Journalist, Focus on Africa at BBC

We are looking for highly successful Journalists to produce impactful content for Focus on Africa TV and radio programs as well as its digital livestreams and assets. The Journalist will be an experienced journalist with experience of handling breaking news and rolling coverage and good understanding of our audience needs. You will have extensive experience of working on a TV, radio or podcast program and in-depth knowledge of digital production. 

Main Responsibilities

• Research, pitch, and produce compelling news stories and features tailored for TV and radio/podcast broadcasts. Ensure content is informative, accurate, and engaging, reflecting the diversity of African experiences and perspectives
• Conduct interviews and gather information from various sources, including government officials, community leaders, and ordinary citizens
• To present news stories, reports, and features live on air for both radio/podcast and television. This includes adapting style and tone to suit different formats and audiences
• To ensure that BBC Editorial principles and all relevant legal, contractual and copyright requirements are met, referring upwards in cases of difficulty or doubt
• To work closely with editorial colleagues, producers, and field reporters to develop and execute story ideas. Participate in team discussions and contribute to the overall editorial direction of Focus on Africa
• To maintain up-to-date knowledge of current affairs, cultural happenings, and developments within Africa and beyond. Analyze trends and issues impacting the continent in order to produce timely and relevant news
• To oversee the digital presence of Focus on Africa, including social media platforms  
• To coordinate with other BBC departments and international bureaus to source stories, enhance coverage, and collaborate on cross-platform features
• To build and maintain relationships with correspondents and contributors as needed
• To foster a culture of creativity and innovation within the team and to encourage the exploration of new formats and technologies, enhancing audience interaction and participation
• To build and maintain diverse contact lists; compile and distribute information with other members of the team

Are you the right candidate?

• Demonstrable experience of producing original content that has been impactful and reached new audiences with knowledge of social media best practice
• Proven ability to work independently, or collaboratively as required, on original journalism for underserved audiences across a range of specialisms
• In-depth knowledge of the news agenda across the African continent and its diaspora; ability to spot an interesting, shareable story - and generate eye-catching headlines and content to go with it
• Ability to find interesting, alternative angles on established/on-going stories that dominate the news agenda
• Track record of creativity in the use of pictures, graphics and audio to illustrate and explain fast-moving events and complex stories
• Experience of working under pressure and meeting tight deadlines. A self-starting individual – you will be able to come up with ideas, get them commissioned made and delivered efficiently
• Strong verbal communication skills in English, with the confidence to present on camera and on air
• Ability to write creatively in English in an engaging manner as well as the ability to adapt material with accuracy, clarity and a style appropriate to differing audiences and forms of media
• Strong working knowledge of the data and analytics tools available and demonstrable evidence of using them effectively
• Strong research abilities to prepare for broadcasts, with the capability to analyse and distil complex information for audience consumption
• An understanding of and respect for diverse cultural perspectives, enabling thoughtful engagement with various community topics and issues
• Experience of planning and delivering international shoots – both in-person and remotely is advantageous