Journalist (Digital), Africa Business at BBC World Service

Role Responsibility

• This post is based in the Africa Business Unit which produces business video and TV content for African audiences. BBC Africa Business Journalists work across platforms, on a multimedia website with a focus on digital video, text, interactivity and radio and TV services.
• Journalists are part of the editorial/production team which work within the BBC’s high editorial standards and have responsibility for the clear and engaging reporting or presentation of the daily and/or weekly programme.
• Journalists are responsible for all aspects of Business output including the production and presentation of live and recorded content, reporting, presenting, script-writing, packaging, translating, and compiling TV bulletins. They are versatile with proven journalistic skills or equivalent experience, good on-screen presence and broadcast voice, creativity, flexibility and an in-depth understanding of the news, politics, culture and social issues relevant to an African audience.
• In addition, all of our journalists are involved in creating digital video for our website and social platforms, and writing for our website to promote our content and engage with our audiences.

Are you the right candidate?

You'll need to be a strong digital journalist with experience of producing impactful business content for an African audience. Other key skills include:

• First class communication skills with fluency in written and spoken English and French. Ability to communicate effectively in another African language such as Swahili, is preferable.
• A good knowledge of what works on digital platforms within the market.
• Proven track record of coming up with ideas and seeing them through to delivery, ideally in a creative or media environment (production).
• Exceptional knowledge of business, in particular stories that appeals to an African audience and excellent contacts.
• Relevant experience as a journalist, both in originating material and editing the work of others, is highly desirable.
• Ability to write scripts and adapt with accuracy, clarity and style appropriate to differing audiences and forms of media.
• An excellent broadcasting voice and strong reporting skills with the ability to perform with flair.
• A demonstrable interest in working in a multimedia environment and in encouraging audience involvement.
• A demonstrable interest in new media and how to exploit it for the BBC’s purposes.
• Good keyboard/computer skills and the ability to acquire technical skills and to operate technical equipment.
• An understanding of the BBC Africa’s distinctive news agenda and a wider interest in the strategy of the BBC as a whole.

Desirable

• First-hand experience of handling cameras and shooting video for professional purposes