Research Section Officer  

Key Responsibilities:

Editorial Research Delivery

1. Ensure timely production and submission of info-packaged modules such as In the Know, What Went Before, Timelines, and Fast Facts, in direct support of daily reporting and editorial planning.
2. Monitor alignment of research products with editorial standards and coverage strategy.
3. Manage responsiveness to requests from editors and content units across platforms.

Oversight of Regular Research Products

1. Supervise and review the timely delivery of all recurring research content, including daily Balcony, Weather, Peso Exchange Rates, SEC Tables, Did You Know; Weekly Festivals, Milestones, Banking and Stock Quarterly.
2. Ensure cross-platform compatibility of outputs and proper versioning for digital and print formats.

Section Operations and Workflow Management

1. Oversee the day-to-day workflow of the Research Section to ensure targets are met and internal policies are followed not limited to attendance, punctuality, leave scheduling.
2. Implement and monitor productivity tools or systems that supports team organization and output tracking.
3. Maintain clear, documented workflows to ensure continuity of service during staff rotations or absences.

Special Editorial Projects

1. In coordination with the Executive Editor, develop and manage research-led pitches and special reports.
2. Provide structured research support to investigative, explanatory, and data-driven journalism efforts.
3. Participate in editorial planning meetings to identify opportunities for research value-adds in enterprise stories.

Data Sourcing and External Coordination

1. Build and sustain a professional network of information sources including government agencies, private sector groups, academic institutions, and NGOs.
2. Represent the Research Section in external meetings, data briefings, or source verifications when required.
3. Maintain and regularly update centralized Directory of Research Sources (internal and external) accessible to editorial units.

Innovation and Cross-Departmental Coordination

1. Collaborate with the Inquirer Library and other units to support cross-functional projects, notably the Inquirer Read-Along program.
2. Propose and implement innovations in research that enhance editorial usability.
3. Monitor trends in newsroom research services and propose upgrades to systems, tools, or formats in response to newsroom needs.

Performance and Staff Development

1. Lead implementation of an internal performance management framework within the section, aligned with company standards.
2. Set clear KPIs for individual researchers and the team, and conduct regular performance reviews.
3. Develop and recommend training plans to improve competencies.

Minimum Qualification:

1. Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, Communications, Communications Research or other related fields

2. At least 5 years of experience in newsroom research and editorial support

3. Deep familiarity with integrated newsroom operations and practices, editorial processes

4. Strong management, team leadership, and performance monitoring skills

5. High-level editorial judgement and research verification capabilities

6. Abilit to work cross-functionally and manage priorities in a deadline-driven environment

7. Proficient in using research technologies