The illicit wildlife trade, estimated to be** worth billions of dollars** annually, ranks among the largest black-market industries globally. Its consequences are profound: wildlife trafficking not only precipitates the decline of endangered species but also** disrupts ecosystems, and fuels corruption** and** organized crime**. Therefore, examining this trade is vital for preserving biodiversity and ecological balance and for enforcing international laws and ethical standards.

WHAT DOES THE WILDLIFE TRADE REPORTER DO?

The full-time Wildlife Trade Reporter position is expected to produce at least an average of eight news stories per month about the wildlife trade issues published in English. The main job of this reporter is to provide frequent and accessible writing about wildlife trafficking, the policies of institutions that regulate wildlife trade, and the influence of the trade on biodiversity conservation. This staff writer will develop and produce articles working closely with colleagues in the Mongabay’s Global team to discuss story ideas and coverage plans. This position is expected to both generate story ideas aligned with Mongabay’s editorial priorities and deliver on assignments provided by staff editors. This person should have strong analytical skills and the ability to discern what stories are important and of interest to readers. Extensive knowledge and familiarity with environmental issues and/or forest conservation are strong positives.

KEY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

WRITING, REPORTING, EDITING, PUBLISHING (90% of the time)

• Work cooperatively with Mongabay editors to produce multiple news reports and/or features per week, consistently of high quality;
• Effectively research and generate story ideas;
• Conduct interviews, phone calls and/or meetings, and perform other research as needed, to gather background for the planning of stories and article series;
• Cultivate sources, in the mold of a beat reporter;
• Occasional travel for reporting assignments;
• Research, fact-check, and review articles prior to publication;
• Source and/or produce visual content including photos, videos, charts, and maps;
• Occasional aggregation of news from third-party sources;
• Write, edit and post stories via Mongabay’s content management system (WordPress).
• Provide other support as needed to ensure content meets Mongabay’s high standards of professionalism, consistency, authenticity, and reliability.

STRATEGIC PLANNING & ADMINISTRATION (10% of time)

• Report regularly to a Managing Editor or Global Program Director on progress toward meeting reporting objectives;
• Support editorial planning to reach established goals in the set timeline;
• Collect data on impacts of stories including examples of republication for use in grant reports;
• Must be able to work within tight deadlines and be responsive to Mongabay.com headquarters and to other Mongabay staffers via email, skype, phone and messaging platforms.

EXPERIENCE, QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS

• Three or more years of experience working in journalism/editorial/writing required;
• Exceptional fluency in English is required;
• Knowledge and familiarity with wildlife trafficking, policies regulating wildlife trade, and the implications for biodiversity; conservation is essential;
• Experience with investigative reporting is a positive;
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills;
• Demonstrated editorial ability to work with a variety of content, including formatting of feature articles, graphics, photo captions, and HTML;
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office, WordPress (or similar), Google Drive, and project management software;
• Reliable access to high-speed Internet is required;
• Must be willing to commit to a full-time role and be available during regular business hours;
• Professional experience working in wildlife source countries in Africa or Asia in a journalism capacity is preferred.

PROFESSIONAL QUALITIES

Due to our organization’s culture and global work-at-home staff, the most successful staff at Mongabay are adept at working independently and producing consistent, high-quality journalistic work by taking the initiative and thinking creatively about solutions to problems. In this context, this person:

• Is extremely self-directed, motivated, and reliable;
• Demonstrates talent in writing and editing;
• Functions independently and produces high-quality work with tight deadlines;
• Understands ethical and editorial journalistic standards;
• Makes timely decisions and demonstrates good judgment;
• Integrates cross-cultural dynamics into their thinking;
• Maintains a strong sense of professionalism and communication;
• Adjusts approaches according to feedback;
• Contributes to the Mongabay team by communicating and working cooperatively with staff while following through on tasks and delivering results;
• Fosters positive relationships with journalists and co-partnership media outlets and;
• Demonstrates personal integrity and ability to maintain confidentiality.

COMPENSATION & LOCATION

The work of our organization changes as we continuously seek to have greater impact. All of our team members must be flexible and able to adapt to short and long-term shifts in their job duties. While Mongabay is a globally distributed organization, we are seeking candidates in Asia and Africa for this role. This position will be filled on a 12-month contract initially. Mongabay aims to offer competitive pay rates that will attract, retain, and motivate our full-time staff. Please submit a pay range when applying.

TO APPLY

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until filled. On the application, you will be asked to fill out basic contact information, pay rate expectations, and reference information (2) and to upload the following two documents:

1. Cover letter – please provide specific examples of your experience related to this position, as well as specific examples of your ability to work effectively from home and meet deadlines (1 page)
2. Resume – (1-2 pages)
3. Two references
   Letters of recommendation are not required, and references will not be contacted without your permission.
   

   Benefits, Holidays, and Paid Time Off

   It is important for all staff to step away from work to renew themselves. That is why Mongabay provides generous paid time off (PTO) for professional development, holidays, sick time, rest and relaxation, and vacation including a flexible work schedules.
   We observe 10 U.S Federal holidays and support staff who celebrate other personal and religious holidays.

   Equal Employment Opportunity

   Mongabay is an equal employment opportunity (EEO)/affirmative action employer and provides EEO to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetics, or any other status prohibited by law.

   QUESTIONS

   If you have questions about this role, please send an email to jobs at mongabay.com and mention the job title in the subject line. Please do not contact other members of staff with job queries as they are not likely involved in the hiring process for this role.

* The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications. Management reserves the right to change or modify such duties as required. All staff are responsible for following applicable Mongabay policies and procedures as defined by their manager and Employment Handbook.