REF FM IS HIRING: NEWS EDITOR (EDITOR-IN-CHIEF)

REF FM Kakuma is looking for a News Editor (Editor-in-Chief) to lead our local newsroom.

You are end-responsible for what gets published and what does not.
You safeguard quality, accuracy and ethics, and guide a small team of young reporters.

This role combines editorial leadership, decision-making and mentorship.

WHO WE ARE

REF FM Foundation is a non-profit media organisation providing local, credible news for forcibly displaced communities, created by the community itself.

With over five years of experience running REF FM community radio stations, REF FM is now expanding into digital, mobile-first, content-driven media.

REF FM KK is part of FilmAid Kenya, and one of the first locations where this new approach is being tested.

WHAT MAKES REF FM DIFFERENT

We focus on news that is close, practical and real:

Hyperlocal news created by refugees
Clear, accessible language
Independent, responsible and community-driven
Focused on relevance, trust and impact

YOUR ROLE: NEWS EDITOR / EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

You are the journalistic and ethical compass of REF FM KK. You will:

Decide what stories are published and when
Review and edit all content before publication
Fact-check and ensure accuracy
Guard tone, quality and journalistic standards
Make editorial decisions under time pressure
Coordinate daily workflows
Coach and mentor News Hunters and the Multimedia Producer

In this small newsroom, you are a working leader: guiding, editing and supporting the team every day.

YOU ARE

Strong in decision-making and responsibility
Calm under pressure and able to prioritise
Detail-oriented with a sharp eye for accuracy
Guided by a strong moral and journalistic compass
Comfortable coaching and managing a small team
Committed to community-focused, independent journalism

Previous editorial experience is a strong advantage.

WHAT YOU GET

A monthly salary
Equipment and internet access
Professional editorial support and mentorship
Editorial ownership and leadership responsibility
The opportunity to shape a new media model in Kakuma

HOW TO APPLY

We invite you to send us:

1. A short video pitch (max 30 seconds) where you

Introduce yourself
explaining your experience
why you want to lead REF FM’s newsroom
why REF FM should select you

2. Your CV

A simple phone video is perfectly fine.

Deadline: 20 February

REF FM IS HIRING: NEWS EDITOR (EDITOR-IN-CHIEF)