PURPOSE OF THE ROLE

BBC Monitoring (BBCM) provides news and information based on our monitoring of open-source media from over 150 countries in more than 100 languages and across all platforms. As a center of expertise and with journalists based in the UK and international bureau, it is an important part of the BBC’s news gathering operation.   

 This extensive operation enables us to provide insightful and reliable coverage of political, economic, security, and media news. Our round–the-clock reporting on TV, radio, press, online and social media is also provided to commercial clients, partners and the UK Government. 

YOUR KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND IMPACT:   

• As a journalist, you’ll play a pivotal role in meeting the needs of BBC Monitoring’s users by identifying news and key insights based on the monitoring of local media and vernacular sources – TV, radio, newspapers and social media – across Africa.   
• You will produce engaging content in English and cover many news stories, including breaking news.   
• You will work a shift pattern, feed into the global news agenda, acting as a point of reference on Sub-Saharan Africa.   
• You’ll use a variety of digital tools and techniques to mine the media for story ideas, identify emerging trends and narratives and contribute to advance planning for coverage of key events.   

YOUR SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE  

• You must have excellent knowledge (spoken and written) of the following language: Somali.   
• Experience as a journalist and exceptional writing skills in idiomatic English.   
• You’ll be able to record accurately, to report impartially, to provide context as necessary and to ensure all output is consistent with the BBC’s editorial guidelines.    
• You’ll have a thorough understanding of Africa’s media environment, political, cultural, religious, and economic issues.   
• You’ll be able to track breaking news and emerging trends on social media.   
• You are willing and able to embrace new ways of working, continually developing yourself and others around you, and actively seeking feedback.   
• You have good inter-personal communication skills and can work collaboratively with team members and with other parts of the BBC