Career Opportunities at The BBC World Service

Job Reference: BBC/TP/656733/23921
Job Category: Journalism
Reports to: Senior Partnerships & Production Manager
Contract: Continuing

Job Summary

• The following job specification is intended to reflect the nature, range, and context of the work. It identifies the main requirements of the job, but is not an exhaustive list of duties.
• In an exciting new partnership, BBC Africa is working with Channels TV in Nigeria to co-produce a lively, weekly current affairs programme for Nigerian audiences.
• It will feature an in depth look at strong African stories, look at issues that touch the lives of Nigerians at home and abroad, deliver original storytelling and hard-hitting studio discussions and interviews. All our journalists work across TV, Digital and Social platforms.

The Job

• Multimedia researchers are creative members of the production team who get involved in a wide range of tasks throughout the production process. They contribute ideas, research stories, plan sequences, find contributors, set up and when required filming inserts or interviews, support live broadcasts to ensure guests and content are available and live social media interaction can be used in the TV show, as well as providing production administrative support. The role may also involve working with outside broadcast providers.
• Successful candidates will explore ideas, check factual details and undertake in depth background research, obtaining further information from all sources. You will have a track record in delivering ideas and contributing to original journalism.
• You will have a passion for interactivity through social media platforms and be prepared to immerse yourself in any task to support the production.
• You will be expected to write clear treatments and proposals, ensuring consistency of content, quality and style. For developing stories you will be expected to follow coverage, amend and update material as required. You’ll contribute to an exciting, creative environment and be prepared to be flexible.
• You will have a passion for current affairs on television. You will be an ideas person with a genuine ambition to find new and engaging ways to combine content with mainstream accessibility, diversity and entertainment values.
• You will have a good understanding of Nigerian audeinces and the BBC Africa service’s audiences as a whole.
• As part of the core staff you will be expected to embrace flexibility across all output and be prepared to perform the non-editorial administrative tasks as required, in support of the producers.

Knowledge and Skills Requirements
Researcher duties may encompass any or all of the following:

• Outstanding written and spoken English. Written and spoken Pidgin or Hausa is desirable.
• Good knowledge across a broad range of subject areas
• A proven ability to identify key ideas, debates and issues within a field
• A proven ability to contribute to ideas for programmes, items and new treatments
• A proven ability to locate relevant sources of information, using initiative, perseverance and persuasion, and an extensive contact base.
• Ability to research potential contributors and guests and to build and sustain excellent relationships with them.
• Good writing skills.
• Ability to log and keep accurate records.
• Demonstrable understanding of the importance of the BBC’s values of accuracy, impartiality and decency
• Good organisational skills and the ability to prioritise work load and react positively to situations at short notice
• An enquiring and analytical mind, able to pay attention to detail while maintaining an overview
• Effective communication skills, with the ability to express views and ideas at all levels both orally and in writing
• Experience of working alone or in a team under supervision, maintaining good working relationships with colleagues and contributors
• The flexibility and adaptability to sustain performance, particularly under pressure to meet deadlines and changing priorities and circumstances
• Drive and resilience to maintain personal effectiveness in the face of pressure, set backs, or when dealing with provocative situations
• Consistently delivers on time by effectively prioritising, planning ahead and anticipating problems.
• Desirable to have some filming and operational/technical skills such as working with crews and/or self-shooting.
• To proactively embrace new technologies, new ways of working and innovation
• Have strong demonstrable multiplatform skills and/or willing to take up appropriate training initiatives
• Understands the duty of care in general with regard to individuals’ wellbeing and in particular with regard to Health & Safety issues.
• To work effectively to ensure all content is thoroughly researched and meets the BBC’s and Channels TV’s editorial standards.
• To work with the Senior Broadcast Journalist/ Broadcast Journalists in developing ideas / treatments and producing workable scripts / structured treatments
• To assist in the recce of locations, and where necessary to assist in the direction of filming
• Generates creative and innovative ideas and contributes to the development process, writes proposals which are considered good enough to be developed and pitched for commissions.
• To be across and proactive in writing, filming and editing material for multiplatform,
• Takes responsibility for own career development and successfully seeks out and takes on work across a range of output to build, develop and enhance skills and experience
• Responds openly and flexibly to feedback and develops accordingly
• To carry out all duties in accordance with Health and Safety regulations.
• Prepared to perform the non-editorial administrative tasks as required, in support of the producers.

