Senior Journalist, BBC News at BBC World Service

Job Introduction

Kenya Connects is a fresh, relevant, relatable, engaging and hard-hitting current affairs television programme in Kenya, in the shape of a co-production partnership between the BBC and  KTN News.

The Kenya focussed programme looks at important stories in Kenya but also how Kenya relates to the world. Principally looking at the world from Kenyan eyes. The weekly programme aims to broaden the BBC reach within Kenya, extend the BBC brand within Africa and offer the opportunity for increased engagement with audiences.

We are looking for a Senior Journalist to join the team in Nairobi.

Role Responsibility

As a Senior Journalist you will be responsible for originating and producing stories for Kenya Connects target audience. You will commission and select relevant materials which tell the stories of young, aspirational Kenyans, and will focus on strong reporting, original journalism, feature headline interviews with change-makers and influencers.

The Ideal Candidate

The successful candidate will have a demonstrable background in a senior journalistic role, with a high standard of editorial judgment, writing ability and production skills. You will have first class knowledge of news that appeals to a young, African audience and notable experience of working across multi-platforms including digital, TV and radio. A thorough understanding of the latest developments in storytelling is key. 

Job purpose

Responsible for an area of output, including editorial control, reporting, selection and compilation of material, production, leading teams and planning and implementing effective use of resources.

Key responsibilities and accountabilities

• Responsible for originating and producing stories which may include scripting, editing, outputting, filming and presenting content across a range of BBC output.
• Commission and select relevant materials ensuring they meet expectations of our audiences and adhere to the BBC’s editorial guidelines.
• May be required to undertake on-air reporting, may be required to film and edit material for broadcast where appropriate.
• May include the production and presentation of live or recorded programmes.
• May be required to present live or recorded content on radio, TV or online.
• As required, to allocate work to a team and check progress; ensure the professional contribution of staff and the quality of output.
• Seek ways to increase diversity in our workforce and to ensure that our output reflects the audiences we serve.
• Deliver journalism of the highest standard and within the required timeframe using available resources.
• To act as a facilitator of change, clearly communicating and distributing best practices between teams.
• Delivering to tight deadlines while maintaining the highest editorial standards.
• At all times to carry out duties in accordance with the BBC health and safety policy

Knowledge, skills, training and experience

Essential

• A high standard of editorial judgment, writing ability and production skills based on substantial broadcast journalism experience.
• Maximises opportunities offered by existing and emerging technologies to their fullest extent.
• Ability to work effectively as a member of more than one team. Resolving conflicts as necessary.
• Ability to manage resources, staff, technical facilities and budgets, in order to make challenging broadcasting in the most cost effective manner.
• Demonstrates a commitment to improving diversity in the BBC and understands how individual differences can benefit the BBC.
• Prioritises and plans activities taking into account all the relevant issues and factors such as deadlines, staffing and resources.
• Ability to write creatively in an engaging manner, adapt, produce and translate with accuracy, clarity and style appropriate to differing audiences and forms of media suitable for multimedia output.
• The flexibility and adaptability to sustain performance, particularly under pressure to meet
• deadlines and changing priorities and circumstances.