Senior Journalist at BBC

Job Reference: BBC/TP/2276542/58454
Contract Type: 6 Month Fixed Term Contract
Band: D
Job Category: Journalism
Business Unit: News - WSG World Service

Job Purpose

• Responsible for an area of output, including editorial control, reporting, selection and compilation of material, production, leading teams and planning and implementing effective use of resources.

Role Responsibility

• As the Senior Journalist for Africa Eye you will be developing distinctive, significant investigations and current affairs documentaries (30min and 1 hour) which achieve high levels of impact and appreciation amongst African audiences.
• You will be involved from the development of ideas, through the creative process of gathering material, to the editing and delivery of outstanding content.
• With editorial innovation you will be developing great digital and TV content whilst managing budgets and observing tight financial targets. It will be your responsibility to make sound judgements on matters of editorial sensitivity.

Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities

• Responsible for originating and producing stories which may include scripting, editing, outputting, filming and presenting content across a range of BBC output.
• Commission and select relevant materials ensuring they meet expectations of our audiences and adhere to the BBC’s editorial guidelines.
• May be required to undertake on-air reporting, may be required to film and edit material for broadcast where appropriate.
• May include the production and presentation of live or recorded programmes.
• May be required to present live or recorded content on radio, TV or online.
• As required, to allocate work to a team and check progress; ensure the professional contribution of staff and the quality of output.
• Seek ways to increase diversity in our workforce and to ensure that our output reflects the audiences we serve.
• Deliver journalism of the highest standard and within the required timeframe using available resources.
• To act as a facilitator of change, clearly communicating and distributing best practices between teams.
• Delivering to tight deadlines while maintaining the highest editorial standards.
• At all times to carry out duties in accordance with the BBC health and safety policy.

The Ideal Candidate

• To be the ideal candidate you will have an extensive track record of work in Nigeria and, preferably, other countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, with at least 2 years working on African content or on the continent itself with a thorough knowledge of African news and international current affairs.
• You will have a good working knowledge of long form and short form production techniques suitable for television, digital video, online and other formats.
• You will have a demonstrable track record of developing and producing impactful investigations, preferably with experience in undercover filming and working with undercover teams, as well as managing the deployment of teams into hostile environments.
• You will also have experience in the management of complex short-form news and social rollouts for long-form programmes.
• You will need experience in managing budgets and observing tight financial targets.

Knowledge, Skills, Training and Experience:

• A high standard of editorial judgment, writing ability and production skills based on substantial broadcast journalism experience.
• Maximises opportunities offered by existing and emerging technologies to their fullest extent.
• Ability to work effectively as a member of more than one team. Resolving conflicts as necessary.
• Ability to manage resources, staff, technical facilities and budgets, in order to make challenging broadcasting in the most cost effective manner.
• Demonstrates a commitment to improving diversity in the BBC and understands how individual differences can benefit the BBC.
• Prioritises and plans activities taking into account all the relevant issues and factors such as deadlines, staffing and resources.
• Ability to write creatively in an engaging manner, adapt, produce and translate with accuracy, clarity and style appropriate to differing audiences and forms of media suitable for multimedia output.
• The flexibility and adaptability to sustain performance, particularly under pressure to meet deadlines and changing priorities and circumstances.
• An understanding of health and safety procedures and how they apply to broadcasting.

Job Impact:
Decision making:

• Significant level of responsibility. Uses initiative but seeks guidance where necessary.
• No line management responsibility but may mentor more junior staff.

Scope:

• A senior journalist covering a wide range of journalism activity, with significant experience and responsibility for programme / content creation.

Working Conditions and Benefits

• Local terms and conditions apply. Any offer of employment with the BBC will be conditional upon you having the right to work in Nigeria. 
• Excellent career progression - the BBC offers great opportunities for employees to seek new challenges and work in different areas of the organisation
• Benefits - We offer a competitive salary package and other benefits.