Who are we?

AAP, Australia’s national news agency, has been creating and delivering independent, trusted news and imagery for almost nine decades. It proudly operates as a non-profit organisation, delivering fact-based and non-partisan journalism to hundreds of media outlets for the benefit of all Australians.

AAP FactCheck is an editorially independent unit within AAP. It aims to minimise the spread and impact of misinformation and disinformation, bring greater accountability to public discourse, and support the development of media literacy skills. AAP FactCheck adheres to the highest standards resulting in accreditation with the International Fact-Checking Network, and as a third-party fact-checking partner with both Meta and TikTok,is responsible for the majority of fact-checking on social media platforms in Australia, NZ and the Pacific region.

The role

We seek an experienced journalist for a full-time position within the growing AAP FactCheck team. The role centres on proactively identifying material suitable for fact-checking, as well as researching and writing fact-based articles and other related content.

Your work at AAP FactCheck will contribute to the mitigation of harmful misinformation and disinformation circulating in our region, and the role requires absolute commitment to impartiality.

The 12-month contract comes with hybrid working conditions requiring attendance at our Sydney head office. Other working arrangements will be considered for the right candidate.

Responsibilities:

• Monitor and identify misinformation and disinformation, online and elsewhere, suitable for fact-checking.
• Pitch articles based on a good understanding of the misinformation landscape and AAP FactCheck’s aims.
• Thoroughly research suitable claims and the underpinning issues, developing a strong understanding based on a variety of primary and secondary source materials and lateral reading.
• Identify, and conduct interviews with, relevant experts as needed
• Write factual, unbiased and concise content in formats ranging from debunk and prebunk articles to copy for AAP FactCheck social channels
• Accept direction and feedback. Revise and edit content as requested.
• Contribute to the ongoing development of AAP FactCheck

Who are you?

• Minimum of three years experience as a journalist and/or researcher with a portfolio of published material.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including a proven ability to produce factual, unbiased reporting to the highest standards of accuracy.
• An excellent understanding of social media and messaging platforms.
• Strong digital research and online investigation abilities.
• Experience conducting interviews and identifying expert sources for comment
• The ability to comprehend and communicate complex concepts in clear, concise language.
• Strong communication skills and a track record of communicating with a non-specialist audience in any format.
• Broad general knowledge, a keen interest in current affairs and an ability to understand and master new subjects rapidly.
• Team player with the ability to work flexibly and independently as required.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple responsibilities with varied deadlines.
• Accountable and accepting of feedback.
• Ability to maintain the highest standards of accuracy, impartiality and fairness and commit to AAP's journalist Code of Practice.

Desirable

• Previous experience writing about science or medicine, or experience in a fact-checking operation
• Proficiency in Arabic / a second language.
• Video production skills

Expressions of interest are invited from candidates with a diverse range of backgrounds reflecting modern Australia. We strongly encourage applications from candidates with proficiency in languages other than English. (Applicants must have the right to work in Australia).