Fact Check Journalist, The Ferret The Ferret​ is Scotland’s leading online investigative platform. Since launching in 2015, the Ferret has published hundreds of original stories, won national awards and built a strong member cooperative to support its independent journalism. The Ferret is now setting up a fact checking site, Ferret Fact Service (FFS), targeted at issues of relevance to Scotland in the wake of the Brexit vote. FFS will examine claims from all sources, analysing social media to identify issues that are particularly relevant to a Scottish audience. The fact-checking will be intelligent and authoritative and work to the standards set out in the​ ​International Fact-Checking Network fact-checkers’ code of principles. Position:​ The Ferret is seeking a Fact Check Journalist who will work on a freelance contract to identify issues, produce content and engage with Ferret Fact Service readers and volunteers. The post is funded for twelve months (to 31st March 2018) by Google, but may be continued subject to further funding being obtained. The journalist will work to weekly and, at times, hourly deadlines to produce rigorous research and analysis of claims being made in the public domain, create exciting visuals to illustrate articles and will work closely with other members of the Ferret board, volunteers and members of the Ferret co-operative. The successful candidate should be based in Scotland and have the ability to attend regular management meetings in the central belt of Scotland. Core Responsibilities: ●

Identify and originate fact check issues and work to tight deadlines to produce reliable fact check content to the very highest journalistic standards. The project estimates that on average one comprehensive fact check will be produced each week alongside shorter supporting pieces.

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Conduct research, including: collecting data from multiple sources, submitting freedom of information requests, and analysing quantitative datasets.

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Use latest graphic and video resources to produce compelling visuals and ensure that the website appearance and usability is of the very highest standard.

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Work with the Ferret board, the Director of the FFS and any other staff to plan and conduct fact checks.

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Think independently to suggest and create original fact check ideas.

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The post holder will make extensive use of social media to source and promote digital news content. The journalist will also be expected to use third party tools such as Buzzsumo to analyse trending social media content.

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Liaise with the project editor and, on occasion, projects funders to ensure all project goals and milestones are met in a timely fashion.

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Take the lead on organising and promoting events that link to the project, with the aims of recruiting volunteers and a network of expert contributors, and sharing learning with other stakeholders.

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Take the lead on reporting to funders of the project, producing social media analysis, impact analysis and business development proposals as required.

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Work with other project partners and suppliers to ensure that services are maintained and developed in support of the project.

Fee:​ 0.8FTE £26,500 pro-rata. Person Specification:

Skill or attribute

Essential

At least three years experience in journalism or relevant research.

X

Qualification in digital journalism or multimedia production Practical experience of using social media to source and promote digital media content

Desirable

X X

Practical experience of using Adobe Creative Cloud to produce multi-media digital assets

X

Practical experience of using data journalism tools such as Datawrapper, Google Fusion Tables and Open Refine to analyse and visualise data

X

Practical experience of using Wordpress to publish content on a regular basis.

X

Practical understanding of basic HTML and CSS

X

Ability to work on own initiative with minimal supervision

X

Familiarity with Scottish public policy landscape and established network of contacts

X

Good interpersonal skills

X

Strong writing and numeracy skills, including the ability to succinctly translate jargon into accessible prose for lay audiences.

X

Excellent organisational skills and a commitment to accuracy

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Good understanding of media law and regulation as it relates to digital publishing in Scotland.

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Flexibility to adapt to moving deadlines, ability to work at weekends if required.

X

Experience of recruiting and supporting volunteers from a diverse range of backgrounds.

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Experience of developing and moderating online communities

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Ability to travel across Scotland and attend regular meetings in Central Belt of Scotland.

X

Contact Please send all informal queries and completed applications by email to c​ [email protected] Key dates Applications received after the closing date of 9am on the 12th February will not be considered. We anticipate that short-listed applicants will be interviewed on the 22nd of February, in Edinburgh. We regret that The Ferret is not resourced to fund interview travel expenses.