Job Introduction

The BBC is an international multimedia broadcaster on radio, TV, online and social networks with a weekly global audience of nearly 500 million. As part of an expansion of output in Africa, the BBC World Service launched new Business daily and weekly TV programmes and innovative digital content.

This post is based in the Africa Business Unit which produces business video and TV content for African audiences. BBC Africa Business Journalists work across platforms, on a multimedia website with a focus on digital video, text, interactivity and radio and TV services.

Multimedia Journalists are part of the editorial/production team which work within the BBC’s high editorial standards and have responsibility for the clear and engaging reporting or presentation of the daily and/or weekly programme.

Multimedia Journalists are responsible for all aspects of Business output including the production and presentation of live and recorded content, reporting, presenting, script-writing, packaging, translating, and compiling TV Bulletins. They are versatile with proven journalistic skills or equivalent experience, good on-screen presence and broadcast voice, 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 to promote our content and engage with our audiences.

Shift work will be required which could include early/late shifts, weekends and public holidays.

Role Responsibility

• To report, present, research, write, translate, edit and adapt stories or programme material for BBC Africa Business 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.
• To use a range of digital equipment and technology to research, write, assemble, edit and deliver programmes and content (training will be provided if necessary).
• 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.

The Ideal Candidate

• First class communication with fluency in written and spoken English and French. 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 business, in particular stories that appeals to an African audience and excellent 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.

Package Description

Band: C
Contract type: 6 month attachment / fixed term contract
Location: London

We’re happy to discuss flexible working. Please indicate your choice under the flexible working question in the application. There is no obligation to raise this at the application stage but if you wish to do so, you are welcome to. Flexible working will be part of the discussion at offer stage.

• Excellent career progression â€“ the BBC offers great opportunities for employees to seek new challenges and work in different areas of the organisation.
• Unrivalled training and development opportunities â€“ our in-house Academy hosts a wide range of internal and external courses and certification.
• Benefits- We offer a competitive salary package, a flexible 35-hour working week for work-life balance and 26 days (1 of which is a corporation day) with the option to buy an extra 5 days, a defined pension scheme and discounted dental, health care, gym and much more.