The objective of this position is to deliver strategic leadership while overseeing key operational functions to ensure alignment with organizational goals and drive sustainable growth. This role demands a seasoned professional with a proven track record in managing cross-functional teams, optimizing processes, and implementing innovative solutions to enhance efficiency and productivity. Responsibilities include developing and executing business strategies, analyzing performance metrics, and fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement. The ideal candidate will possess strong analytical skills, exceptional communication abilities, and the capacity to lead change initiatives with confidence and clarity. Additionally, this role requires expertise in resource allocation, stakeholder engagement, and risk management to mitigate challenges and capitalize on opportunities in a dynamic business environment.
Join the BBC’s Digital News team as the Africa News Editor in Nairobi, where you will play a pivotal role in shaping how millions of people across the continent and globally perceive one of the most rapidly evolving new regions. In this position, you will lead and commission groundbreaking journalism in both text and video formats for the BBC news website in English. You will manage a dynamic team that responds swiftly to breaking news and major events, oversee the development of live pages, video productions, and in-depth reported features, while ensuring our coverage remains incisive, authoritative, and uniquely compelling across all BBC platforms.
Why consider joining this team? We are seeking a dynamic individual to contribute to our mission of excellence and innovation. The ideal candidate will possess a proven track record in their field, with at least [X] years of relevant experience and a strong educational background from an accredited institution. Key responsibilities include leading critical projects, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and driving measurable results. We value adaptability, problem-solving skills, and a commitment to continuous learning. In return, we offer a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for professional growth. If you are passionate about making a meaningful impact, we encourage you to apply and become part of our forward-thinking organization.
BBC News stands as one of the most expansive and widely accessed news platforms globally, offering both mobile and desktop editions tailored to audiences in the UK and beyond. Renowned for its extensive reach, the platform hosts the UK’s most downloaded news application while maintaining a prominent position among leading international news apps worldwide.
Africa serves as the foundation for some of our most captivating narratives, and you will play a pivotal role in shaping how these stories are presented. This newly created role will oversee a skilled team of digital journalists across the continent, where you will make key editorial decisions on breaking news and coordinate coverage of Africa’s most significant stories. This exceptional opportunity allows you to lead a high-impact team, advocate for innovative journalism, and contribute to the evolution of the BBC’s digital strategy in response to shifting audience demands and evolving platforms.
Your primary responsibilities will encompass delivering measurable impact through a range of critical tasks. You will be tasked with executing key duties that drive organizational success, ensuring adherence to established standards and protocols. Additionally, you will collaborate across teams to achieve strategic objectives, contributing to the overall efficiency and effectiveness of operations. This role demands a high level of accountability, requiring you to meet deadlines consistently while maintaining rigorous attention to detail.
Oversee the BBC’s English-language digital news operations in Africa, spearheading coverage across breaking news, original journalism, in-depth backgrounders, insightful analysis, and compelling feature stories for the News website.
Collaborating with senior leadership in editorial operations, you will craft Africa’s long-term editorial strategy across digital platforms, ensuring content aligns with shifting audience demands and innovative formats.
Collaborate effectively with the Africa desk based in London and teams dispersed throughout Africa to strategize and commission compelling stories.
Lead major news coverage efforts by coordinating output, organizing coverage plans, and allocating staff resources effectively.
Oversee and lead a seasoned team distributed across various sites, offering precise guidance and meticulous editorial supervision.
Work collaboratively with senior stakeholders across BBC News, the World Service, and other departments to ensure alignment with the organization’s strategic objectives.
Uphold the utmost editorial excellence consistently across every piece of content produced.
Seeking a candidate with a robust background in [specific field or industry] and a proven track record of success in [relevant skills or areas]. The ideal applicant will possess [X years] of professional experience in [specific role or function], complemented by expertise in [key tools, technologies, or methodologies]. Strong analytical abilities and meticulous attention to detail are essential, along with the capacity to thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment. Proficiency in [specific software, systems, or languages] is required, and familiarity with [industry standards, regulations, or best practices] is a significant advantage. The role demands exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal, to effectively engage with stakeholders at all levels. Prior experience in [specific task or responsibility] is highly desirable, as is a demonstrated ability to [specific achievement or responsibility].
We are seeking a highly motivated professional to join our team in this critical role. The successful candidate must meet all essential requirements, including [specific qualifications, certifications, or experience]. Proficiency in [specific skills or tools] is mandatory, and prior experience in [relevant field or industry] is highly desirable. The position demands strong analytical abilities, exceptional communication skills, and the capacity to collaborate effectively within a dynamic team environment. Key responsibilities involve [list major duties, e.g., project management, data analysis, client relations], with an emphasis on delivering measurable results. Familiarity with [industry-specific regulations, standards, or software] is preferred. A commitment to continuous learning and adaptability to evolving challenges will be essential for success in this position.
Demonstrates extensive senior-level expertise and practical involvement in digital news journalism, coupled with a strong grasp of strategies for addressing breaking news on digital platforms.
Demonstrates a proven capacity for discerning editorial decisions in intricate new environments and the skill to execute decisive actions promptly under pressure.
A deep knowledge of African news and politics, coupled with a strategic network of sources, to identify and develop compelling untold stories is essential.
Proficient in comprehending the nuances of African audiences, with a strong capability to apply BBC strategy effectively to produce compelling digital journalism that enhances engagement both within Africa and on a global scale.
Possesses comprehensive insight into global news developments and trends, with the ability to analyze and contextualize international events effectively. Demonstrates a keen awareness of current affairs across diverse regions and geopolitical landscapes. Applies this expertise to inform strategic decision-making, content creation, or operational priorities as required.
A solid grasp of how various text and video formats enhance news coverage and storytelling is essential. Recognizing the unique strengths of each format to effectively convey information and engage audiences is crucial. This expertise allows for the strategic selection of formats that align with the story’s objectives and audience preferences.
Professionals should possess substantial experience and a deep comprehension of leveraging search and social media platforms to enhance and disseminate our journalistic content effectively.
Demonstrates the capacity to operate independently while adhering to strict timelines, in addition to guiding teams through transitions and driving innovative improvements in workflows.
Seasoned in leading multicultural teams spanning various geographical sites and mentoring personnel through novel editorial obstacles.
DESIRABLE:
Capable of effectively repurposing content to align with evolving digital formats and emerging platforms, ensuring versatility and relevance in dynamic media landscapes.
Proficiency in commercial aspects within digital news ecosystems is essential.
Proficiency in one or more indigenous African languages beyond English is required.
Proven expertise in operating digital content production systems is required. Candidates must demonstrate hands-on experience with platforms and tools essential for creating, editing, and publishing digital content efficiently.
Qualifications
BA/BSc/HND
