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, providing factual, 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 world’s-best fact-checking standards, as confirmed by its ongoing accreditation with the International Fact-Checking Network. AAP FactCheck is a third-party fact-checking partner to Meta and TikTok, and is responsible for the majority of fact-checking in Australia, NZ and the Pacific.

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 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.

AAP FactCheck embraces hybrid working, with attendance at the Sydney office required 3 days per week. Other locations may be considered for the right candidate.

The position is for an initial 12-month term with extension a possibility.

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.
• A passion for data and statistics.
• Strong knowledge of Australian politics.
• 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 for a non-specialist audience in any format.
• 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.
• Willingness to commit to, and adhere to, AAP's Code of Practice.

Desirable

• Previous experience writing about science or medicine, or experience in a fact-checking operation
• Proficiency in a second language.
• Willingness to contribute to social media video (presentation and/or production skills)

Applicants must have the right to work in Australia. Expressions of interest are particularly invited from candidates from diverse backgrounds.

Please click Apply Now to submit your application.