Reporter (Pidgin) at BBC

Job Reference BBC/TP/788768/22181
Location: Abuja
Contract Type: Permanent - Full Time
Job Category: Journalism

Job Introduction Africa’s media landscape is changing. It is one of the fastest developing news markets in the world with mobile technology transforming lives, internet connectivity increasing, the radio market remaining relatively strong and Television migrating from analogue to digital.

The BBC World Service remains the leading international broadcaster in Africa, reaching a weekly audience of more than 100 million across all platforms and Social Media. Globally, the BBC reaches a weekly audience of 320 million across various platforms.

Over the next four years, the BBC World Service will be expanding its multimedia operations in Africa by doubling the number of language services from 6 to 12.

Three of the new language services, Pidgin, Yoruba and Igbo, will serve our audiences in Nigeria and West Africa. They will be based in Abuja, working alongside our operation in Abuja from where the BBC currently produces its Hausa service output. There is a strong emphasis on reaching and connecting with young audiences.

We are now looking for a reporter with strong digital journalism and language skills (Pidgin, Yoruba and Igbo, as well as English) to work in Abuja. This role involves working irregular hours including weekends and public holidays.

Role Responsibilities

• The BBC is looking for an excellent reporter to produce a dynamic range of digital content - audio and video - which will appeal to a young audience.
• The successful candidate will have some experience of reporting for a digital media organization. Fluent in Pidgin and English (written and spoken), you will have experience of field reporting, delivering creative output for digital and social media platforms.
• An excellent knowledge of local, regional and international news and current affairs is essential, including a good understanding of a broad editorial agenda.
• You will have knowledge of and recent experience of living in the target area, including a good understanding of the complexities of Nigeria. You will have good local contacts.
• Ability to work under pressure and react to breaking news is essential. You must be a self-starter, with a strong ability to work independently.
• You must have work authorization for Nigeria.

The Ideal Candidate

• A full command of Pidgin as first (or equivalent) language is essential. An additional language - Hausa, Yoruba, or Igbo - is desirable.
• An excellent understanding of written and spoken English for journalism and the ability to communicate effectively.
• A digital media background and social media journalism experience preferable, you will ideally have a strong screen presence for coverage online and on social media.
• A good broadcasting voice and presence and the ability to acquire the appropriate presentation style to communicate effectively with listeners in Pidgin and English.
• Experience of field reporting on political, economic and trending social issues is desirable. So is the ability to demonstrate a good range of contacts for interview purposes.
• Knowledge of wider regional or international affairs will be an advantage.
• A good understanding of the needs of a young digitally-savvy audience in the region and an empathy with them is essential.
• Ability to convey story and programme ideas in an exciting way and to contribute fully to the planning process.
• A knowledge of and aptitude for, using modern broadcast and recording (audio & video) digital technology.
• A record of demonstrating good interpersonal skills and an understanding of the importance of working as a part of a team, especially at a distance, as well as working independently.
• Ability to remain calm under pressure, apply sensible work priorities and pace him/herself through the assignment.

Package Description

• Contract: Continuing.
• Salary: Local Terms and Conditions Apply.