Assistant Correspondent (新聞社助手)

Position: Assistant Correspondent
Posted by: The Hokkaido Shimbun Press London Bureau
Type: Part-time
Location: London, UK
Salary: £1,500 (monthly), transportation expenses
Start date: 1st April 2020

The Hokkaido Shimbun Press is looking for an Assistant Correspondent for their London Bureau, which is located on Fleet Street, central London. The successful applicant will assist the Bureau Chief with the preparation of articles to be published in Japan, and handle Bureau administration. The Bureau covers political, economic, and cultural news from the UK and other European countries.

Although you will work mainly during office hours for 4-5 days a week, you will occasionally be required to work overtime due to the nature of the job. You should also be willing to travel within the UK or Europe to cover stories.

Candidates should note that this is NOT a writing position. In addition, although the ability to work in Japanese is a requirement.

Responsibilities:
・Keep abreast of breaking news and current affairs;
・Conduct research on a wide range of topics, with attention to accuracy and detail;
・Attend and summarise press conferences, meetings, lectures and briefings;
・Conduct (occasionally transcribe/interpret) interviews over the phone and/or in person;
・Assist with the planning of and participate in business trips around Europe;
・Assist the correspondent with any language difficulties they may have and help them to handle the administration of business trips;
・Answer phone calls and manage office administration.

Essential requirements:
・A keen interest in and understanding of news and current affairs;
・Strong research and communication skills;
・The ability to work in both English (native/fluent) and Japanese (ideally JLPT N1, degree level, or equivalent);
・Proactive approach to suggesting article ideas;
・Strong organisational skills and ability to work to tight deadlines.

Working knowledge of another European language, especially French or German, would also be desirable.

Application process:
Please email your CV (in both English and Japanese) and a covering letter (English or Japanese, max. 1 page) to before 15th March 2020 with 'Assistant Correspondent' as the subject line.

Application deadline:
Sunday 15th March 2020

We expect to start the interview process. Candidates who are considered for interview will be contacted in due course.

For any enquiries concerning this position, please email rock1972@hokkaido-np.co.jp.

The Hokkaido Shimbun Press London Bureau
Room 311, 3rd Floor 107-111 Fleet Street
London EC4A 2AB
Tel: +44 (0)20 7936 9903
Fax: +44 (0)20 7936 9904