Job Description

Defrontera is a non-profit news platform based in Kenya, focused on people-centred global health journalism. We are committed to telling stories that matter — from examining environmental impacts on public health to investigating the business of medicine. Our goal is to create engaging, high-quality multimedia content that empowers our audience to make informed decisions. We are looking for a versatile journalist and video producer — someone who is both a journalist and an artist — to lead the creation of visual content across multiple platforms for a one-year contract that will be renewed upon performance. You will bring your creative vision to all aspects of production, from filming and editing to team supervision and developing multimedia strategies. This includes producing news and feature-length documentaries, interactive projects, and short-form content for our platforms (YouTube, social media, and television through partnerships with national media outlets).

What the Visual Journalist and Producer Will Be Doing

Reporting to the editor-in-chief, you will oversee the production of all visual content. This includes story selection, project management, supervising shoot–edit workflows and coordinating with a social media editor. You will also work closely with our three text reporters and the website team on collaborative projects. Some stories will be produced in partnership with publishing collaborators and may take the form of newspaper-style takeouts, magazine features, TV pieces, or interactive YouTube videos.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Field Production

• Work with shoot–edit or self-shoot high-quality video, including lighting and sound setup, in diverse field conditions — from rural health facilities to climate-affected regions.
• Operate cameras, drones, and mobile journalism (MoJo) kits, ensuring professional-grade footage suitable for broadcast and digital use.
• Adhere to safety protocols, risk assessments, and ethical standards when filming in sensitive or hostile environments.

2. Editing and post-production

• Edit complete video packages independently using industry-standard tools (Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro X, or DaVinci Resolve).
• Craft visually engaging documentary- or feature-style packages for YouTube, social media, and occasionally for broadcast — integrating music, graphics, and voiceovers where relevant.
• Maintain Defrontera’s visual archives and manage footage libraries in coordination with the digital team.

3. Story Development and Scripting

• Write scripts, presenter links, and visual treatments that not only bring clarity to complex subjects but are also adept at character-driven narratives that may not use voiceover.
• Collaborate with reporters to translate investigations and features into powerful visual narratives.
• Contribute creative ideas, formats, and series concepts for Defrontera’s YouTube, TV, and social media storytelling.

4. Multiplatform Storytelling

• Adapt video content for TV, web, and social platforms (YouTube, Instagram, X, TikTok), ensuring each is optimised for engagement and audience experience.
• Work closely with the social media and audience teams to integrate visuals into story campaigns and newsletters.
• Identify new opportunities for interactive and multimedia storytelling.

5. Leadership and Collaboration

• Supervise shoot–edit workflows, timelines, and budgets for visual projects.
• Mentor reporters and interns on visual reporting, mobile storytelling, and ethical image use.
• Collaborate with text, graphics, and data journalists to produce integrated investigations and documentaries.

6. Editorial and Safety Standards

• Uphold Defrontera’s editorial integrity — accuracy, balance, independence, and trauma-sensitive reporting.
• Ensure compliance with field safety, privacy, and consent protocols.
• Contribute to a positive, inclusive, and collaborative newsroom culture.

YOU WILL THRIVE IN THIS ROLE IF YOU

• Can write your own scripts for all platforms — this is a skill you MUST have for you to take on this role.
• Have 5+ years of proven journalistic experience, ideally with investigative or documentary work, and can see stories from beginning to end.
• Are digitally and platform fluent, comfortable with cross-platform video, and audience-driven content.
• Are a technically skilled visual storyteller, experienced in camera operation, sound, lighting, and video editing.
• Bring editorial judgement and composure under pressure, with the ability to make fast, ethical decisions in the field.
• Can write, voice, and produce engaging, character-driven narratives across multiple formats.
• Show empathy, creativity, and curiosity, particularly when covering sensitive health or social issues.
• Are open to occasional travel and flexible hours, including weekends when fieldwork or deadlines demand.
• Value collaboration and mentorship, helping others grow while maintaining high editorial standards.

WHY DEFROTERA?

As an organisation focused on health, we’re committed to maintaining a healthy work environment. We believe in competitive pay aligned with market rates, opportunities for training and professional development and health insurance for you and your immediate family.

At Defrontera, “We are an equal opportunity employer” is more than a statement — we actively welcome qualified applicants of all races, ethnicities, physical abilities, genders, and sexual orientations.

Our name comes from the Spanish word for “frontiers”. At Defrontera, there’s no rigid formula. We support bold, original, and innovative ideas. We strive to give creatives the freedom to explore their vision, trusting that too many constraints stifle creativity and innovation.

We are stubbornly committed to the belief that everyone deserves access to quality healthcare — and that the solutions to barriers lie within Kenya’s communities, universities, research institutes, and ministries. You’ll be working on issues bigger than yourself.

Ready to Join Us?

Don’t worry if you don’t meet every single criterion in the application. We value diverse perspectives and unique skill sets. If you bring something extraordinary to the table, we want to hear from you.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

NB: While we appreciate the use of AI to ease work, we encourage you to write your own application and not submit an application generated 100% by AI.

This is a full-time role in Nairobi, Kenya.

Do not canvass