Competencies

• Planning and Organising - able to think ahead in order to establish an efficient and appropriate course of action for self and others. Prioritises and plans activities taking into account all the relevant issues and factors such as deadlines, staffing and resource requirements.
• Managing relationships - able to build and maintain effective working relationships with a range of people.
• Understanding Diversity - understands and appreciates the uniqueness of self and others. Demonstrates, and is committed to improving and understanding diversity. Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with a range of people.
• Communication - able to express ideas clearly and adapt communication style to the needs of others by using a range of styles and approaches appropriate to the audience and the nature of the information. The ability to understand the effect on others of one’s own personal style of communication.
• Editorial Judgement - able to demonstrate balanced and objective judgement based on a thorough understanding of the project commissioning brief, audience requirements, project guidelines and objectives.
• Influencing and persuading - able to present sound and well reasoned arguments to convince others. Can draw from a range of strategies to persuade people in a way that results in agreement or behaviour change.
• Resilience - manages personal effectiveness by managing emotions in the face of pressure, set backs or when dealing with provocative situations. Demonstrates an approach to work that is characterised by commitment, motivation and energy.
• Flexibility
• Adapts and works effectively with a variety of situations, individuals or groups. Also works flexibly with changing technology and production techniques. Appreciates different/opposing perspectives on an issue. Adapts approach as the requirements of a situation change.
• Team working
• Works co-operatively with others as part of a team. Works alongside, as opposed to, working separately or competitively. Builds and maintains effective working relationships with a wide range of people
• Imagination and Creative Thinking
• Demonstrates original and imaginative ideas and can transform into practical reality from inception through to programme transmission.
• Decision Making
• Ready and able to take the initiative and originate action and take responsibility for the consequences of decisions made
• Drive and self development
• Commits self to work hard towards defined goals and shows enthusiasm and career commitment and takes opportunities for learning and development
• Analytical Thinking
• Gathers relevant information from a range of sources and selects what is relevant and significant. Demonstrates a full understanding of the requirement and knowledge of sources and research methodology. Sifts information that is relevant and significant. Translates analysis into practical ideas for programmes. Thinks carefully and decisively particularly when faced with unexpected problems. Has confidence in own judgement but knows when to refer to a more senior level. Logically weighs up factors in order to make rational decisions.

go to method of application »

Job Reference: BBC/TP/656733/23919
Job Category: Journalism
Business Unit: News - W2020 - Africa
Reports to: Senior Partnerships & Production Manager
Contract: Continuing

Job Summary

• The following job specification is intended to reflect the nature, range, and context of the work.  It identifies the main requirements of the job, but is not an exhaustive list of duties.
• In an exciting new partnership, BBC Africa is working with Channels TV in Nigeria to coproduce a lively, weekly current affairs programme for Nigerian audiences. 
• It will feature an in depth look at strong African stories, look at issues that touch the lives of Nigerians at home and abroad, deliver original storytelling and hard-hitting studio discussions and interviews. All our journalists work across TV, Digital and Social platforms. 

The Job

• We are looking for a creative and experienced shoot edit to work in a new Africa CoProduction Unit and work across all platforms. You need to demonstrate that you are experienced in filming and delivering creative ideas for digital and TV. The successful candidate will need to have excellent knowledge of news and current affairs in Nigeria and across Africa and an understanding of what audiences are looking for in digital and social media news coverage. 
• To provide high-quality and creative filming from the field, edit video and feed the material back to base. Working closely with a Reporter you will be responsible for getting to locations with appropriate equipment.  You will visually shape ideas for the BBC Africa/ Channels TV co-production as well as contribute your own story ideas. 

Main Duties

• Offering creative ideas on how to film and illustrate news stories and features.
• Filming and sending video to base on breaking news stories.]Shooting and editing complete news features.
• Recording reporter links and pieces to camera in creative ways and to edit full programmes.
• Working closely with reporters to develop scripts and occasionally writing material. Fieldproducing news coverage, when needed.
• Working abroad and in hostile environments.
• You may be required to work on other genres at times  
• It is vital that you have excellent command of spoken and written English and a working grasp of at least one major Nigerian language. 

