Journalist (Reporter / Presenter), Gist Nigeria at BBC

Job Purpose

The BBC works with Channels TV in Nigeria in an exciting partnership to co-produce a lively, weekly current affairs programme for Nigerian audiences. It features an in-depth look at strong African stories, analysis of issues that touch the lives of Nigerians at home and abroad while delivering original storytelling and hard-hitting studio discussions and interviews. All our journalists work across TV, Digital and Social platforms.

The Journalist (Reporter / Presenter) will be working within the co-production team and will play a crucial role providing timely, and authoritative coverage of news and current affairs for a Nigerian audience. You will cover stories, issues and events in Nigeria and the surrounding regions and may be required to travel internationally for stories relevant for Nigerians. The Reporter will be required to report and present for multi-platform outlets, including television, online and social media, and radio.

The successful candidate must have:

• High level spoken and written English
• A good feel for strong and distinctive stories
• Experience of reporting and presenting

Main Responsibilities

• To originate, select stories and provide expert news coverage for broadcast, fully observing BBC Editorial Guidelines and Channels TV’s Guidelines and regulations.
• 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 newsgathering and Channels TV coverage; 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 Hausa or Pidgin, 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.

Broadcast Coverage

• To broadcast in English on news topics and events (political, economic, social, cultural, scientific, sport, etc.) in a manner which is authoritative, lively, interesting and readily understandable by a non-specialist audience.
• To deliver stories which are innovative and engaging for digital platforms.
• To be able to use social platforms to inform newsgathering decisions.
• Have a good sense of spotting stories and subjects that would trend or go viral digitally.
• To alert Editors to breaking news and be ready to file accurate, immediate on-the-spot reports.
• To be prepared to check and advise against coverage when news agencies or other organisations’ reports are unreliable.
• To help provide contact numbers, interviewees, set up discussion programmes, and provide other programme material to the BBC.
• To maintain regular and clear communication with the African Service and BBC Newsgathering teams so that colleagues are briefed on the Reporter’s movements and contact numbers at all times, through the assignment.
• To travel within the target region and beyond on reporting trips, assignments and for training.

Advice & Briefing

To provide regular advice on news developments, briefings on government policy, guidance on agency or newspaper stories and provide input into BBC Africa’s broadcasting strategy.  To supply original items for the BBC Africa/ Channel’s TV partnership, coming up with a stream of realistic and costed coverage ideas, working collaboratively with any other embers of the team. Contributing constructively to feedback, programme reviews and editorial discussions to improve programme quality.

Are you the right candidate?

Essential

• Outstanding language skills in written and spoken English.
• Knowledge of one of the main Nigerian languages (Pidgin, Hausa, Yoruba or Igbo) would be a distinct advantage.
• Recent and relevant experience as a Journalist with reporting and presenting skills, 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 report and 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.