Assistant Editor, World Service Newsgathering and Deployments at BBC World Service

Introduction

The BBC World Service Newsgathering and Deployments team originates and produces content that supports the editorial purpose and USP of each of the 42 Language service in target markets. It ensures that the BBC is known for distinctive and original content and that well-produced stories from all over the world that are shared as widely as possible across the BBC.

As part of a team of Assistant Editors in Newsgathering and Deployments, you will help lead the gathering, production and delivery of digital-first innovative journalism.

Main responsiblities

• Support, and deputise when necessary, the Newsgathering and Deployments Senior News Editor across a range of editorial and management responsibilities
• Manage deployments in hostile environments with quick clear decision making in breaking news scenarios
• Provide creative approaches to how teams will gather value-added content in line with our digital-first priority and audience needs
• Attract and retain talent, spotting opportunities to build profiles and reputation of the BBC, regular feedback sessions to develop on air and production talent
• Lead, manage and motivate correspondents, bilingual reporters, field producers, freelancers to produce original, distinctive multi-platform content
• Ensure the safety of deployments, providing safety and risk assessment advice in collaboration with the BBC High Risk team
• Attend (and chair when necessary) daily, weekly and monthly meetings and represent World Service Languages at a wide BBC News level
• Be calm and communicate well, even when under pressure, and deliver on time
• Ensure a high level of accurate, engaging and impartial journalism from across the world
• Champion sustainability in deployments and production
• Coordinate with the Planning and Prospects team and the digital production hubs on all matters of gathering, deployment and content rollout

Are you the right candidate?

You will be either a professional journalist or a senior operational professional with extensive editorial experience of broadcast news and the ability to develop and implement new and innovative approaches to programme structure and content.  You will also have:

• Proven editorial judgement, able to make sound decisions promptly.
• A detailed understanding of current techniques and technology for newsgathering and production. An ability to use new technologies to create opportunities to enhance output and improve working practices.
• An ability to work effectively as a member of more than one team, resolving conflicts as necessary.
• Able to identify a concept along with the plans which need to be implemented to meet the end goal. Evaluate situations, decisions, issues etc. in the short, medium and longer-term.
• Demonstrable experience in managing, directing and motivating staff, including in challenging and high pressured environments
• Experience in the logistics of deployment such as in high risk environments: risk assessments, budget management and staff safety
• Experience of leading the coverage of major news events
• Substantial experience of editorial innovation and proven editorial judgement
• Deep understanding of content production and rollout to create maximum impact
• Strong negotiation and stakeholder management skills
• Fluency in one of the 6 languages the BBC operates in within the region is preferable.