We don’t usually advertise jobs on New Mandala but this unusual vacancy, at the major English-language newspaper in Burma, will probably be of interest to a good number of readers.

A former member of staff at The Myanmar Times wrote a book about his experiences in Burma which is reviewed here by David Mathieson. Anybody looking to take this job would be wise to read the book and the review.

Anyway, the details are:

Sub Editor, Timeout, The Myanmar Times, Myanmar Consolidated Media, Myanmar, Southeast Asia

Myanmar Consolidated Media is the publisher of two national weekly newspapers with a staff of more than 300. The company, an Australian-Myanmar joint venture, is in its eighth year of operations and is the largest private media company in Myanmar.

The Myanmar Times (http://www.mmtimes.com) is published in both English and Myanmar (Burmese) and are leading publications with a readership in excess of 250,000 weekly, but operate under censorship in a challenging media environment. Approximately 60 journalists work in the newsroom, including five expatriates.

The Myanmar Times English edition runs from 44 to 72 pages and is likely to expand in the future. The newspaper is currently seeking an expatriate, native-English speaking subeditor to complement our growing staff.

JOB DESCRIPTION: The subeditor will manage, edit and layout our ‘Timeout’ arts and entertainment section (8 pages), Page 2 (trivia and opinion), Science & Health page and two Travel pages every week. You will work closely with the 4-6 reporters assigned to the Timeout desk, helping them with story ideas and heavily editing their English-language copy.

The subeditor will be expected to give the Timeout section a distinctive identity and be proactive about directing reporters and photographers to provide the necessarily content. You will need to help reporters flesh out and craft story ideas, provide feedback on their writing, make sure their submissions are timely and turn around copy quickly to meet our weekly deadlines.

You will also choose international entertainment-related stories and gossip briefs from the Internet, so some familiarity with the arts and international celebrities is essential.

As Timeout editor, you will be a visible face within the Yangon community and be required to attend numerous social and formal events as a representative of the paper.

The subeditor will also be expected to research and write stories for Timeout as time permits.

Start date: no later than 26 November 2007.

The offer includes:
– USD1200/month net to start, to be reviewed after three months
– One year contract, renewable
– Fully paid accommodation in furnished company housing
– One RT economy ticket between your nearest capital city and Yangon
– Visa costs

JOB REQUIREMENTS: We are seeking a journalist and subeditor with a minimum of 2
years writing and editing experience in the newspaper industry. Knowledge of Southeast Asia and work experience in the region are highly desirable. Relevant BA or journalism degree also desirable. Supervisory experience in journalism a plus, as is a working knowledge of AP-British style.

If you are confident that you wish to work in the most challenging of environments and can meet our needs in a culturally sensitive way, we would welcome your application.

Please send your CV, cover letter, two writing or editing samples and contact information for two references to:

Ross Dunkley
CEO, Editor-in-Chief
Myanmar Consolidated Media
[email protected]