Assistant Editor – Somali Service (Digital‑First)

About the role

The BBC World Service is building a new Horn of Africa Language Services Unit in Nairobi. As the Assistant Editor for BBC Somali, you will be the day‑to‑day editorial lead, responsible for every story, video and broadcast that goes out under the Somali service.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the transformation of BBC Somali into a digital‑first, video‑led service, setting editorial standards and fostering a culture of accountability.
• Develop and execute a data‑driven video strategy aimed at growing reach among younger and female audiences.
• Commission, edit and deliver high‑impact journalism, including investigations, explainers and exclusive reports.
• Use audience insights, analytics and platform trends to guide commissioning, distribution and editorial decisions.
• Collaborate with fellow Assistant Editors and the News Editor to coordinate regional coverage and avoid duplication across Somali, Afaan Oromo, Tigrinya and Amharic services.
• Work with the Horn of Africa Production Hub to enhance original journalism through video production and digital distribution expertise.

Required profile

• Proven editorial leadership in a news environment, preferably with experience in multilingual or diaspora audiences.
• Strong journalistic instincts combined with a clear ambition for digital growth.
• Ability to make independent editorial decisions while aligning with the regional vision.
• Excellent judgment in using data and audience metrics to shape content strategy.

Required skills

• Editorial judgment and news judgment.
• Understanding of digital video production and distribution.
• Data‑led decision‑making using audience analytics.