Nation Desk Sub-Editor

Workplace Circumstances

• Environment: Office
• Languages: English, Khmer
• Location: Phnom Penh

Duties & Responsibilities

• Edit raw reporter copy from the Nation Desk for grammar, spelling, punctuation, sentence structure, and tone, strictly adhering to UK English standards and House Style.
• Verify names, titles, official designations, geographical references, dates, and statistics across all domestic stories.
• Restructure articles to ensure a strong lead, logical flow, and clear context without altering the reporter’s core meaning or facts.
• Trim copy precisely to fit allocated print layouts or optimise length for digital publishing.
• Craft sharp, informative, and engaging headlines, sub-headings, standfirsts, and pull quotes for both print pages and web articles.
• Write SEO-optimised digital headlines and meta descriptions to maximise search visibility and reader engagement online.
• Write accurate, descriptive captions for photographs, graphics, and data visualisations.
• Fact-check copy carefully to eliminate libelous content, defamation risks, contempt of court issues, or unverified claims.
• Flag sensitive political, diplomatic, or legal stories to the Senior Sub-Editor for review before publication.
• Ensure balance and fairness in reporting, confirming right-of-reply standards are met in investigative or controversial domestic pieces.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Journalism, Mass Communication, English Literature, or a related discipline

Work History

• Sub-editing or reporting experience on a national news desk for a daily newspaper, wire service, or prominent digital news outlet for 2 years

General & Technical Skills

• Exemplary grasp of UK English grammar, style, and publishing conventions.
• Speed, meticulous attention to detail, strong composure under deadline pressure, and strict legal awareness, including libel and copyright laws.
• Proficiency with Content Management Systems, digital publishing tools, newsroom workflow software, and basic data visualization/analysis tools.

Soft Skills

• Sharp attention to detail, exceptional time management, sound decision-making under tight deadlines, and strong interpersonal communication.