Senior Correspondent, Baghdad (Contractor)

JOB ANNOUNCEMENT Senior Correspondent, Badhdad (Contractor) About MBN Middle East Broadcasting Networks (MBN) is the premier Arabic-first media organization that connects the Middle East and the United States. The company is in the midst of an exciting digital transformation and looking for energetic and talented people who care about journalism and the Middle East to join us on this journey.

We provide original and indispensable reporting, perspectives and commentary on the Middle East and how America’s engagement impacts the region. MBN delivers content in both Arabic and English across multiple platforms, in formats including written articles, short-form video, newsletters, podcasts, data trackers and social media.

Our target audience is decision-makers, influencers, and residents of key capitals across the Middle East, as well as the next generation of globally engaged, digitally connected youth.

About the Role

MBN is seeking a Senior Correspondent based in Baghdad to drive our on-the-ground reporting across Iraq. This is a pure journalism role focused on breaking news, developing enterprise stories, securing exclusive scoops, and delivering digital-first reporting and analysis. The position demands deep insider sourcing across Baghdad's political, security, and diplomatic networks.

You must know what is happening inside the government, the ministries, the political blocs, and behind closed doors before it becomes public knowledge. The role requires a sophisticated understanding of Iraq's internal power dynamics, the political and operational activities of Iranian-backed armed proxies, state-militia relations, economic and energy pressures, and the evolving U.

S.-Iraq strategic partnership. This is a digital-first reporting job. You will pitch and write original scoops and analysis for Alhurra.com and other digital products, deliver on-camera analysis and field explainers for digital video platforms, contribute directly to MBN newsletters and podcasts, and report field stories from Baghdad and the provinces.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The following tasks are considered essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions: The following tasks are considered essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions:

• Break exclusive news, identify emerging political shifts, and deliver real-time reporting on Iraqi government decisions, cabinet negotiations, and parliamentary alignments.
• Investigate and report on security developments, proxy networks, and the activities of armed groups across Baghdad and the provinces.
• Produce original text reports, in-depth enterprise features, and analytical pieces for Alhurra.com and other digital platforms.
• Cover major national milestones, elections, diplomatic summits, protests, infrastructure challenges, and economic/energy developments.
• Deliver on-camera analysis, field updates, and scripted digital video explainers designed for YouTube, vertical video formats, and social distribution.
• Pitch and contribute reporting notes, insider context, and scoops to MBN newsletters and digital briefings.
• Provide field reporting, interviews, and analytical contributions to MBN audio and video podcasts.
• Respond rapidly to breaking news cycles with verified text updates, short mobile video briefings, and live digital hits.
• Build and maintain a deep, direct contact network across Iraqi government officials, political leaders, parliamentarians, security agencies, and military commanders.
• Cultivate sources among diplomatic missions (including U.S. and regional embassies), civil society, economic experts, energy officials, and community leaders.
• Secure and conduct high-level on-the-record and background interviews with key Iraqi decision-makers, political actors, and regional figures.
• Provide clear, unsensational analysis on Iraq’s regional relations—including its ties with Iran, Gulf states, Turkey, and the United States.
• Track and report on U.S.-Iraq bilateral security frameworks, military transition agreements, and economic engagements.
• Ensure all reporting adheres strictly to the MBN Stylebook, MBN editorial guidelines, Code of Conduct, and standards for accuracy, balance, and objective terminology on sensitive political and sectarian topics. OTHER DUTIES:
• The incumbent may be asked to perform additional duties and take on other responsibilities as dictated by events and circumstances.

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, Political Science, International Relations, Middle Eastern Studies, or equivalent professional experience.
• 8–10+ years of active field reporting experience in Iraq covering national politics, security, and regional affairs.
• An established, active network of high-level sources across Iraqi government institutions, political factions, security agencies, and armed groups.
• A demonstrable record of breaking major scoops and producing original analytical reporting on Iraq.
• Native-level Arabic with strong professional working proficiency in English (ability to report, conduct interviews, and coordinate with English-language desks).
• Practical experience writing for digital platforms, scripting digital explainers, and presenting comfortably on-camera for digital video products.
• Deep expertise in Iraqi governance structures, political alliances, Iranian proxy networks, PMF dynamics, and U.S. foreign policy in the region.
• Solid understanding of newsroom legal standards, sourcing verification, and personal security practices in high-risk reporting environments. Preferred:
• Full bilingual reporting capability in Arabic and English (ability to file original copy in both languages).
• Prior reporting experience with an international news agency, wire service (Reuters, AP, AFP), or major digital news organization.
• Certified Hostile Environment Awareness Training (HEAT) or equivalent safety credentials. MBN is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.