Reporter, Security - East Africa (Senior Journalist) at BBC World Service

Job Introduction

The BBC World Service is an impartial and independent international news provider, part of BBC News. We are seeking to hire a Security Reporter to provide specialist coverage of a broad range of geopolitical and security themes across Africa. The role entails providing coverage of breaking news stories, major planned stories and longer term investigations.

Role Responsibility

• Break news stories across the continent and provide analysis and context as necessary on a range of security issues and stories
• Exercise strong editorial judgement to spot emerging trends in Security, verify and break news stories, while meeting deadlines and maintaining the highest BBC editorial standards
• Produce a wide range of creatively told stories to engage audiences across different linear and digital platforms
• Identify, develop and package original stories and other content for various BBC platforms
• Build and maintain regional contacts and provide timely and authoritative coverage developing stories and trends

Are you the right candidate?

• You will be resilient, highly-motivated self-starter, persistent and keen not to take no for an answer, while operating calmly under pressure. You will need to have experience in reporting from hostile environments, and working closely within established security protocols.
• Bilingual language expertise is essential: A full command and up to date knowledge of a key BBC World Service regional language as first (or equivalent) language as well as complete comprehension of written and spoken English and the ability to communicate effectively.
• Extensive knowledge of a range of security and conflict topics, ranging from inter and intra-state conflicts, Islamist activity, cyber security, peacekeeping and conflicts over natural resources, as well as the ability to discern and identify security angles and themes in the broader news and current affairs agenda.
• Experience in originating, planning, developing and producing engaging digital content on complex political and social issues that will appeal to African and global audiences, particularly among women and young people.
• A record of live reporting as well as ability to tell stories in an authoritative and engaging style and pace, adapted for different target audiences.