Head of East Africa Languages at BBC World Service

REQUIRED SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE

1. Fluent spoken and written English. Knowledge of any of the BBC’s broadcast languages for East and Horn of Africa is desirable but not mandatory.
2. A track record of success in a senior editorial role with proven experience of managing a range of output across platforms.
3. Experience of selecting, developing and leading managerial and programme staff from diverse backgrounds
4. A sound knowledge of production and distribution processes, techniques and technology, and how emerging technology can most effectively be harnessed for the benefit of the audience.
5. Experience in managing conflict and dealing with performance management, capability and conduct issues.
6. Knowledge and understanding of the digital media market in the region. Proven senior experience of journalism in the digital field and with strong digital production skills and the ability to spot gaps in the market to develop opportunities for the BBC
7. Experience of producing and coordinating high impact original journalism.
8. Experience of leading a sizeable team through change, e.g. platform changes, acquiring new skills, supervision etc.
9. Experience of managing budgets and the commitment to achieving the most efficient and cost effective use of resources.
10. Ability to motivate and develop editorial staff to make innovative and imaginative programmes.
11. Ability to make major decisions with authority and under pressure and to identify, prioritise and interpret key stories of the day.
12. Ability to manage resources, staff, technical facilities and budgets, in order to make challenging programmes in the most cost effective manner.

COMPETENCIES:

Business Management: Is able to understand commercial imperatives and trading relationships, appropriately applies business principles in terms of costs, the market and added value.
Strategic Thinking: Can identify a vision along with the plan which need to be implemented to meet the end goal. Evaluates situations, decisions, issues, etc in the short, medium and longer-term

Leadership: Ability to create a vision and inspire others to realise it irrespective of circumstance.
Editorial Judgement: Makes the right editorial and policy decisions based upon a clear understanding of the BBC’s distinctive news agenda, the requirements of news and current affairs coverage as well as those of the programme departments.
Creative thinking: Translates news and current affairs into high quality programming through a detailed understanding of the requirements of the broadcast media and possession of the necessary writing, directing and reporting skills.
Decision Making: Is ready and able to take initiative, originate action and be responsible for the consequences of decisions.
Influencing Others: Presents sound and well-reasoned arguments to convince others. Draws from a range of strategies to persuade people in a way that results in
agreement or behaviour change.
Developing talent and diversity: Coaches others to build on strengths and improve on weakness, gives and listens to regular, honest feedback, grows the
BBC’s new leaders, recruits and develops talent from a diverse range of backgrounds, connects with people from all parts of society.
Managing performance: Sets challenging team and individual, shares clear expectations about required performance levels, rewards success and addresses performance issues quickly and fairly, treats team members with honesty, respect and compassion.
Living the BBC Values: Sets high standards for the world’s most trusted broadcaster, demonstrates a passionate commitment to the BBC’s brand values.