Journalist, BBC Somali at BBC World Service

PURPOSE OF THE ROLE

There is a golden opportunity to become a Journalist in BBC Somali as we seek to extend its trusted reputation across radio and digital for the next generation. By joining the team, you will receive first-class training and can share your stories with millions of BBC’s global audience.

WHY JOIN THE TEAM  

The BBC Somali Service operates a digital first strategy, publishing content online and on social media platforms, alongside producing radio news and current affairs programmes in Somali. A career at the BBC offers you an opportunity to tell stories that can change lives and at BBC Africa it is our ambition to showcase the diversity of ideas and aspirations from across the continent.

YOUR KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND IMPACT:

• Create content for a variety of broadcast and digital media platforms, in multiple formats including audio and video. You will use your knowledge of the digital media market to produce interesting news content for our website and social media platforms.
• Present the content on radio and digital. This might be live or recorded.
• Exercise editorial judgment in developing story ideas and producing accurate and impartial journalism.
• Liaise closely with other team members and with other departments in the BBC, to ensure that output material is shared, duplication is avoided, and best practice is upheld.
• Tailor different news treatments for different audiences ensuring that the output reflects the audiences we serve.
• Delivering to tight deadlines while maintaining the highest editorial standards.

YOUR SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA:

• Full command and up to date knowledge of spoken and written Somali language as a first language or equivalent
• A good knowledge of English including complete comprehension of written and spoken English and the ability to communicate effectively
• Significant recent experience as a broadcast journalist for the target area, both in originating ideas and material and, with a good knowledge of production techniques
• Ability to write creatively in an engaging manner, adapt, and produce and translate with accuracy, clarity and style appropriate to differing audiences and forms of media suitable for the Service’s multimedia output. 
• Wide, thorough and up to date familiarity with the target area which the service broadcasts and an in-depth understanding of the Somali region’s news and current affairs, history, politics, social issues and culture in addition to good network and contacts with the newsmakers in the region. 

DESIRED BUT NOT REQUIRED

• Ability to shoot and edit videos