Editor, Africa Business at BBC World Service

Job Introduction

BBC Africa draws on its extensive network of journalists to deliver the biggest stories from across the continent and its diaspora.  The service aims to make, explain and connect African and global stories by providing a unique insight into the main stories of the day in original formats.

The African service digital offer consists of websites, mobile sites and social media with all services providing multimedia content in text, video, interactive and audio for radio, online, TV, mobile and social media platforms.

As part of a historic and exciting expansion of BBC Africa, the BBC World Service launched new business daily and weekly TV programming and innovative digital content in English, Swahili and French.

We are looking for an Editor to lead our Business Unit based in Nairobi.  This is a continuing contract.

Role Responsibility

As part of the senior editorial team, your role will be to lead the Africa Business Unit. You will need to have excellent knowledge of business affairs in Africa, global business, and a deep understanding of what audiences are looking for in digital and social media business coverage as well as a real nose for original, creative journalism. 

You will provide creative leadership and vision for the team.  You will have full editorial responsibility for the production of the Africa TV daily and weekly business programmes in English, Swahili and French. 

This role is also responsible for managing the Africa Business team including recruiting and staff development.

The Ideal Candidate

The successful candidate will have demonstrable experience in a senior journalistic capacity, with fluent Swahili and English language skills.  A working knowledge of French is an added advantage. You will have extensive editorial experience of online and digital, with the ability to develop and implement new approaches to programme structure and content. 

Demonstrable experience of commissioning and bringing to broadcast compelling multi-platform stories related to business in Africa and African news and current affairs is essential.

To succeed in this role you will need to be an experienced editor, able to build a collaborative and supportive team to deliver creative, high-quality business journalism that meets the editorial standards of the BBC and the specific requirements of our audiences. 

Package Description

Location: Nairobi, Kenya

Contract: continuing - local terms and conditions apply

Any offer of employment is conditional upon you having the right to work in Kenya