Responsibilities

• Shooting video of the highest quality for either live transmission or recording, providing a representative visual and audio account of events.
• This will include camerawork, sound work and lighting in the field and where required, at base.
• Contributing original ideas to improve the visual and journalistic content of the story and being aware of the different styles and formats.
• Selecting, preparing and editing material for broadcast and meeting strict transmission deadlines.
• Setting up and coordinating on-site facilities to meet programme needs, including leading teams e.g. on multiple camera shoots.
• On occasion, undertaking interviews and some production duties on location in both recorded and live situations.
• Responsible for getting to locations with appropriate equipment, often on their own. Liaising effectively and establishing good relationships with all other contacts both outside and within the BBC.
• Maintaining professional standards of accuracy and impartiality and fair dealing in line with BBC guidelines. 
• Contributing to the development of operational procedures and maximise the use of existing and new technology.
• Operating within the BBC’s Safety and Editorial policy guidelines. At all times maintaining professional journalistic, ethical and technical standards.   
  

Skills, Knowledge and Experience Required

• Candidates will have relevant experience in a creative video or film environment, practicing a range of location craft skills (e.g. camerawork / lighting / editing / location facilities).
• They will be able to demonstrate strong interest in and proven commitment to content that appeals to an African audience and excellent news contacts.
• Experience of filming, editing and packaging content for TV, digital and radio.
• Must have the full range of location craft and technical skills, the ability to operate current broadcast technical equipment on location and at base, demonstrating a well-developed sense of visual awareness and a willingness to learn how to use new technology and kit. 
• Good organisational skills with the ability to prioritise workload, react positively to situations at short notice and plan ahead.
• Excellent digital skills with track record of researching and discovering stories and after appropriate training use PNG, Quickfire and other newsgathering systems.
• Ability to build relationships and work collaboratively with colleagues across BBC News and with organisations outside the BBC. Exercise diplomacy with people where necessary. 
• Values variety and individual differences and help create a culture, environment and practices which respect and value differences.
• Demonstrable editorial awareness and judgment combined with a thorough understanding of the editorial aims and policies of the BBC.  
• The successful candidate will be required to travel at short notice and may be needed to work across Africa, sometimes for several days and may be asked to work in hostile environments.  

Competencies: 

• The following competencies (behaviours and characteristics) have been identified as key to success in the job. Successful candidates are expected to demonstrate these competencies.  Editorial Judgement: Makes the right editorial and policy decisions based upon a clear understanding of the BBC's distinctive news agenda, the requirements of news coverage as well as those of the programme departments. 
• Creative thinking: Translates news into high quality programming through a detailed understanding of the requirements of the broadcast media. Has imaginative ideas of different story treatments and ideas. 
• Managing relationships and team working: Able to build and maintain effective working relationships with a range of people both internally and externally to the BBC. Works cooperatively with others to be part of a team, as opposed to working separately or competitively. 
• Decision Making: Is ready and able to take initiative, originate action and be responsible for the consequences of decisions. 
• Communication: The ability to get one's message understood clearly by adopting a range of styles, tools and techniques appropriate to the audience and the nature of the information. 
• Influencing Others: Presents sound and well-reasoned arguments to convince others, including influencing the agenda of targeted outlets.

go to method of application »

Job Reference : BBC/TP/656733/23914
Location: Lagos, Nigeria
Department: BBC Africa
Reports to: Senior Partnerships & Production Manager
Contract: Continuing

Job Summary

• In an exciting new partnership, BBC Africa is working with Channels TV in Nigeria to co-produce a lively, weekly current affairs programme for Nigerian audiences. It will feature an in depth look at strong African stories, look at issues that touch the lives of Nigerians at home and abroad, deliver original storytelling and hard-hitting studio discussions and interviews. All our journalists work across TV, Digital and Social platforms.

Role Responsibilities

• The Co-Production Editor will be the editorial lead for launching this programme. Your fundamental responsibility, with your team of journalists will be to produce high quality TV and digital content for Nigeria and other African countries. Therefore, you will be required to motivate and encourage your team to be original and innovative with their content ideas, whilst leading from the front.
• You will play a crucial role in co-ordinating, planning and guiding all overage and leading on major news in this programme.
• In addition, you will be the key point of liaison between Channels TV and the BBC, ensuring best possible communication between the two broadcasters and that editorial and legal guidelines for both entities are met and adhered to.

The Job

• We are looking for a creative and motivated Editor to lead a new Africa Unit and launch the new TV programme and digital products for African and in particular Nigerian audiences.
• You will need to have excellent knowledge of news in Nigeria, pan- African news, global news and an understanding of what audiences are looking for in digital and social media news coverage as well as a real nose for original, creative journalism.
• The role will work closely with BBC African News Editor and news specialists across the BBC, both domestic and in global news outlets.

