West Africa Photographer (Photographer).

Company: Associated Press
The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world’s population sees AP journalism every day.
The Associated Press seeks a talented visual journalist to work as a photographer covering West Africa. In this role, you will work among a team of journalists and editors to deliver spot and enterprise imagery that breaks news, has impact and is exclusive to AP. This is a temporary, grant-funded position that ends Sept. 30, 2026.

Responsibilities: Reporting to the deputy director for newsgathering in Africa, the photographer will be based in Dakar, Senegal or Lagos, Nigeria, covering stories across the region. This includes covering breaking news and spot stories and shooting daily life photos. You should be a self-starter who can create images and generate visually led story ideas that go beyond spot news and will resonate in the region and around the world. You will work in multiple media formats – including text and video – on breaking news and enterprise.

We’re looking for someone who will:
• demonstrate strong communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively with the diverse team of journalists at the AP who operate in all formats: text, photo, video, audio, digital/social, interactive and graphics.
• have a great news sense, with the ability to communicate stories that people will want to share on social media and other platforms.
• be adept at finding, verifying and securing user-generated content on social media platforms.
• routinely contribute to the video and text report as coverage needs require.
• pursue innovative and inclusive coverage techniques while maintaining AP’s standards for integrity and objectivity.
• be able and willing to work any shift, including at night and on weekends, or as coverage demands, as AP is a 24/7 operation.


Required qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
• All applicants must be able to work in Senegal or the country where the position is located.
• Advanced-level professional competency in written and spoken English.
• Experience working in hostile environments.
• Present portfolio of work.
• Strong interpersonal, organizational and planning skills, with the ability to juggle multiple projects.
• Preferred Qualifications: You should have a demonstrated history of success as a news photographer, with a record of creating compelling visual journalism on deadline and good editing skills, with an emphasis on speed and quality. You must be able to illustrate complex stories in clear and compelling ways with arresting visuals and do so swiftly and accurately on tight deadlines. A strong set of technical skills are required, including the ability to compose as events unfold, edit digital images, write accurate and informative captions and transmit images swiftly. You must be able to work effectively as a member of a team.

We will consider strong candidates who do not meet every listed qualification. You may use a cover letter to describe the unique qualifications you would bring to this role.

Application deadline is April 16, 2025 at 11:59PM EST.

AP seeks to build an inclusive organization grounded in respect for differences. We support all aspects of diversity and provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, marital status, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, status as a veteran, or other characteristic protected by law.