Iranian News Specialist at Done By Native

If you are a bilingual professional who can move effortlessly between Farsi and English, the new Iranian News Specialist opening at Done By Native in the United Arab Emirates is one of the most intriguing media intelligence opportunities of the year. Listed as an entry-level, part-time job, this role combines journalism, translation, and geopolitical analysis in a way that is rare outside major strategy firms. Importantly, the position is not yet funded, meaning Done By Native is building a pipeline for a future contract. For the right candidate, this is a chance to secure a role before it goes live.

The role sits at the intersection of language services and strategic communications. Done By Native specialises in language services and logistical support under private and government contracts, with offices on four continents. That background signals that the News Specialist will likely provide daily media summaries to decision-makers who need to understand Iranian politics and social media trends without reading Farsi themselves. This is not standard translation; it is media monitoring and analysis where accuracy, objectivity, and speed are paramount.

Why This Role Is More Than a Translation Gig

Global demand for real-time news intelligence has grown dramatically. Governments, NGOs, multinationals, and research institutions rely on professionals who can track Farsi-language media, including state-run outlets, reformist newspapers, hardline news agencies, exile channels, and vibrant Twitter and Instagram ecosystems. A specialist who can monitor these sources, assess relevance, and deliver neutral English summaries provides an essential service. The job title News Specialist signals that the employer wants a critical thinker who can detect bias, spot emerging narratives, and explain what a particular development means for an English-speaking audience. That analytical component makes this a stepping stone to roles in open-source intelligence, political risk, and media consulting.

The Iranian media ecosystem is not monolithic. State agencies like IRNA and Press TV operate alongside reformist platforms and exiled opposition channels. Social media amplifies hashtags that often shape international narratives. Understanding this landscape requires more than language ability; it requires political literacy. That is why the job description asks for familiarity with U.S. foreign policy in the region. For law students and international affairs graduates, this is a perfect opportunity to apply academic knowledge in a practical, time-sensitive setting.

Day-to-Day Responsibilities and What the Employer Expects

The core deliverable is a daily briefing in English. The posting lists seven key duties:

• Monitor a wide range of Iranian online news sources and print newspapers.
• Select content based on customer-specific requirements and guidelines.
• Identify patterns and trends in media reporting.
• Summarise and translate Farsi news into concise English.
• Meet daily deadlines while maintaining accuracy and objectivity.
• Collaborate with the team and work independently when needed.
• Use your own computer and act as your own editor.

This is a deadline-driven, output-oriented role. You will work on an hourly basis and must be flexible to changing news cycles. The emphasis on self-starting makes it clear that remote work experience is necessary, even though the job is listed in the UAE.

Key Details at a Glance

• Organisation: Done By Native
• Location: United Arab Emirates (remote-friendly)
• Employment Type: Part-time, entry level
• Job Functions: Marketing, PR, Writing/Editing
• Application: Send CV and cover letter via LinkedIn
• Assessment: 60-minute test for shortlisted candidates
• Deadline: Not specified

Who Should Apply: Qualifications and Ideal Profile

Done By Native requires a bachelor's degree in journalism, English studies, international affairs, or a related field, plus at least three years in news curation or journalism with English writing. You must have worked remotely full-time and in a deadline-driven environment. Language skills are the core: proficiency in both English and Farsi, strong English writing, and superior Farsi comprehension. Social media proficiency on Twitter, Instagram, and other platforms is essential, because trending topics often break first on these channels. The employer also expects familiarity with Iranian politics, U.S. foreign policy in the region, and prominent Iranian, Middle Eastern, and international media outlets. A background in international relations or media studies will give you an edge.

"Please note that this position is not yet funded. Done By Native seeks applicants interested in an anticipated future position."

How to Apply and Handle the Assessment

Applications are submitted through the LinkedIn job page by sending your CV and a short cover letter explaining why you are an excellent fit. Shortlisted candidates must take a 60-minute assessment. The posting explicitly warns that AI use will be detected, so your submission and assessment answers must be your own work. This indicates that the company values original writing and independent analysis. To prepare, build a sample portfolio of Farsi-to-English news summaries. Choose recent articles from outlets like ISNA, Fars, or Iran International, and write 150-word briefs that highlight key facts and political context. Review U.S.-Iran relations and how Iranian social media shapes public opinion, and be ready to discuss how you would evaluate a source's credibility.

To stand out, do not simply upload a generic CV. Tailor your cover letter to show that you understand the urgency of daily news cycles and the sensitivity of Iranian affairs. Mention specific tools you use for monitoring, such as RSS feeds, TweetDeck, or Google Alerts, and share examples of how you have summarised complex geopolitical events past. If possible, network with current or former Done By Native employees on LinkedIn; a thoughtful message to the founder, Louay Azar, may help you gain visibility.

Career Benefits and Why This Role Matters

Even as an unfunded pipeline position, applying to this job is a strategic career move. If the contract materialises, you will join a global player with offices on four continents and gain real experience in media intelligence. The remote work nature gives you flexibility, while the part-time structure allows you to juggle other projects. More importantly, the skill set you build as a Farsi-English news specialist—fast, accurate summarisation, source evaluation, and trend analysis—is highly transferable. You could move into political risk consulting, international broadcast journalism, or in-house intelligence teams. For dual-language professionals, this is one of the most meaningful ways to combine language proficiency with analytical work and build a distinctive CV.

It is also worth noting that the Middle East has a growing market for policy and media analysis. With the UAE investing in knowledge industries, professionals who can bridge the Farsi-English gap are highly sought. This role may open doors to government advisory positions, media training consultancies, or even doctoral research in media studies.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is the Iranian News Specialist job remote?
The listing is based in the UAE but emphasises remote work: you need your own computer, experience with remote full-time work, and the ability to work independently. Confirm the exact arrangement with the employer before applying.

2. What does “position is not yet funded” mean?
It is a pipeline opening. The company is collecting applications for a future role that may activate once a contract is secured. Your application will be considered when funding arrives.

3. What language skills are required?
You need professional proficiency in Farsi and English. This means you can read complex Farsi news quickly, capture nuance, and translate/summarise it into accurate, polished English. Strong writing is non-negotiable.

4. What can I expect in the assessment?
Shortlisted candidates take a 60-minute test, likely involving summarisation or analysis of Farsi news. You must avoid AI tools, as the company states that AI use will be detected and may disqualify you.