Main Duties

• To editorially lead the launch of new TV and digital news content for Nigeria and other African countries.
• To lead and motivate a team of journalists to produce high quality content and to encourage original journalism and distinctive, innovative storytelling.
• To co-ordinate, plan, guide and inspire all coverage and lead on major news events.
• To be a key point of liaison with the best possible communication between the BBC and Channels TV and to ensure that editorial and legal guidelines of both broadcasters are met.
• Recruit, deploy, lead, manage, train and develop the staff.
• Work with the rest of the management team to build an open, collaborative and creative culture.
• To manage commissioning and production budgets effectively.
• To work with BBC News, particularly the Africa TV Editor, the News interactive team and Newsgathering to deliver high quality material.
• To work with visual journalism and production teams to develop compelling TV and digital formats.
• To develop a lively and engaged social media approach to news coverage working very closely with the Languages digital teams.
• To ensure that the potential of news is maximized in all African language output, developing
• new formats and styles.
• Seek out opportunities for more efficient ways of working in a multiplatform and
• multilingual environment.

Requirements

• Excellent track record of delivering high impact, multiplatform News content for an Africanaudience.
• The ability to deliver editorial innovation and develop great digital and TV content and stimulate new thinking about news journalism.
• Experience of leading and managing a team of journalists.
• Experience of managing budgets and observing tight financial targets.
• A solid understanding of Major Nigerian, African and international news and how to maximize their potential.
• Outstanding written and spoken English. Written and spoken Pidgin or Hausa is desirable.
• Excellent communication skills to establish and develop strong working relationships with colleagues in numerous BBC departments - BBC African Service, BBC Global News, BBC Language Service and with Channels TV.
• Strong planning, negotiation and influencing skills and the ability to co-ordinate and plan news coverage from major events.
• Knowledge of the African media market and the changing needs of the audience.
• Thorough knowledge of African News and international current affairs.
• Strive for diversity of contributors, in terms of gender, ethnicity, disability and age.
• Experience of making sound judgements on matters of editorial sensitivity.
• Knowledge and practical experience of weekly and/or daily journalism.
• A thorough knowledge of all the requirements of the BBC Producer Guidelines and Editorial policies.
• An understanding of the agendas and requirements of the various BBC News international facing platforms and Channel’s TV.
• A high level of editorial awareness and judgement in line with BBC and News Directorate policy.
• Appreciate and demonstrate the BBC Values.
• Resilience, determination, ambition, energy and enthusiasm.

Competencies:
The following competencies (behaviours and characteristics) have been identified as key to success in the job. Successful candidates are expected to demonstrate these competencies.

• Editorial judgment - makes the right editorial and policy decisions based upon a clear understanding of the BBCs distinctive news agenda.
• Imagination / creative thinking - translates news and current affairs into high quality video and text content through a detailed understanding of the requirements of digital and social media and possession of the necessary writing, directing and reporting skills.
• Decision Making - is ready and able to take the initiative, originate action and be responsible for the consequences of the decisions made.
• Planning and organising - is able to think ahead in order to establish an efficient and appropriate course of action for self and others. Prioritises and plans activities taking into account all therelevant issues and factors such as deadlines, staffing and resources requirements.
• Resilience - can maintain personal effectiveness by managing emotions in the face of pressure, setbacks or when dealing with provocative situations. Can demonstrate an approach to work that is characterised by commitment, motivation and energy.
• Influencing and persuading – the ability to present sound and well-reasoned arguments to convince others. Can draw from a range of strategies to persuade people in a way that results in agreement or behaviour change.
• Managing relationships and team working - able to build and maintain effective working relationships with a range of people.
• Works cooperatively with others to be part of a team, as opposed to working separately or competitively.
• Leadership – ability to create a vision and inspire others to realise it irrespective of circumstances
• Subject knowledge - demonstrates an expanding knowledge of News, online editorial and technological developments and business trends in international news
• Analytical skills - simplifies complex problems, processes or projects. Identifies casual relationships and constructs frameworks for problem-solving and/or development.
• Communication - the ability to get one’s message understood clearly by adopting a range of styles, tools and techniques appropriate to the audience and the nature of the information.
• Developing talent and diversity - coaches others to build on strengths and improve on weakness, gives and listens to regular, honest feedback, grows the BBC’s new leaders, recruits and develops talent from a diverse range of backgrounds, connects with people from all parts of society
• Flexibility - adapts and works effectively with a variety of situations, individuals or groups. Is able to understand and appreciate different and opposing perspectives on an issue, to adapt an approach as the requirements of a situation change, and to change or easily accept changes in one’s own organisation or job requirements.

