Assistant Editor, Focus on Africa TV

Position description

Focus on Africa is BBC’s flagship news and current affairs program for our audiences in Africa and those interested in African stories across the world. The program, across TV, radio and digital 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 program seeks to foster understanding, promote dialogue, and celebrate the richness of African life by presenting high-quality journalism that motivates, educates, and informs viewers.

 

We are looking for a highly successful Assistant Editor to help the News Editor of Focus on Africa motivate and inspire teams in their efforts to expand the reach and reputation of the programs, TV and radio/podcast, and to develop efficient and effective workflows. The successful candidate will ensure skills sets in their teams support high editorial, production and brand values.

 

*This work-from-office job is based in Nairobi and highly qualified candidates living outside Kenya are encouraged to apply. We can offer the BBC’s standard Relocation Package to the successful candidate who might need to relocate to Kenya.
 

Main Responsibilities 

 

•    To support the News Editor in leading the editorial vision of Focus on Africa, ensuring that all content reflects the multifaceted nature of Africa and resonates with our diverse audience
•    To ensure the editorial teams meet deadlines while maintaining high journalistic standards and responding promptly to breaking news
•    To collaborate with reporters, producers, and correspondents in Africa and beyond to identify and cover compelling stories that resonate with both local and international audiences
•    To oversee the research process, from story conception to final production, ensuring thorough fact-checking and editorial oversight
•    To support the News Editor in spearheading the integration of digital media into our storytelling approach. Utilize digital platforms to engage younger audiences and expand our reach. You will analyze audience data to inform editorial decisions and optimize content performance
•    To foster a culture of creativity and innovation within the team and to encourage the exploration of new formats and technologies, enhancing audience interaction and participation
•    To mentor and inspire journalists and editors within the team, fostering their professional growth and enhancing their storytelling skills. Provide constructive feedback and support a collaborative work environment that values diverse perspectives
•    To deputize the News Editor whenever necessary 
•    To seek ways to increase diversity in our workforce and to ensure that our output reflects the audiences we serve
•    To be a key link between production operations and technical operations in the everyday business and evolving ambitions of the TV and radio/podcast output
•    To find economies of scale in the usage of central BBC material
 

Are you the right candidate?

 

•    Considerable recent experience of editorial leadership in live television and radio news, with focus on African news  
•    Demonstrable recent experience of launching new programs or podcasts 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 in English in an engaging manner as well as the ability to adapt material with accuracy, clarity and a style appropriate to differing audiences and forms of media
•    Proven experience in breaking news stories as well as producing features, investigations and original journalism about the whole African continent 
•    Proven record of championing diversity and inclusion within the team and output
•    Experience and understanding of digital video output and engaging with audience on social platforms
•    Deep understanding of the socio-political landscape of African countries and the ability to communicate these nuances effectively to a global audience
•    Thorough and demonstrable knowledge of TV and video and audio editing workflows
•    Proficiency in the use of digital and social media platforms for news dissemination and audience engagement
•    Proven track record of innovation and collaboration and effective interdepartmental communication
•    Proven recent experience in leading teams located in different locations
•    Proven experience in managing high level stake holders
•    Track record of dealing with complex legal and editorial policy issues including editorial
•    complaints and compliance processes
 

Application instructions

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