Novastan focuses on producing reliable and independent journalism. Since its launch in 2011, Novastan has written on Central Asia (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region). Our editorial staff has one goal: to report on the region accurately and fairly.

We have several ways to do this. We write analytical and informative articles on Central Asia, either from our sources or by citing sources from Central Asia. Then, thanks to our partnerships with local media, we translate Central Asian articles. Finally, our picture editors carefully select a “photo of the day” every day.

These formats are subject to change depending on the needs of our readers. This list does not mean that we only publish text. Video, sound or multimedia articles are more than welcome.

Novastan is currently looking for freelancers based in Central Asia: Click here for more information

Join our team

There are many ways to help Novastan, depending on your time and interests.

Please note that Novastan is run entirely by volunteers and as such unfortunately cannot pay most contributors. In 2021, we started paying freelance journalists based in Central Asia in an effort to publish more original reporting and ensure we depict the region as it really is.

We are currently looking for:

• Writers
• Translators
• News editor
• Features editor
• Newsletter editor

If you’re interested, please see the role descriptions below and send us a message at editorial@novastan.org.

Writer

Our journalists write news and features articles based on Central Asian media, information from our contacts, and interviews. Over time, they develop expertise in one or several themes.

Knowledge of a Central Asian language (Kazakh, Kyrgyz, Tajik, Turkmen, Uzbek) or of Russian is desirable but by no means necessary.

You will be a good fit if you are:

• meticulous and able to work to a deadline
• interested in current affairs
• enthusiastic

Translator

Our translators help us cover Central Asia by translating articles from our other versions (French & German) or from local media. They also add links to clarify names or concepts European readers might be not be familiar with.

You will be a good fit if you are:

• meticulous and organised
• able to work independently
• flexible

News editor

The news editor manages the publication of news on Novastan.org, from translation of articles from our French and German websites to original English content. They coordinate with subeditors to publish as often as possible. This position can be shared between several people, each working around 5 hours/week.

You will be a good fit if you are:

• meticulous and organised, able to work to a deadline
• interested in news and current affairs
• able to work independently

Speaking French, German and/or Russian is helpful but not required.

Features editor

The features editor manages the publication of non news content on our website, coordinating with translators and subeditors. This position can be shared between several people, each working around 5 hours/week.

You will be a good fit if you:

• are organised
• are able to work independently
• speak French, German and/or Russian – this isn’t a requirement but it helps

Newsletter editor

Novastan sends out a newsletter every Monday, and we need someone to write it! This takes about 2 hours a week.

You will be a good fit if you are:

• organised and able to keep to a weekly deadline
• familiar with Mailchimp