go to method of application »

Job Reference: BBC/TP/656733/23916
Department: Africa TV
Reports to: Sports Editor, Africa  
Business Unit: News - W2020

Job Summary

• We are looking for Multimedia Broadcast Journalists to work in a new Africa Sports Unit and launch new sports video and TV products for African audiences.
• The successful candidate will need to have excellent knowledge of sport in Africa, global sport, particularly the Premiership and Athletics, and an understanding of what audiences are looking for in digital and social media sports coverage.   

The Job 

• All BBC Africa Sport Journalists work across platforms, on a multimedia website with a focus on digital video, text, interactivity and radio and TV services.
• The Multimedia Journalists will work as part of the editorial/production team in Lagos for BBC Africa Sport and will meet the BBC’s high editorial standards.
• They will be responsible for the clear and engaging reporting or presentation of the weekly programme.
• On a daily basis they will report to a Senior Journalist.
• Shift work will be required which could include early/late shifts, weekends and public holidays. 

Responsibilities

• Our Multimedia Journalists are responsible for all aspects of sport output including the production and presentation of live and recorded content, reporting, presenting, scriptwriting, packaging, translating, and compiling TV Bulletins.  
• Multimedia Journalists produce accurate, informed and interesting news and programming. They are versatile with proven journalistic skills or equivalent experience, good on-screen presence and broadcast voice, energy, creativity, flexibility and an in-depth understanding of the news, politics, culture and social issues relevant to an African audience.
• In addition, all of our journalists are involved in creating digital video for our website and social platforms, and writing for our website.
• They work on social platforms also to promote our content and engage with our audiences. First class communication is essential.   

Main Duties 

• To report, present, research, write, translate, edit and adapt stories or programme material for BBC Africa Sport TV, radio and online audiences.  
• To offer original and creative ideas for multimedia content. To suggest new angles on existing stories and to put forward stories not yet covered.  
• To work with graphic designers to produce creative and original graphics sequences.  
• To maintain professional journalistic standards of accuracy, impartiality and fair dealing and adhering to the BBC’s Editorial guidelines.  
• To be responsible for a moving story, amending and updating material as required. To be able to freshen a story.  
• To be responsible for studio production of live and pre-recorded programmes. To respond to breaking stories whilst on air and to resolve technical difficulties. 
• To tell stories in a compelling manner and capture human endeavour and connection, which appeals to audiences who are looking for more than sports results.   
• After training, to be able to use a range of digital equipment and technology to research, write, assemble, edit and deliver programmes and content. 
• To ensure that BBC Editorial values and guidelines and all relevant legal and copyright requirements are met, asking for the support of managers in cases of difficulty or doubt. 
• To work closely with other parts of the BBC including other African language teams, BBC reporters and producers across BBC departments.  
• All journalists may be required to work with or move to other programme teams on a multi-media basis and to have the ability to work across a range of skills.

Essential Knowledge, Skills And Experience  

• Fluent in written and spoken English. Ability to communicate effectively in another African language is preferable. 
• A good knowledge of what works on TV and digital platforms within the market. 
• Proven track record of coming up with ideas and seeing them through to delivery, ideally in a creative or media environment. 
• Exceptional knowledge of sport, in particular sport that appeals to an African audience and excellent sports contacts.
• Relevant experience as a journalist, both in originating material and editing the work of others, is highly desirable. 
• Ability to write scripts and adapt with accuracy, clarity and style appropriate to differing audiences and forms of media.  
• An excellent broadcasting voice and strong reporting skills with the ability to perform with flair.  
• A demonstrable interest in working in a multimedia environment and in encouraging audience involvement.  
• A demonstrable interest in new media and how to exploit it for the BBC’s purposes. 
• Good keyboard/computer skills and the ability to acquire technical skills and to operate technical equipment. 
• An understanding of the BBC Africa’s distinctive news agenda and a wider interest in the strategy of the BBC as a whole. 

Desirable:

• First-hand experience of handling cameras and shooting video for professional purposes.   

