Senior Journalist, Focus on Africa

About the role

Focus on Africa is BBC's flagship news and current affairs programme for audiences in Africa and those interested in African stories worldwide, covering politics, economics, environment, health and social issues. The BBC World Service is looking for a Senior Journalist in Nairobi to supervise the production and output of the Focus on Africa Podcast, its digital livestreams and assets, and occasionally the TV output, leading a team of journalists.

Key responsibilities

• Lead and oversee the planning, development and production of engaging segments and features, ensuring relevance, accuracy and visual quality.
• Collaborate with journalists, researchers and contributors to produce stories that reflect African audiences' experiences and concerns.
• Mentor and guide staff, giving feedback and professional development opportunities.
• Be responsible for the daily episode, ensuring adherence to BBC editorial standards on accuracy, fairness and impartiality.
• Review and approve scripts and video packages before broadcast.
• Oversee the digital presence, including podcast and social media, and use audience insights to tailor content and find new digital opportunities.
• Coordinate with other BBC departments and international bureaus to source stories and run cross-platform features.

Required profile

• Strong track record in producing or commissioning in-depth, original stories and in outputting audio-visual podcasts and current affairs programmes.
• Demonstrable experience producing digital content, including a podcast that reached new audiences, and knowledge of social media best practice.
• Experience in a breaking news environment with a deep understanding of Africa and the world.
• Understanding of sport, entertainment and wider cultural life.
• Proven ability to lead editorial teams and manage less experienced colleagues through delegation.
• Excellent spoken English and the ability to write creatively and adapt material to different audiences and media.
• Desirable: experience of filming.

Required skills

• Expertise in overseeing and subbing text in English and editing video.
• Working knowledge of data and visual journalism.

The role is permanent and full-time, with local terms and conditions. Flexible working can be discussed at offer stage. Applications are made online only; employment screening checks are carried out after an offer.