Correspondent, Africa at BBC Media Action

Main Responsibilities

Based in Nairobi, the Africa Correspondent is expected to provide quality, informative news reports and programmes across the range of BBC News outlets, for UK and International audiences, via Radio, TV, online platforms and social media.

This role requires a good understanding of the politics of Kenya and the wider region plus the cultural, religious and economic factors which play a role in these societies, as well as an ability to explain complex issues in a clear and creative way. The Africa Correspondent will keep across all developments in East Africa, and be prepared to be deployed on stories across the continent and beyond.

Audiences are at the heart of what we do, and the Africa Correspondent is expected to deliver news stories in ways which are credible, engaging and accessible for our audiences, while analysing key developments, often at short notice, live on air. You will need demonstrable experience of working in hostile environments.

As the BBC evolves to meet audiences where they are, the Africa Correspondent will be expected to help lead change in our digital journalism. The successful candidate will be adept at writing, both short form and long form, including analysis. They will be expected to help craft innovative digital videos, short and long form, will know how to make news content for social platforms including TikTok and Instagram, and have the agility to find the right tone for online reporting and podcasts alongside radio and television.

Are you the right candidate?

The successful candidate will have:

• A high level of editorial awareness and judgment demonstrated by a strong journalistic record.
• Excellent news judgement, with a track record of dealing with complex editorial and legal issues.
• Proven written and broadcast skills with the ability to deliver reports with assurance from location or the newsroom/studio.
• Experience working at a senior level on major stories & breaking news.
• Demonstrable experience of working in a hostile environment.
• An excellent understanding of different programmes and services and their audiences, as well as the audiences challenges facing the BBC.
• A clear and impressive understanding of digital media, with a demonstrable track record of delivering journalism through online writing, social media and/or digital videos.

A successful candidate will be able to:

• Present and explain complex information and ideas in an accessible manner, adopting a range of styles, tools and techniques appropriate to the audience and the nature of the information.
• Innovate with digital journalism, experimenting with ideas for compelling digital videos and social media content.
• Draw on ideas from the best of digital journalism, and have the confidence to help the BBC change the way it delivers news and analysis to new audiences.
• Develop in-depth knowledge of a particular subject and use that knowledge to offer insight and perspective.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with a range of people, working with others as part of a team and developing effective relationships outside the BBC.
• Demonstrate a commitment to improving the diversity of the BBC’s coverage, representing all audiences and all points of view.
• Prioritise and plan activities, taking into account all relevant factors such as deadlines and resource requirements.
• Provide high quality journalism, particularly under pressure to meet deadlines and changing priorities and circumstances.
• Follow BBC safety requirements and instructions, especially in relation to emergencies; report any accidents, dangerous situations or defects in safety arrangements.