The primary objective of this position is to oversee and execute key responsibilities that drive the organization’s success, ensuring alignment with strategic goals and operational excellence. The role requires a candidate with a proven track record in [specific industry/sector, if applicable], coupled with expertise in [relevant skills or areas of knowledge]. Key duties include [list major responsibilities], with a strong emphasis on [specific focus areas, e.g., leadership, innovation, or problem-solving]. The ideal candidate will possess [required qualifications, e.g., a degree in X, Y years of experience, specific certifications], along with exceptional analytical, communication, and project management abilities. This role demands a proactive approach to identifying opportunities for growth, mitigating risks, and fostering collaboration across teams to achieve measurable outcomes.
As Africa News Editor for the BBC’s Digital News team based in Nairobi, you will play a pivotal role in defining how audiences across Africa and globally engage with one of the continent’s most rapidly evolving news landscapes. Leading a talented team, you will curate and commission high-impact journalism in both written and video formats for the BBC News website in English. Your responsibilities will include directing coverage of breaking news, managing live pages, producing compelling video content and in-depth reported features, while upholding the BBC’s standards of precision, authority, and distinctiveness across all digital platforms.
As a key member of our team, you will play a pivotal role in driving critical initiatives and delivering measurable outcomes. Your contributions will directly influence project success and organizational growth, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives. This position demands a proactive approach to problem-solving, exceptional analytical capabilities, and the ability to collaborate effectively across departments. You will be responsible for executing high-priority tasks, optimizing processes, and fostering innovation to enhance operational efficiency. Additionally, you will serve as a trusted advisor, providing insights that inform decision-making and shape the future direction of the organization.
Oversee the BBC’s English-language digital news coverage originating from Africa, managing the development of breaking news, original reporting, in-depth backgrounders, analytical pieces, and feature articles for the News website.
Collaborating with senior leadership to oversee editorial operations, you will develop and implement a comprehensive, forward-looking editorial strategy for Africa across digital channels, continuously aligning content with shifting audience preferences and innovative formats.
Collaborate closely with the Africa desk in London and cross-functional teams throughout Africa to strategize and assign story coverage.
When significant news events occur, assume full leadership responsibility by overseeing output, strategizing coverage, and coordinating staff deployment.
Oversee and motivate a seasoned team dispersed across various sites, delivering precise guidance and exceptional editorial leadership.
Work collaboratively with key BBC stakeholders across News, the World Service, and other departments to ensure the achievement of our organizational goals.
Preserve uncompromising editorial excellence across every piece of content produced.
We seek a candidate with a proven track record in [specific field/industry, if applicable] and a minimum of [X years] of relevant experience, demonstrating expertise in [key skills, e.g., project management, data analysis, client relations]. The ideal applicant will hold a [degree/certification, if applicable] and possess strong proficiency in [tools/software, e.g., Microsoft Suite, CRM systems, programming languages]. Additionally, exceptional problem-solving abilities, meticulous attention to detail, and outstanding communication skills are essential for success in this role. Prior experience in [specific tasks or industries] is highly advantageous, as is the capacity to work both independently and collaboratively within a dynamic team environment.
ESSENTIAL CRITERIA:
Senior digital news journalists with extensive hands-on experience are sought, possessing a deep understanding of real-time news coverage in digital environments and the ability to adapt swiftly to breaking stories.
A track record of strong editorial judgment in complex news and coverage scenarios and the ability to take decisive editorial action under pressure
An excellent understanding of African news and politics, with the ideas and contacts to generate and uncover untold stories
Profound knowledge of African audiences is essential, enabling the translation of BBC strategy into compelling digital journalism that effectively expands both African and global readership.
A comprehensive understanding of the global news landscape is essential.
A solid grasp of how various text and video formats enhance news coverage and storytelling is essential.
Professionals with a proven track record of leveraging search and social platforms to enhance and expand our journalism efforts are encouraged to apply. The ideal candidate will possess in-depth knowledge and hands-on experience in utilizing these digital channels to inform editorial strategies and amplify content reach effectively.
Capable of operating independently while meeting stringent deadlines, along with guiding teams through transitions and driving innovation in work methodologies.
Proven ability to lead and develop culturally diverse teams across various locations, providing guidance to staff as they navigate new editorial challenges.
DESIRABLE:
Proven ability to repurpose content for innovative platforms and evolving digital channels.
Proficiency in aligning digital news strategies with commercial objectives and market dynamics is essential.
Proficiency in one or more indigenous African languages beyond English.
Proven expertise in operating digital content production systems is required.
Qualifications
BA/BSc/HND
