PURPOSE OF THE ROLE
Join the BBC’s Digital News team as the Africa News Editor in Nairobi, where you will define how millions across Africa and beyond perceive one of the continent’s most rapidly evolving news landscapes. In this role, you will spearhead and assign high-impact journalism, producing compelling text and video content for the BBC News website in English. You will manage a team tasked with reacting to breaking stories and major developments, overseeing live updates, video productions, and in-depth reported features while ensuring our coverage maintains its incisive, trusted, and unique character across all BBC platforms.
As a valued member of our organization, you will have the opportunity to contribute to a dynamic and forward-thinking team. We seek professionals who thrive in collaborative environments and are eager to make a meaningful impact through their work. Our ideal candidates possess a strong work ethic, a commitment to excellence, and the ability to adapt to evolving challenges. Whether you are looking to leverage your expertise in a growing field or explore new opportunities for career advancement, this role offers the potential for both personal and professional growth. Join us and become part of a culture that values innovation, integrity, and shared success.
BBC News stands as one of the globe’s most expansive and widely accessed news platforms, offering tailored mobile and desktop editions designed for audiences across the UK and internationally. The platform boasts the most downloaded news application in the UK and ranks among the foremost international news apps worldwide.
Africa serves as a rich source of captivating narratives, and this role places you at the forefront of their telling. You will lead a dynamic team of skilled digital journalists across the continent, determining editorial decisions on major breaking news and strategically planning coverage of Africa’s most significant stories. This exceptional opportunity empowers you to guide a high-impact team, advocate for groundbreaking journalism, and shape the BBC’s digital strategy in response to evolving audience demands and emerging platforms.
You will play a pivotal role in driving key initiatives and delivering measurable impact across critical areas. Your responsibilities will encompass strategic leadership, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives while fostering innovation and efficiency. With a focus on measurable outcomes, you will oversee projects from inception to completion, mitigating risks and optimizing performance. Additionally, you will collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance operational excellence and facilitate seamless execution of business priorities. This position demands a proactive approach, strong analytical acumen, and the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
Lead the BBC’s English-language digital coverage from Africa on the News website, overseeing breaking news, original journalism, backgrounders, analysis and features.
Collaborating with senior leadership, we will craft Africa’s long-term editorial strategy for digital platforms, ensuring content aligns with shifting audience demands and innovative formats.
Collaborate effectively with our London-based Africa desk and cross-regional teams throughout Africa to strategize and commission compelling narratives.
When significant news stories develop, spearhead the response by managing output, coordinating coverage strategies, and assigning staff resources.
Oversee and motivate a seasoned team spanning multiple sites, delivering precise guidance and meticulous editorial direction.
Work closely with key BBC stakeholders across News, the World Service, and other departments to ensure alignment with our organizational objectives.
Uphold rigorous editorial excellence consistently across every piece of content produced.
YOUR SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
Seeking a seasoned professional who possesses the following indispensable qualifications: a minimum of five years in a relevant field, proficiency in industry-standard software tools, and the ability to lead cross-functional teams with strategic insight. The ideal candidate will demonstrate exceptional analytical skills, a proven track record in project management, and a commitment to continuous improvement. Responsibilities include overseeing daily operations, developing and implementing innovative solutions to enhance efficiency, and ensuring strict adherence to company policies and regulatory standards. Strong communication abilities, both written and verbal, are essential to collaborate effectively with stakeholders at all levels. A bachelor’s degree in a related discipline is required, along with any necessary certifications pertinent to the role.
Seasoned professionals with extensive senior-level and practical expertise in digital news journalism are sought, demonstrating a comprehensive grasp of effectively addressing breaking news within digital environments.
Demonstrates a proven capacity for making well-informed editorial decisions in high-stakes news environments, coupled with the skill to act promptly and effectively amidst pressure.
Demonstrates a deep grasp of African news and political landscapes, coupled with the insight and professional connections necessary to identify and pursue compelling, lesser-known stories.
With a keen insight into African audiences, you will adeptly interpret BBC strategy to craft compelling digital journalism that effectively expands both African and global viewership.
Possesses comprehensive familiarity with global developments and international news coverage. Demonstrates an in-depth understanding of key events, trends, and issues shaping the world stage. Exhibits acute awareness of the latest developments across multiple regions and geopolitical landscapes.
A solid grasp of how various text and video formats enhance news reporting and storytelling is essential. Recognizing the significance of each format in conveying information effectively and engaging audiences is a key requirement. This knowledge ensures the production of compelling and well-rounded content that meets journalistic standards.
Professional Experience in leveraging search and social media platforms is essential to enhance and expand our journalistic coverage. A solid grasp of these digital tools is required to effectively inform our audience and amplify the reach of our content.
Demonstrates proficiency in working independently while adhering to rigorous deadlines and effectively guiding teams through periods of transformation. Additionally, fosters a culture of innovation by advocating for and implementing progressive operational strategies.
Seasoned in leading culturally diverse teams across various geographical settings and guiding staff through novel editorial challenges.
DESIRABLE:
Skilled in repurposing content to align with evolving digital platforms and innovative formats, ensuring relevance and engagement across diverse channels.
Understanding the commercial aspects of digital news ecosystems is essential.
Proficiency in one or more African languages beyond English is required.
Proven expertise in operating digital content production systems is required.
Qualifications
BA/BSc/HND
