Reporter at BBC World Service

In an exciting new partnership, BBC Africa is working with Kenyan broadcaster KTN to co-produce a lively, weekly current affairs, English language programme for Kenyan audiences. It will feature an in depth look at strong African stories, look at issues that touch the lives of Kenyan at home and abroad, deliver original storytelling and hard-hitting studio discussions and interviews. All our journalists work across TV, Digital and Social platforms.

Role Responsibility

The Reporter working within the co-production team will play a crucial role providing timely, expert and authoritative coverage of news and current affairs for a Kenyan audience. They will cover stories, issues and events in Kenya and the surrounding regions and may be required to travel internationally for stories relevant for Kenyans. They will be advising both BBC and our partner teams on stories in the patch for wider consumption. The Reporter will be required to report for multi-platform outlets, including television, online and social media and radio.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• To originate, select stories and provide expert news coverage for broadcast, fully observing BBC Editorial Guidelines and our partner’s Guidelines and regulations.
• To pitch original stories with both TV and digital treatments, making sure that they work for online, social and TV platforms.
• To act within the framework of overall BBC newsgathering and our partner’s coverage; to maintain co-operative relations and ensure coverage forms part of a coherent overall offer.
• To provide a variety of content in English, and where possible in Swahili, often with tight deadlines.
• To follow safety requirements and instructions, especially in relation to emergencies; and to report any accidents, dangerous situations or defects in safety arrangements.
• To follow the BBC guide on business expenditure, including timely and accurate filing of expenses claims.

MAIN DUTIES

Broadcast Coverage

• To broadcast in English on news topics and events (political, economic, social, cultural, scientific, sport, etc.) in a manner which is authoritative, lively, interesting and readily understandable by a non-specialist audience.
• To deliver stories which are innovative and engaging for digital platforms.
• To be able to use social platforms to inform newsgathering decisions.
• Have a good sense of spotting stories and subjects that would trend or go viral digitally.
• To alert Editors to breaking news and be ready to file accurate, immediate on-the-spot reports.
• To be prepared to check and advise against coverage when news agencies or other organisations’ reports are unreliable.
• To help provide contact numbers, interviewees, set up discussion programmes, and provide other programme material to the BBC.
• To maintain regular and clear communication with the African Service and BBC Newsgathering teams so that colleagues are briefed on the Reporter’s movements and contact numbers at all times, through the assignment.
• To travel within the target region and beyond on reporting trips, assignments and for training.

Advice & Briefing

• To provide regular advice on news developments, briefings on government policy, guidance on agency or newspaper stories and provide input into BBC Africa’s broadcasting strategy.
• To supply original items for the BBC Africa/ partner co-production, coming up with a stream of realistic and costed coverage ideas, working collaboratively with any other members of the team.
• Contributing constructively to feedback, programme reviews and editorial discussions to improve programme quality.

Are you the right candidate?

• Outstanding language skills of written and spoken English. Written and spoken Swahili or another local language is desirable.
• Recent and relevant experience as a TV Reporter and/or Journalist, both in originating material and editing the work of others.
• A thorough knowledge of national affairs together with an understanding of international affairs.
• Excellent independent and balanced editorial judgement.
• A thorough familiarity with the region, an in depth knowledge of the audience requirements and a good understanding of youth issues and the media interests of various age groups.
• A good understanding of digital platforms and the types of content which do well on them.
• Knowledge of and aptitude for information technology skills.
• A demonstrable interest and proven track record in social media.
• Ability to present programmes appropriate to the needs of BBC Africa.
• Authoritative microphone voice and ability to communicate effectively to listeners and viewers.
• Proven skills in filing despatches and ability to produce two-ways and make television and radio packages.
• Ability to convey story and programme ideas and to contribute fully to the planning process.
• Ability to learn new skills (technically and editorially) and accept constructive feedback.
• Ability to remain calm while working to deadlines,