We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled professional to join our team in this vital role. The successful candidate will be responsible for driving key initiatives, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and ensuring operational excellence. This position requires a proven ability to analyze complex problems, develop innovative solutions, and communicate effectively with stakeholders at all levels. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership skills, a results-driven mindset, and a commitment to achieving organizational goals. Responsibilities include managing projects, mentoring team members, and maintaining high standards of performance while fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
Join the BBC’s Digital News team as the Africa News Editor in Nairobi, where you will define how millions globally perceive one of the world’s most rapidly evolving new regions. In this role, you will spearhead and assign high-impact journalism in both written and video formats for the BBC News website in English. You will manage a team tasked with delivering timely coverage of breaking and major news events, overseeing live updates, video content, and in-depth reported features while ensuring our reporting remains incisive, credible, and uniquely compelling across all BBC platforms.
We invite you to become part of a forward-thinking organization that values innovation, collaboration, and excellence. By joining our team, you will contribute to meaningful projects that drive impactful results and foster professional growth. This role offers opportunities to develop new skills, work alongside industry leaders, and make a tangible difference in our mission. Whether you are an experienced professional or an emerging talent, your unique perspective will be valued as we strive to achieve collective success.
BBC News stands as one of the globe’s most expansive and widely accessed news platforms, offering tailored mobile and desktop editions to serve audiences across the UK and internationally. Renowned for its dominant position in the UK, the platform also ranks among the foremost international news applications worldwide.
Africa serves as the backdrop for many of our most captivating narratives, and you will play a pivotal role in shaping how these stories are presented. This newly created role will involve leading a dynamic team of skilled digital journalists across the continent, making critical editorial decisions on breaking news while strategically guiding coverage of Africa’s most significant developments. A distinctive chance to spearhead a high-impact team, champion innovative journalism, and contribute to the evolution of the BBC’s digital strategy in response to shifting audience demands and emerging platforms.
As part of your core duties, you will play a pivotal role in shaping key outcomes and driving meaningful results within the organization. Your contributions will directly influence critical projects, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives and fostering sustainable growth. Through your expertise and proactive approach, you will address challenges, optimize processes, and enhance operational efficiency across various functions. Your impact will be measurable, supporting both immediate priorities and long-term business success.
Oversee the BBC’s English-language digital news coverage originating from Africa, managing breaking news, original reporting, in-depth backgrounders, analytical pieces, and feature articles on the News website.
Collaborating with senior editorial leaders, we will develop a forward-looking editorial strategy for Africa, tailored to digital platforms and responsive to shifting audience preferences and innovative content formats.
Collaborate effectively with our London-based Africa desk and teams throughout Africa to develop and assign story assignments.
Spearhead coverage initiatives in response to breaking news, coordinating output, organizing coverage strategies, and allocating staff resources accordingly.
Oversee an accomplished team spanning multiple sites, offering precise guidance and meticulous editorial leadership.
Work collaboratively with key BBC stakeholders in News, the World Service, and other relevant departments to align strategies and achieve our shared organizational objectives.
Uphold uncompromising editorial excellence throughout all published materials, ensuring they meet the most stringent quality benchmarks at all times.
Seeking a candidate with a strong background in [relevant field/industry], demonstrated through [X years] of hands-on experience in [specific tasks/roles]. The ideal applicant will possess proficiency in [key skills/technologies], along with exceptional problem-solving abilities and a keen attention to detail. Applicants must meet the following requirements: [specific qualifications, certifications, or degrees]. Responsibilities include [list key duties], with a focus on [specific outcomes or objectives]. Strong communication and collaboration skills are essential to thrive in this dynamic team environment.
ESSENTIAL CRITERIA:
Accomplished digital news journalists with extensive senior-level and practical experience are required, possessing a deep comprehension of digital platform dynamics and the ability to swiftly address breaking news scenarios.
Demonstrated expertise in making sound editorial decisions in intricate new environments, coupled with the capacity to act promptly and effectively in high-pressure editorial situations.
An in-depth knowledge of African news and political landscapes is essential, supported by a robust network of sources and contacts to identify and develop exclusive, underreported stories.
Skilled in comprehending the nuances of African audiences, you will adeptly implement BBC strategy to craft compelling digital journalism, expanding both African and international readerships.
Possesses comprehensive expertise in global current events and stays abreast of international developments. Demonstrates a keen understanding of key issues shaping the world stage. Maintains up-to-date awareness of significant geopolitical, economic, and social trends across diverse regions.
A keen awareness of how varying text and video formats enhance news coverage and storytelling is essential.
Professionals with proven expertise in leveraging search and social media platforms are sought to enhance and expand our journalistic efforts. A deep comprehension of these digital tools is essential to effectively inform our audience and amplify our content’s reach and impact.
Able to operate independently while adhering to strict deadlines and guiding teams through transitions while driving innovation in workflows.
Proven ability to lead culturally diverse teams across various locations while providing mentorship to staff facing new editorial challenges.
DESIRABLE:
Skilled in repurposing content to align with evolving platforms and innovative digital formats.
Proficiency in commercial dynamics within digital news ecosystems is required.
Proficiency in one or more native African languages beyond English is required.
Proven expertise in operating digital content production systems is required. Candidates should have hands-on experience with platforms and tools essential to content creation workflows. Familiarity with these systems is necessary to efficiently manage and produce high-quality digital content.
Qualifications
BA/BSc/HND
