Researcher, Business at BBC World Service

Role Responsibility

• A Researcher is expected to gather information and updates, as well as selecting stories and sources which provide unique insights to users (under the guidance of a senior Journalist / Editorial Lead); legal issues, such as libel, and other issues of balance, accuracy and tone should be referred up to the senior Journalist / Editorial Lead.
• A Researcher is expected to maintain a database of relevant personalities, organisations and events in the target area.
• To effectively carry out this role, a Researcher must engage virtually with colleagues in BBC Africa, and the wider BBC, via email, telephone or video-conference. There may be need to travel to the UK or in the region.
• A Researcher needs to be proactive and constantly coming up with creative ideas to best tell the stories from the region, particularly with a focus on data-driven journalism; ultimate decision-making about the content and format of the output sits with the Senior Journalist.
• The work of the Researcher will be reviewed by senior Journalist / Editorial Lead or as delegated.

The Ideal Candidate

• Understanding user groups and target markets
• Expertise in the collection, processing, analysis and visualisation of data (possibly including basic programming skills)
• An excellent level of spoken and written English. Swahili or another African language is also desirable.
• Ability to communicate effectively and to present complex information and ideas clearly and concisely
• Ability to understand and identify the needs of business audiences, in particular, an excellent understanding of what audiences are looking for in digital and social media content.
• A passion for African business
• Editorial judgment and the ability to spot a story
• Willingness and enthusiasm to embrace new ways of working and new technology to find and analyse information and produce content and an ability to share/communicate what you know, or have learnt, to others in the team
• Experience of carrying out tasks where attention to detail is particularly important

Desirable

• Experience as a journalist
• Content creation, video shooting/editing skills or broadcast experience
• A thorough knowledge of all the requirements of the BBC’s editorial policy

Package Description

Reports to: Business Editor, Africa

Contract:   Local Terms & conditions