Career Opportunities at BBC World Service - 2 Positions

A career at the BBC offers you an opportunity to tell stories that can change lives. The aim of BBC Africa is to showcase the diverse ideas and aspirations from across the continent.

Role Responsibility

• To suggest and research stories or story elements for BBC Africa Service and other BBC services if requested by the editors/line managers; to find contributors and interviewees as well as other sources of material and/or actuality, as appropriate and to the required specification, whilst maintaining professional journalistic standards of accuracy, impartiality and fair dealing and adhering to the BBC’s Editorial guidelines.
• To offer ideas for items in a range of platforms; to suggest and develop special projects in Africa and to actively contribute to the editorial planning process.

• To go on duty trips to gather information for output with a correspondent and/or a shoot/edit, or individually, as required.
• To work with correspondents from across the BBC, on duty trips and on base, ensuring that they are appropriately supported, both editorially and logistically.
• The ability to report from the field if needed.
• To suggest new broadcasting formats and techniques for BBC output from Africa.

The Ideal Candidate

• Fluent in English, both in written and spoken form, ability to communicate effectively on a high level.
• A full command and up to date knowledge of stories and issues relating to your specific region.
• Experience of work in a similar position in a news environment.
• Wide and up-to-date familiarity with the target area and an in-depth understanding of African history, politics, social issues and culture as well as the changing needs of African audiences. Extensive knowledge of the media situation in the target area and the way it is developing.
• To have basic skills of shooting photo and video, and of gathering journalistic material through other technical means.
• A thorough understanding of the latest developments in digital storytelling.
• Thorough knowledge of current affairs and the broadcast environment in the target area, including familiarity with official structures and procedures pertinent to that environment.
• A sound understanding of the needs, platforms and styles of the BBC.
• Ability to work unsupervised, managing changing priorities in a fast-moving environment, responding promptly and reliably to the requests of your colleagues.

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A career at the BBC offers you an opportunity to tell stories that can change lives. The aim of BBC Africa is to showcase the diverse ideas and aspirations from across the continent.

Role Responsibility

• To originate, select stories and provide expert news coverage and analysis for broadcast, fully observing BBC Editorial Guidelines.

• To pitch original stories with both TV and digital treatments, making sure that they work for online, social and TV platforms.

• To act within the framework of overall BBC coverage, especially by Reporters and Producers in the region working for BBC Newsgathering; to maintain co-operative relations and ensure coverage forms part of a coherent overall offer.

• To provide a variety of content in English, and where possible in Swahili, often with tight deadlines.

• To follow safety requirements and instructions, especially in relation to emergencies; and to report any accidents, dangerous situations or defects in safety arrangements.

• To follow the BBC guide on business expenditure, including timely and accurate filing of expenses claims.

The Ideal Candidate

• Outstanding language skills of written and spoken English.
• Excellent level of written and spoken Swahili is desirable.
• Recent and relevant experience as a TV Reporter and/or Journalist, both in originating material and editing the work of others. A thorough knowledge of national affairs together with an understanding of international affairs.
• Excellent independent and balanced editorial judgement. A thorough familiarity with the region, an in depth knowledge of the audience requirements and a good understanding of youth issues and the media interests of various age groups. A good understanding of digital platforms and the types of content which do well on them. Knowledge of and aptitude for information technology skills. A demonstrable interest and proven track record in social media. Ability to present programmes appropriate to the needs of BBC Africa.
• Authoritative microphone voice and ability to communicate effectively to listeners and viewers. Proven skills in filing despatches and ability to produce two-ways and make television and radio packages. Ability to convey story and programme ideas and to contribute fully to the planning process. Ability to learn new skills (technically and editorially) and accept constructive feedback. Ability to remain calm while working to deadlines, apply sensible work priorities and pace throughout assignments.