Rest of World is looking for an enterprising reporter to cover the Middle East and become the publication’s authority in its coverage of a region that is undergoing an economic transformation and shaping business and geopolitical decisions globally. This reporter will be in charge of ideating, reporting, and writing about the business of technology and the many ways it intersects with the people living in the region — from those who wield power, money and influence in the Gulf to those who are left behind in the race for tech innovation.
We are looking for someone who is obsessed with money and following the money, while finding novel ways to cover the intersection of business and culture. The ideal candidate is open to experimenting with formats, and will jump at the opportunity to write about the UAE’s gamble on Artificial Innovation with the same enthusiasm as they will about Israel’s digital surveillance regime.
This is a contract role and can be based in any major hub, including Dubai, Riyadh or Doha. Candidates must possess the right to work in their current location, as Rest of World is unable to sponsor work authorization for this role.
This position will report to the Middle East & Africa Editor.
Responsibilities
- Pitching, reporting and writing analytical and deeply reported stories that resonate with our readers
- Collaborating with Rest of World’s reporters in other geographies on inter-regional projects, especially those that may have a Gulf investment connection
- Providing material and insights for the publication’s newsletters and special projects
- Travel within the coverage region to attend industry events and conduct interviews with business and tech leaders and policymakers
Qualifications
- 3-5 years of experience reporting, with some of it covering business stories in the Middle East
- A track record of producing insightful stories, finding original approaches for business coverage, and collaborating with the newsroom to work on innovative formats
- Has solid sourcing across the region, including decision-makers within the regional tech ecosystem and the political and business community that engage in it
- Advanced knowledge of Arabic, both speaking and reading, is preferred.
- Has a strong work ethic, comfortable with collaboration, a motivated self-starter
- Collaborative, enjoys working in teams with different disciplines and learning from others
How to Apply
To apply, please send a resume and a short cover letter to jobs@restofworld.org with “Reporter – Middle East” in the subject line by Nov. 22, 2024. In your cover letter, please share three stories you’ve reported, describe how you sourced each story, and tell us what you would do differently this time. Also share an idea for a story from the Middle East, in less than 100 words, that you’d like to report on for Rest of World.
We will ask up to three selected finalists to take a paid editing test as a part of the interview process.
About Rest of World
Rest of World is an international non-profit newsroom that challenges expectations about whose experiences with technology matter. We connect dots across a rapidly evolving digital world, through on-the-ground reporting in places typically overlooked and underestimated.
We’ve published stories from 100+ countries outside the West, exploring the spaces where tech, business and human experience collide through compelling storytelling and innovative design.
Our journalism ranges from deep authoritative reporting to highlighting breakthrough innovations and surprising online phenomena. We’ve covered everything from AI, internet shutdowns and supply chain abuses to livestreaming battles, electric vehicles and what happens when America’s tech giants try to compete overseas. Our reporting has won recognition in the US and internationally, and our work has prompted companies and policymakers to take action.
Working at Rest of World
At Rest of World, we are building a team that values diversity and believes in telling stories from communities and countries that are often ignored around the world. Here’s what U.S.-based employees can expect when they join us:
- Competitive salary (with a raise, promotion and merit bonus framework based on performance and tenure)
- Vacation (20 days)
- Sick leave (10 days)
- Annual holidays (15 days)
- 401(k) plan (employer matching up to $12,500 per year)
- Flexible Spending Plan (for qualifying medical and dependent care expenses)
- Health, dental and vision insurance
- Long-term and short-term disability insurance (employer-paid)
- Life insurance (employer-paid)
- Supplemental benefit schemes for commute, wellness, childcare and cell phone costs
For roles based outside the United States, Rest of World strives for parity with U.S. benefit offerings, subject to local regulations and restrictions. Rest of World also offers non-U.S.-based employees further supplemental benefit schemes including a coworking allowance and a home office/connectivity allowance.
Rest of World is an equal-opportunity workplace. We value inclusion and diversity, and anyone who applies and qualifies for opportunities in the organization will receive consideration for employment without discrimination against age, gender, sexual orientation, religion, color or disability.