Multimedia Journalist, BBC Somali Service

Job Introduction

The BBC is an international multimedia broadcaster that serves audiences on radio, TV, online and social networks. 

The BBC Somali Service operates a digital first strategy, publishing content online and on social media platforms, alongside producing radio news and current affairs programmes in Somali. The service’s focus is to produce world-class digital content that makes sense of news and events in Somalia and its neighbouring region for our local and global audiences.

We have exciting opportunities for Journalists to join the Somali service. A career at the BBC offers you an opportunity to tell stories that can change lives and at BBC Africa it is our ambition to showcase the diversity of ideas and aspirations from across the continent.

Main Responsibilities

Working closely with other Journalists in the service, the successful candidate will create content for a variety of broadcast and digital media platforms, in multiple formats including audio and video. You will use your knowledge of the digital media market to produce interesting news content for our website and social media platforms.

You will work across all BBC Somali platforms to ensure the highest quality content is created for our audiences and conforms to BBC Values and editorial standards.

Other day to day duties include:

Use a range of video, audio and digital equipment and information technology to research, write, assemble, edit and deliver outputs in the appropriate medium, to the highest professional standards. May be required to present the content on radio and digital. This might be live or recorded. May include the production and presentation of programmes. This might be live or recorded. Exercise editorial judgment in developing story ideas and producing accurate and impartial journalism. Undertake pre- and post-production and studio work, live and pre-recorded.  Liaise closely with other team members and with other departments in the BBC, to ensure that output material is shared, duplication is avoided, and best practice is upheld. Take a lead within a team setting or on delivering a specific piece of journalism or project as appropriate. Tailor different news treatments for different audiences ensuring that the output reflects the audiences we serve. Prioritise and plan activities taking into account all the relevant issues and factors such as deadlines, staffing and resources available. Produce engaging packages through a range of production skills. Delivering to tight deadlines while maintaining the highest editorial standards. At all times to carry out duties in accordance with the BBC health and safety policy.

Are you the right candidate?

Full command and up to date knowledge of spoken and written Somali language as a first language or equivalent A good knowledge of English including complete comprehension of written and spoken English and the ability to communicate effectively Significant recent experience as a broadcast journalist for the target area, both in originating ideas and material and, with a good knowledge of production techniques in generating timely and well thought-out story/interview ideas that is accurate, lively, geographically diverse, inclusive of an array of voices and perspectives  Outstanding record as a broadcasting and digital journalist with an excellent production and presentation style to communicate effectively with the listeners A high standard of news and editorial judgment based on substantial broadcast journalism experience. Ability to write creatively in an engaging manner, adapt, and produce and translate with accuracy, clarity and style appropriate to differing audiences and forms of media suitable for the Service’s multimedia output.  Wide, thorough and up to date familiarity with the target area which the service broadcasts and an in-depth understanding of the Somali region’s news and current affairs, history, politics, social issues and culture in addition to good network and contacts with the newsmakers in the region.  Demonstrates sound editorial and policy decisions based upon a clear understanding of the BBC’s distinctive news agenda, the requirements of news and current affairs coverage and the audience. Demonstrates a commitment to improving diversity in the BBC and understands how individual differences can benefit the BBC. Effective planning and organising skills, ability to concentrate on several areas of work at one time, delivering consistently to deadlines and reacting positively to changes and conflicting priorities. Ability to write creatively in an engaging manner, adapt, produce and translate with accuracy, clarity and style appropriate to differing audiences and forms of media suitable for multimedia output. The flexibility and adaptability to sustain performance, particularly under pressure to meet deadlines and changing priorities and circumstances. An understanding of health and safety procedures and how they apply to broadcasting.

Package Description

Contract - Continuing (permanent). Local terms and conditions apply
Location - Nairobi, Kenya

Any offer of employment with the BBC is conditional upon you having the right to work in Kenya.