The position is located in the News Center, Voice of America (VOA). He/she is an investigative writer-editor responsible for researching, writing and reporting about in-depth, complex matters for multiple media platforms. He/she must have a proven track record as an investigative journalist.
THIS POSITION IS COVERED BY A UNION AGREEMENT
Note: Budgetary conditions may delay or otherwise affect filling this vacancy. However, all interested candidates should apply now.
The Broadcasting Board of Governors is conveniently located within walking distance to the Green, Orange, Silver, Yellow, and Blue Metro lines.
INTRODUCTION TO AGENCY
The Broadcasting Board of Governors (BBG), an independent federal agency, is an exciting, multi-cultural organization that encompasses all United States civilian international broadcasting. The BBG is comprised of five networks broadcasting in 61 languages that include the Voice of America, the Office of Cuba Broadcasting (Radio and TV Marti), and three grantee organizations – Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty; the Middle East Broadcasting Networks (Alhurra TV and Radio Sawa), and Radio Free Asia. The International Broadcasting Bureau provides transmission, administrative, and other support services; and three grantee organizations. Our staff of dedicated professionals serve as an example of a free and independent media, reaching a worldwide audience of 215 million people with news, information, and relevant discussions.
Duties
Duties include and are not limited to:
*Suggests, develops and produces original, authoritative investigative stories in a variety of subject areas, including corruption, health hazards, the environment, human rights, financial fraud, cyber-security and abuse of power, among others.
*Conducts interviews with on-the-record sources and, in some instances, anonymous sources.
*Employs appropriate investigative tools, including the Freedom of Information Act, to find and analyze documentary evidence, including legal papers, government records and regulatory reports, business and financial filings and records contained in electronic databases.
*Collaborates with data journalists to formulate stories, develop angles and create news applications that present investigative findings and evidence.
*Fact-checks projects prior to publication or broadcast; writes and reports for long-term projects and shorter turnaround investigative stories.
*Thoroughly and accurately researches all information, turning complex subject matter into clear, easy-to-understand prose.
*Works closely with the investigations editor and other editors, photographers, designers, researchers, data analysts, social media and web and broadcast producers to produce arresting investigative projects on multiple platforms.
*Develops and maintains a variety of investigative sources, maintaining confidentiality when appropriate and in consultation with VOA editors.
*Is an evangelist for investigative reporting at VOA and collaborates as needed with other English language journalists, as well as journalists in the language services.
Job Requirements
Key Requirements
- U.S. citizenship required.
- Candidates MUST meet all qualification requirements by the closing date.
- Applicants must complete the online questionnaire.
- This is a sensitive or national security position.
- If selected, this position requires the completion of the SF-86.
Qualifications
Applicants must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-11), which is directly related to the line of work of this position. To be creditable, specialized experience must have been equivalent to at least the next lower grade level in the occupation in the organization and experience that was gained in the public or private sectors (local, county, state or Federal). Examples of specialized experience for this position is experience reporting news and information for a newspaper or magazine with the ability to tell many kinds of stories; produce long-form investigative enterprise and covers investigative issues, writes quickly, with clarity and authority often about complex matters, on deadline and the ability to interpret politics and policymaking. Experience is gained in working well with journalists, designers, photographers, and others related to this field.
Applicants cannot substitute education for experience.
Suitability Determination: If selected, you will be subject to a security investigation to establish your suitability for federal employment. The security investigation will include, among other aspects, a review of your credit and legal history.
Anyone interested in this position should contact Barbara Jones at: (202) 382-7521 or bajones@bbg.gov
