalyst for positive change. But we are also open to less experienced candidates with bags of potential.

You will have an attention to detail, good knowledge of journalistic practice and the ability to work to the highest professional standards.

You don’t need a background in environment, land rights, climate change or corruption reporting but you will be able to demonstrate an interest in covering these issues. You will be used to working both independently and as part of a team. You will be well organised and confident working in English when needed.

You’ll be a self-starter who is happy to work remotely. You’ll be excited about working collaboratively with a small international team and willing to travel throughout Indonesia or at times internationally (in line with current health guidelines).

Responsibilities

• Develop story ideas, nurture contacts, analyse data, undertake research, conduct interviews and write up investigations.
• Manage relationships with our network of contributors and other stakeholders in Indonesia and help us expand these networks.
• Manage field investigations and/or undertake field work (depending on your background/experience).
• Plug into relevant political, business or community networks to gain insights and information that will enhance our investigations.
• Keep up to date on the topics we investigate and spot opportunities for new investigations and follow up on existing projects.
• Help us to ensure our investigations have impact by reaching key audiences who can act on our findings.
• Present the results of our investigations in public meetings and webinars.
• Help us to innovate and present our findings in ways which engage existing and new audiences.

Essential experience and skills

• More than two years of relevant experience as a working journalist. We will consider applications from outstanding candidates who fall short of this but discourage speculative applications.
• Experience in securing interviews with high-level officials in Indonesia.
• Exceptional English language skills and native Bahasa Indonesia.
• Demonstrable commitment to and interest in investigative journalism.
• Ability to work on complex and long-term projects.
• Ability to write concise, accurate and appealing copy.
• A passion for journalism that holds power to account.
• Willingness to take on ad hoc administrative tasks as required.

Desirable experience and skills

• Experience in data journalism, film production, audio production, GIS analysis and/or photography.
• Experience in collaborative journalism projects.
• Experience in carrying out field reporting in Indonesia.

What we can offer you

• Fixed-term ten month contract, full-time, to be renewed subject to funding.
• Work with a team of experts committed to high-quality reporting on issues of global importance.
• A commitment to helping grow your experiences and skill set and advance your career.
• A flexible working environment.
• Competitive remuneration.

This position will be based remotely, but you must be located in Indonesia. The position may require international travel. As an equal opportunity employer, The Gecko Project values diversity and continuously strives to maintain an inclusive and equitable workplace.

To Apply: Please send: your CV; a cover letter explaining any relevant experience, why you think you are suited to the role, and your salary expectations; and two published examples of your work to tomj [at] thegeckoproject.org with the subject line “Investigative Reporter (Indonesian)”.

Application deadline: 12th April 2021

Start date: May 2021