Journalist, Focus on Africa at BBC Media Action

The BBC is an international multimedia broadcaster on radio, TV, online and social networks with a weekly global audience of 320 million. As part of an historic multi-million pound expansion of BBC Africa, the BBC World Service is introducing a wide range of new and exciting language and regional content to serve African and global audiences.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Journalist, Focus on Africa

Location: Lagos
Employment Type: Full Time
Band: C

Job Description

• We are looking for highly successful Journalists to produce impactful content for Focus on Africa TV and radio programs as well as its digital livestreams and assets. 
• The Journalist will be an experienced journalist with experience of handling breaking news and rolling coverage and good understanding of our audience needs. 
• You will have extensive experience of working on a TV, radio or podcast program and in-depth knowledge of digital production. 

Main Responsibilities

• Research, pitch, and produce compelling news stories and features tailored for TV and radio/podcast broadcasts. Ensure content is informative, accurate, and engaging, reflecting the diversity of African experiences and perspectives
• Conduct interviews and gather information from various sources, including government officials, community leaders, and ordinary citizens
• To present news stories, reports, and features live on air for both radio/podcast and television. This includes adapting style and tone to suit different formats and audiences
• To ensure that BBC Editorial principles and all relevant legal, contractual and copyright requirements are met, referring upwards in cases of difficulty or doubt
• To 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
• To maintain up-to-date knowledge of current affairs, cultural happenings, and developments within Africa and beyond. Analyze trends and issues impacting the continent in order to produce timely and relevant news
• To oversee the digital presence of Focus on Africa, including social media platforms  
• To coordinate with other BBC departments and international bureaus to source stories, enhance coverage, and collaborate on cross-platform features
• To build and maintain relationships with correspondents and contributors as needed
• To foster a culture of creativity and innovation within the team and to encourage the exploration of new formats and technologies, enhancing audience interaction and participation
• To build and maintain diverse contact lists; compile and distribute information with other members of the team

Are you the right candidate?

• Demonstrable experience of producing original content that has been impactful and reached new audiences with knowledge of social media best practice
• Proven ability to work independently, or collaboratively as required, on original journalism for underserved audiences across a range of specialisms
• In-depth knowledge of the news agenda across the African continent and its diaspora; ability to spot an interesting, shareable story - and generate eye-catching headlines and content to go with it
• Ability to find interesting, alternative angles on established/on-going stories that dominate the news agenda
• 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
• Strong verbal communication skills in English, with the confidence to present on camera and on air
• Ability to write creatively in English in an engaging manner as well as the ability to adapt material with accuracy, clarity and a style appropriate to differing audiences and forms of media
• Strong working knowledge of the data and analytics tools available and demonstrable evidence of using them effectively
• Strong research abilities to prepare for broadcasts, with the capability to analyse and distil complex information for audience consumption
• An understanding of and respect for diverse cultural perspectives, enabling thoughtful engagement with various community topics and issues
• Experience of planning and delivering international shoots – both in-person and remotely is advantageous.

Application Closing Date
27th April, 2025.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online