Vacancy: Section Editor (China)

This vacancy is now closed.

As Carbon Brief looks to develop our coverage of China, we are seeking an experienced candidate for a brand new editorial role. You’ll help us to explain and analyse how the world’s most populous country and largest emitter is responding to climate change.

• Do you want to contribute to accurate reporting of how China addresses climate change?
• Do you have excellent bilingual writing and editing skills?
• Do you have experience managing teams and editorial workflow?

Job description

As Section Editor, you will help steer our coverage of China, providing clarity and the all-important context behind the headlines. Working closely with the rest of the Carbon Brief team, you’ll oversee a diverse array of content, ranging from analysing the latest energy and emissions trends through to unpicking new policy developments and explaining how China is adapting to climate impacts.

Reporting to the Senior Policy Editor and overseeing a team of specialist writers, you’ll be responsible for the day-to-day editing and production of all China content to ensure our coverage is accurate, timely and engaging for our audiences. There will also be space in this role to write articles, newsletters and undertake your own analysis. 

You’ll be comfortable conveying the point of a story while representing the subtleties of a policy development in a clear and engaging way. With a strong grounding in journalism, you’ll be meticulous about accuracy and fact-checking. You’ll be a collaborative and supportive leader who takes pride in operating a smooth and efficient workflow.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the efficient and timely production of all Carbon Brief’s China content, primarily in English, including interaction across the writing, multimedia and digital marketing teams.
• Co-commission articles, alongside the Senior Editors and the Editor/Director.
• Set timelines, track progress and oversee the workflow for concurrent articles, newsletters and longer term projects within Carbon Brief’s editorial planner.
• Edit all China content, including fact-checking and sourcing appropriate imagery.
• Scope for emerging themes, topics, people, research and opportunities and contribute to Carbon Brief’s editorial strategy.
• Write articles and undertake your own analysis, as opportunities arise.
• Represent Carbon Brief at external conferences, events and meetings and actively build our network of China contacts.
• Coordinate and manage the capacity of a team of journalists. You may be asked to perform other duties, as required by the Senior Policy Editor or Director.

Qualifications

Essential

• Excellent bilingual writing and editing skills.
• A commitment to journalistic best-practice and a nuanced understanding of both international and Chinese media coverage of climate change and energy.
• Strong organisational and planning skills with a proven ability to manage editorial workflow smoothly and efficiently, from conceptualising ideas to overseeing deadlines.
• Meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to accuracy.
• An effective and inclusive communicator, with experience of managing a team successfully.

Desirable

• A deep knowledge of China’s climate and energy policies, demonstrated by several years’ experience analysing and writing about these issues.
• A wider interest in the role of climate change communication.
• An appreciation for Carbon Brief’s brand, style and tone. 

Location: Carbon Brief’s office is in central London. There is flexibility within this role to be based remotely, anywhere in the world, and the successful candidate will be comfortable working across different time zones. You may be expected to undertake some travel as part of your work.

Hours/Duration: This is a full-time permanent position.

Salary: Competitive; dependent on experience, with generous benefits. Salary will be discussed with shortlisted applicants.

How to apply

To apply, please send:

• Your CV. 
• A covering letter explaining why you would be a good fit for the role and the organisation.
• Your ideas for building Carbon Brief’s China coverage (no more than 500 words).

To: [email protected]

Please state “China section editor application – Carbon Brief” in the email subject header.

This is a rolling advert and we will review applications as they come in until the role is filled. If your application is successful, we aim to hold an interview straight away via Zoom.

Carbon Brief is committed to encouraging equality, diversity and inclusion among our workforce. Our aim is to be truly representative of all sections of society and for each employee to feel respected and able to give their best. We strongly encourage applications from those who feel underrepresented in climate journalism, including ethnic and social minorities.

About Carbon Brief

Carbon Brief specialises in clear, evidence-based articles and data visualisations to help improve the understanding of climate change, both in terms of the science and the policy response. We publish a wide range of content, including Q&As, in-depth analysis, interviews, newsletters, interactives, infographics and maps. Our audience is global and diverse, but particularly serves policymakers, journalists, NGOs and academics. We are proud of the reach and engagement we have with our audiences, who value our rigorous and authoritative brand of ‘explainer journalism’.