News Editor – Horn of Africa Language Services

About the role

The BBC World Service is launching a Horn of Africa Language Services Unit in Nairobi, bringing together Somali, Afaan Oromo, Tigrinya and Amharic services under one editorial lead. As News Editor you will be the single editorial voice for the region, shaping strategy, driving digital‑first production and supporting a dispersed team.

Key responsibilities

• Set and implement the editorial strategy for all four language services, aligning with BBC World Service priorities.
• Lead the transformation to a digital‑first, video‑led approach across the services.
• Manage a geographically dispersed editorial team, fostering a cohesive identity while preserving each service’s distinctiveness.
• Line‑manage four Assistant Editors and a Senior Journalist Team Manager, providing mentorship and performance oversight.
• Develop and execute a digital strategy for YouTube, social media, WhatsApp and BBC digital products.
• Commission and champion ambitious journalism – investigations, documentaries, data journalism and long‑form video – using the shared Production Hub.
• Represent the Horn of Africa services in senior internal forums and with external stakeholders.

Required profile

Required skills