BBC is hiring an Assistant Editor skilled in editorial leadership, newsroom management, and multimedia content strategy.
Purpose of the Role
- Focus on Africa is BBC’s flagship news and current affairs programme
for our audiences in Africa and those interested in African stories across
the world. The programme, across TV, radio and digital/social platforms,
aims to provide a comprehensive view of the diverse experiences, cultures,
and challenges facing African nations and their people.
- This includes engaging stories on politics, economics, environment,
health, and social issues, along with highlighting achievements and
innovations within Africa. Focus on Africa aims to bridge the gap
between African societies and global audiences, offering a platform for
voices that often go unheard. The programme seeks to foster understanding,
promote dialogue, and celebrate the richness of African life by presenting
high-quality journalism that motivates, educates, and informs viewers.
Why Join the Team
- This role will continue to build a sustainable legacy for an
important flagship programme. You will champion innovation in formats and
ways of working, ensuring Focus on Africa grows its reach and
relevance—particularly among younger and underserved audiences.
Key Responsibilities
- A professional journalist or a senior operational professional with
proven experience managing and developing journalism teams.
- Ability to develop and implement new and innovative approaches to
programme structure and content.
- Strong track record of commissioning, shaping and delivering
high-impact multimedia journalism, with a clear understanding of what
drives audience engagement.
- Advanced understanding of audience analytics, search optimisation
and platform performance, with the ability to translate data into
effective editorial decisions.
- Experience of using innovative storytelling techniques, including
data journalism and other approaches that enhance clarity, depth and
audience understanding.
Qualifications
- Considerable recent experience of editorial leadership in live
television and radio production, with focus on Pan-African news
- Demonstrable recent experience of Audiovisual podcast production as
well as high-impact digital journalism, that has led to growth in
reach and reputation across platforms
- Experience of exercising editorial oversight of scripts in English
and the ability to write creatively and in an engaging manner in English
- Proven record of successfully managing large teams working on
multiple platforms while also championing diversity and inclusion within
the team and output
- Track record of dealing with complex legal and editorial policy
issues including editorial complaints and compliance processes
How to Apply
