Middle East & Central Asia Editor

Location: Oxford OX1 1XX, UK (hybrid working – minimum 3 days in office per week)

Salary: £32,000 - £40,000, negotiable, with a 5-month probationary period

Contract: Full time, Permanent, 37.5 hours per week

Are you a curious journalist with a talent for building relationships? Do you thrive on getting to the bottom of how things really work, even when the story is unfolding thousands of miles away? If so, we at Global Water Intelligence (GWI) would love to receive your application.

GWI is a specialist publisher of business information on the water sector with an innovative and entrepreneurial editorial culture. We're looking for an enthusiastic and driven Middle East & Central Asia Editor to join our team.

This is a people-first reporting role, covering one of the most consequential regions in global water – from desalination-driven Gulf states to fast-growing Central Asian markets. Built around conversation and relationship-building, you'll turn what you hear into sharp, timely analysis and agenda-setting insight for our newsletters, data and intelligence platforms, and events.

What you'll be doing:

• Interviewing people: You'll produce original content by drawing ideas and insight out of people – government officials, utility leaders, project developers and investors across the Middle East and Central Asia. That means building long-term relationships, asking smart questions, and travelling to the region to report on major stories.

• Writing stories: Fewer people have time to read these days, which means that if you are going to write, you must write well. You will research and write news stories and features on the region's water industry, expressing complex ideas concisely and accurately.

• Data analysis: GWI is the leading source of data for the water industry, and with that responsibility comes a distinctive skillset: a nose for the information that really matters, the doggedness to pursue it, a deep commitment to accuracy, and a knack for identifying stories from data. You will contribute original, timely analysis to our platforms.

• Seeing the visual angle: Audiences increasingly consume information visually. You'll bring a dexterity in using graphics and visual formats to tell those stories, working with colleagues to turn analysis into accessible insights.

What we're looking for:

Whether you're early in your career or already have a few years of journalism, research or analysis experience, we'd like to hear from you if you have:

• Strong writing skills, with an ability to explain complex topics clearly

• Self-motivated and organised, with the ability to manage multiple stories and deadlines

• A natural talent for developing strong networks of contacts, and persistence in chasing down answers, including across cultural and language barriers

• Genuine curiosity about the Middle East and Central Asia, and the resilience to follow a story through however hard it is to crack

• Interested in learning how AI and emerging technologies can support research, analysis and reporting

Arabic, Turkish, or Russian language skills are an advantage, though not essential.

What you'll gain:

• The opportunity to become a specialist editor covering one of the most strategically important regions in global water

• Hands-on experience across news, features, data journalism and events

• Mentorship from an experienced editorial team

• International travel and the chance to build a valuable network of industry contacts

• 25 days' annual leave and enrolment in a company pension plan

About Global Water Intelligence:

Global Water Intelligence (GWI) is the leading publisher and events organiser serving the international water industry. We are based in central Oxford, with easy access to public transport.

It's an exciting time to work at GWI. We're transforming how we do business and the service we offer clients, and we know that investing in great people is key to our future success – and yours. GWI offers bright people with real potential the chance to grow and accelerate their career. When we find the right people, we make it our business to keep them.

To apply:

Please submit a CV and a covering letter (fewer than 200 words). Tell us why you're applying, and share one thing about the region's water, energy or infrastructure landscape that you didn't know before you started researching this application. Please do not use AI tools to write your covering letter.

The closing date for applications is 21 August 2026.

Applications without a covering letter will not be considered. Shortlisted candidates will be asked to complete a skills test, after which selected applicants will be invited to interview.

We encourage you to apply early, as we may close the vacancy if we receive sufficient applications.

As part of our recruitment process, we may use AI tools to help review and organise applications; a person always makes the final decision.

No agencies, please.