Competencies:

• The following competencies (behaviours and characteristics) have been identified as key to success in the job. Successful candidates are expected to demonstrate these competencies.  
• Editorial Judgement - demonstrates balanced and objective judgement based on a thorough understanding of BBC editorial guidelines, target audience, programme and department objectives. Makes the right editorial decisions, taking account of conflicting views where necessary. 
• Commitment to the BBC and the BBC Africa strategy – demonstrates an interest and willingness to help the BBC achieve its objectives in the target area. 
• Creative Thinking - able to transform creative ideas into practical reality. Can look at existing situations and problems in novel ways and come up with creative solutions. 
• Planning and organisation - able to think ahead in order to establish and efficient and appropriate course of action for self and others. Prioritises and plans activities taking into account all the relevant issues and factors such as deadlines, staffing and resources. 
• Communication - able to get one’s message understood clearly by adopting a range of styles, tools and techniques appropriate to the audience and the nature of the information. 
• Influencing and persuading - able to present sound and well-reasoned arguments to convince others. Can draw from a range of strategies to persuade people in a way that results in agreement or behaviour change. 
• Managing relationships and team working - able to build and maintain effective working relationships with a range of people. Works co-operatively with others to be part of a team, as opposed to working separately or competitively. 
• Resilience - manages personal effectiveness by managing emotions in the face of pressure, setbacks or when dealing with provocative situations. Demonstrates an approach to work that is characterised by commitment, motivation and energy.
• Flexibility - adapts and works effectively with a variety of situations, individuals or groups. Able to understand and appreciate different and opposing perspectives on an issue, to adapt an approach as the requirements of a situation change, and to change or easily accept changes in one’s own organisation or job requirements.

go to method of application »

Job Reference: BBC/TP/656733/23918
Job Category: Journalism
Department: BBC Africa Service
Reports to: Senior Partnerships & Production Manager

The Job Description/ Project Summary
The following job specification is intended to reflect the nature, range, and context of the work. It identifies the main requirements of the job, but is not an exhaustive list of duties.

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

The Reporter working within the co-production team will play a crucial role providing timely, expert and authoritative coverage of news and current affairs for a Nigerian audience. They will cover stories, issues and events in Nigeria and the surrounding regions and may be required to travel internationally for stories relevant for Nigerians. They will be advising both BBC and Channels TV teams on stories in the patch for wider consumption. The Reporter will be required to report for multi-platform outlets, including television, online and social media and radio.

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.

Main Duties
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 members of the team. Contributing constructively to feedback, programme reviews and editorial discussions to improve programme quality.

Skills, Knowledge And Experience Required
Essential:

• Outstanding language skills of written and spoken English.
• Written and spoken Pidgin or Hausa is desirable.
• Recent and relevant experience as a TV Reporter and/or Journalist, 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 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.

The successful candidate must have:

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

Competencies
The following competencies (behaviours and characteristics) have been identified as key to success in the job. Successful candidates are expected to demonstrate these competencies:

Editorial Judgement:

• Demonstrates balanced and objective judgement based on a thorough understanding of BBC Editorial Guidelines, target audience, programme and department objectives.
• Makes the right editorial decisions, taking account of conflicting views where necessary.
• Ability to explain domestic and regional stories to a pan Africa and international audience.

Creative Thinking:

• Able to transform creative ideas into practical reality.
• Can look at existing situations and problems in novel ways and come up with creative solutions.

Planning and organisation:

• Able to think ahead in order to establish and efficient and appropriate course of action for self and others.
• Prioritises and plans activities taking into account all the relevant issues and factors such as deadlines, staffing and resources.

Communication:

• Able to get one’s message understood clearly by adopting a range of styles, tools and techniques appropriate to the audience and the nature of the information.

Influencing and persuading:

• Able to present sound and well-reasoned arguments to convince others.
• Can draw from a range of strategies to persuade people in a way that results in agreement or behaviour change.

Managing relationships and team working:

• Able to build and maintain effective working relationships with a range of people.
• Works co-operatively with others to be part of a team, as opposed to working separately or competitively.

Resilience:

• Manages personal effectiveness by managing emotions in the face of pressure, setbacks or when dealing with provocative situations.
• Demonstrates an approach to work that is characterised by commitment, motivation and energy.

Flexibility:

• Adapts and works effectively with a variety of situations, individuals or groups.
• Able to understand and appreciate different and opposing perspectives on an issue, to adapt an approach as the requirements of a situation change, and to change or easily accept changes in one’s own organisation or job requirements.