Senior Journalist Online- Somali Service at BBC World Service

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. The service’s focus is to produce world-class digital content that makes sense of news and events in Somalia and its neighbouring region for our local and global audiences.

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.

Role Responsibility

We are looking for a senior digital journalist, to be in charge of BBC Somali Digital/ online, to shape digital editorial development and delivery across all our digital platforms and to help influence the growth of digital skills and approaches across BBC Somali. You will be responsible for originating and producing stories (creatively) which may include scripting, editing, outputting, filming and presenting content across a range of BBC output.

You will oversee the development of BBC Somali digital in transforming the platform to offer original and distinctive journalism. You will curate the best visual storytelling stories for a diverse global Somali audience. As the senior member of the digital editorial team, you will help the service to build authentic connections between the BBC and its audience.

As the senior digital champion you will liaise between the service and the wider BBC and communicate the BBC digital vision and industry developments to the department. You will be reporting to Editor, Somali service and will be expected to cultivate relationships with the BBC Africa Planning teams and BBC News website teams to ensure that BBC Somali Service digital content is effectively disseminated inside as well as outside the BBC.

The Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate will have:

• Full command and up-to-date knowledge of spoken and written standard Somali, as first language. As well as excellent knowledge of English, including complete comprehension of written and spoken English and the ability to communicate effectively.  
• Demonstrable experience of imaginative and advanced use of a range of social media platforms, and an excellent understanding of the role of social media in BBC Somali’s journalism.
• Significant recent editorial leadership experience specifically in digital journalism in the target area, including in originating ideas and material, and in editing and overseeing the work of others.
• Wide, thorough and up to date familiarity with the target area which the service broadcasts and an in-depth understanding of the Somali history, politics, social issues and culture.
• Detailed knowledge of digital markets, industry trends and the latest technological developments as they affect BBC Somali’s services, including keeping up-to-date with the changes in technology, competition and the changing needs of the audience.