Journalist, Focus On Africa at BBC World Service

Job Description

PURPOSE OF THE ROLE

Focus on Africa is BBC’s flagship news and current affairs program for our audiences in Africa and those interested in African stories across the world. The program, across TV, radio and digital platforms, aims to provide a comprehensive view of the diverse experiences, cultures, and challenges facing African nations and their people. This includes engaging stories on politics, economics, environment, health, and social issues, along with highlighting achievements and innovations within Africa.

Focus on Africa aims to bridge the gap between African societies and global audiences, offering a platform for voices that often go unheard. The program seeks to foster understanding, promote dialogue, and celebrate the richness of African life by presenting high-quality journalism that motivates, educates, and informs viewers.

WHY JOIN THE TEAM

• We are looking for a highly successful Journalist to produce impactful content for Focus on Africa TV as well as its digital livestreams and assets. The Journalist will have excellent technical skills, visual creativity and experience of handling breaking news and rolling coverage and good understanding of our audience needs. You will have extensive experience of video making and have in-depth knowledge of digital production.  Demonstrable knowledge of North Africa affairs and proficiency in Arabic would be an added advantage.

YOUR KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND IMPACT:

• Shoot and edit high-quality video segments for broadcast and digital platforms, ensuring content is visually engaging and adheres to BBC standards. Ensure content is informative, accurate, and engaging, reflecting the diversity of our audience’s experiences and perspectives.
• Write clear, concise, and engaging scripts for video reports, ensuring all information is accurate and effectively communicates the intended story.
• Attend events, press conferences, and breaking news situations to gather firsthand information and visual documentation.
• Present news stories, reports, and features live on air for both visualized radio/podcast and digital video. This includes adapting style and tone to suit different formats and audiences.
• Ensure that BBC Editorial principles and all relevant legal, contractual and copyright requirements are met, referring upwards in cases of difficulty or doubt. 
• 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.
• Oversee the digital presence of Focus on Africa, including social media platforms 

YOUR SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA:

• Demonstrable experience of producing original short and mid-form videos that have been impactful and reached new audiences and knowledge of social media best practice.
• Strong storytelling skills, with the ability to translate complex issues into compelling video narratives.
• In-depth knowledge of the news agenda across Africa and its diaspora; ability to spot an interesting, shareable story – and generate eye-catching headlines and content to go with it. 
• Excellent communication and interviewing skills, with the ability to engage effectively with diverse subjects and audiences.
• 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.
• Excellent writing, editing, and communication skills in English is essential.