Journalists at BBC

Role Overview

The journalist will lead the digital-first coverage of gender and identity issues across Africa and especially West Africa The successful candidate will be responsible for identifying, researching, and producing high-quality digital content for a variety of platforms, with a focus on reaching and engaging younger and digitally-savvy audiences.Originate and produce, as part of a team, a wide variety of news and current affairs content for relevant output.

Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities

• Developing and implementing a digital-first strategy for covering gender and identity issues in Africa, with a focus on engaging younger audiences.
• Identifying and researching stories of relevance to the African audience, with a focus on bringing new perspectives and insights on issues related to gender and identity.
• Producing high-quality digital content for a variety of platforms, including social media, mobile, video, and podcasts.
• Collaborating with other journalists and editors within the BBC to ensure that coverage of gender and identity issues is integrated into broader reporting on Africa.
• Monitoring audience feedback and data to optimize content performance and engagement.

Knowledge, Skills, Training & Experience

• A proven track record of producing high-quality digital content on gender and identity issues, preferably in an African context.
• Deep understanding of digital media and platforms, with the ability to produce engaging and informative content for a range of audiences.
• Strong editorial judgement, with the ability to identify and report on stories that are of relevance and interest to the African audience.
• A network of contacts and sources across Africa, particularly in relation to gender and identity issues.
• A degree in journalism, media, or a related field, or equivalent work experience.
• Fluency in English and at least one other language spoken in Africa is preferred.

Job Closing Date: 01/09/2023

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Job Purpose

We are seeking an experienced Journalist with extensive knowledge about West Africa, Africa, and global news and current affairs. This role is a key part of our ambition to create impactful digital-first content for African and global audiences, reporting directly from Lagos. The successful candidate will have a deep understanding of digital and social platforms, the needs of youth audiences in Africa, and the stories they are looking for.

Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities

• Use a range of video, audio, and digital equipment and information technology to research, write, assemble, edit, and deliver outputs in the appropriate medium, to the highest professional standards.
• May be required to present the content on radio, TV, or online. This might be live or recorded.
• May include the production and presentation of programs. This might be live or recorded.
• Exercise editorial judgment in developing story ideas and producing accurate and impartial journalism.
• To undertake pre- and post-production and studio work, live and pre-recorded. Use a range of video, audio, and digital equipment and information technology to research, write, assemble, edit, and deliver programs in the appropriate medium, to the highest professional standards.
• To liaise closely with other team members and with other departments in the BBC, to ensure that output material is shared, duplication is avoided, and best practice is upheld.
• Take a lead within a team setting or on delivering a specific piece of journalism or project as appropriate.
• To tailor different news treatments for different audiences ensuring that the output reflects the audiences we serve.
• To prioritize and plan activities taking into account all the relevant issues and factors such as deadlines, staffing, and resources available.
• To produce engaging packages through a range of production skills.
• 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.

Knowledge, Skills, Training & Experience

Are You the Right Candidate?

• A track record of producing and delivering impactful digital news storytelling.
• Excellent written English skills 
• Fluent in  either French, Hausa, Igbo, and Pidgin, and strong English writing skills.
• Up to date with the latest emerging trends on African social media and impacting youth audiences in Africa. 
• Outstanding knowledge of the ‘global Africa story’, of the global impact of African policies, investment, and growing influence across the world.
• Understanding of African news,  politics, business, the environment, or another beat, and a good understanding of the African media and social media landscape.
• Demonstrated ability to regularly pitch creative, original story ideas and find sources to bring those stories to life.
• The ability to collaborate with teams across World Service Output and Content as well as explore potential collaboration with wider BBC News, and other current affairs strands.
• Willingness to travel abroad, sometimes at short notice.
• Understanding of Francophone-speaking Africa is important.

Desirable:

• Experience of self-shooting, working on short videos or podcasts.
• Experience of processing and analyzing data.
• Experience of publishing engaging long-form articles, including investigative journalism.

Personal Attributes:

• Diligent with strong attention to detail.
• Excellent communication skills combined with a collaborative teamwork mindset.
• Well-organized with strong time management skills.

Job Closing Date: 30/08/2023