FactCheckNI are recruiting an editor!

FactCheckNI is Northern Ireland’s first and only dedicated fact-checking service. We investigate claims and publish articles on contemporary and contentious topics. We work to foster a culture of critical thinking within a deeply divided society, and have trained thousands of people in the region in fact -checking and critical thinking skills. FactCheckNI is a verified signatory to the International Fact-Checking Network’s Code of Principles, with commitments to nonpartisanship, fairness, and transparency.

The role of FactCheckNI Editor 

Our editor has a key role at the centre of FactCheckNI. You’ll have a keen understanding and experience of editing and writing in the context of Northern Ireland and a proven understanding of at least one area of public debate, or at least one relevant discipline such as politics, law, statistics, or economics. You’ll work closely with the Executive Director in assigning work, setting deadlines and ensuring they are met. You will also review and sign off fact checks and other content, such as explainers and any other website material, ensuring that they are of the highest standards. 

Skills/experience:

  • copy editing content to improve grammar, spelling, punctuation, syntax, and structure, to ensure content conforms to house style guide and tone;
  • enthusiasm for and proven experience of telling factual stories in interesting, compelling and non-partisan ways;
  • strong numeracy and confidence in understanding, linking and telling the story of data;
  • strong understanding and knowledge of public debate in Northern Ireland and sensitivity to the political context we work in, with a commitment to “taking the heat” out of issues/topics and a focus on accurate and concise language;
  • a commitment to the accuracy, fairness and political impartiality and neutrality of our work and have an excellent understanding of the transparency of methodology required;
  • strong analytical and research skills with a keen eye for detail, while  communicating with a non-specialist audience in any format;
  • interest in and eye for excellent and accessible writing;
  • ability to recognise how much detail is too much, and to address the human question or bigger/contextualising picture behind a technical point;
  • understanding of digital audiences, channels, and formats.

Output

  • Editing of an agreed number of articles/fact checks (currently four per calendar month – this is open to review and may vary) within a specific and agreed time frame; and
  • Working with the Executive Director to coordinate and ensure that the tone and voice of output aligns with FactCheckNI’s overall mission and strategy.

The Editor will also work with the Executive Director and communications team members to ensure:

  • that feedback is handled promptly and properly, and that the editorial team is engaged with our audiences and supporters; and
  • that part of FactCheckNI’s work continues to be a watchdog, as our role is to increase the quality and accessibility of information informing debate in the region.

What we offer

The role is freelance, part-time, remote and the candidate will work to an agreed timeframe for the completion of editing four articles per month. The budget for this role is £1,350 per calendar month (paid by invoice) fixed term until December 2022 with possible extension subject to funding.

How to apply

Interested candidates should send a CV, cover letter (outlining why you want to work with us) and links/attachments to samples of work by 12 noon on Friday, 21 January to [email protected]