The BBC Swahili Service is one of the largest language services in the BBC World Service. It produces very successful radio programmes and is now looking to move into TV. It also has a multiplatform website and video, interactive and audio content. Staff are located in London, Nairobi, Dar Es Salaam and in other countries in Africa.
The service’s output aims to make international news relevant to an East African audience, and bring international perspectives to bear on East African developments. It aims to report in a lively and engaging fashion.
ORGANISATION
Working in a multimedia team of journalists and reporting to a line manager. On a daily basis, reporting to Senior Broadcast Journalist as appropriate. Shift work is required which will include nights, weekends and public holidays.
JOB PURPOSE
To originate, research, prepare, produce and present items, reports, packages, interviews, discussions, complete programmes, background pieces, analysis and news features. To report in audio, text and video from the field in a range of formats. To ensure that any output material for which the post holder is responsible meets the standards required by the BBC.
LOCATION: Nairobi
MAIN DUTIES
1. To research, report, write, translate, edit and adapt stories or programme material; to find contributors and interviewees as well as other sources of material and/or actuality, as appropriate and to the required specification whilst maintaining professional journalistic standards of accuracy, impartiality and fair dealing and adhering to the BBC Editorial Guidelines. To ensure the availability of required production facilities.
2. To write and create original material for all multimedia output, including text stories, radio bulletins, mobile phone bulletins and with appropriate training video reports.
3. To create, produce and maintain Swahili Service online and multimedia content including making output interactive.
4. To be responsible for a moving story, amending and updating material as required. To be able to freshen a story. To be responsible for thinking through and around editorial problems, developing realistic alternative strategies and approaches.
5. To offer ideas for items, programmes/series and to actively contribute to the editorial planning process. To suggest new angles on existing stories, means of moving the story on, and to put forward stories not yet covered. To understand the Service’s strategy and to suggest ideas appropriate to its distinctive style and content.
6. To perform live on audio or video with or without a script, live or in recording sessions; either as programme producer, or as a participant in others' productions.
7. To conduct interviews either in the studio or on location, live or pre-recorded.
8. To liaise closely with other team members and with contributors, reporters and stringers. To advise other parts of the BBC on target area affairs.
9. To ensure that BBC Editorial Guidelines and all relevant legal, contractual and copyright requirements are met, referring upwards in cases of difficulty or doubt.
10. To build and maintain links with other areas of the BBC including BBC Online, BBC News to enable the efficient production of content.
11. To offer ideas for items, programmes/series and to actively contribute to the editorial planning process. To suggest new angles on existing stories, means of moving the story on, and to put forward stories not yet covered. To understand the Service’s strategy and to suggest ideas appropriate to its distinctive style and content.
12. After appropriate training, to be able to use a range of audio & digital equipment and information technology to research, write, assemble, edit and deliver programmes in the appropriate medium, to the highest professional standards.
13. To be responsible for efficient use of allocated resources.
14. All producers may be required to travel off base on short reporting trips and assignments and to spend longer periods of time in the target area.
15. All producers may be required to work with or move to other programme teams on a multi-media basis and to have the ability to work across a range of skills and in a flexible manner, and to carry out these responsibilities in accordance with the BBC’s overall standards and values. To provide advice or file pieces, etc, on occasions to other BBC outlets.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
• An outstanding command and up to date knowledge of Swahili as first (or equivalent) language.
• An excellent knowledge of English including complete comprehension of written and spoken English and the ability to communicate effectively.
• Substantial recent and relevant full-time experience as a journalist, both in originating material and editing the work of others.
• Ability to write, adapt and translate with accuracy, clarity and style appropriate to differing audiences and forms of media.
• A good broadcasting voice and the ability to acquire the appropriate presentation style of the network.
• Experience of reporting, in the field, on international and/or Swahili-speaking political and economics issues. Able to demonstrate a good range of contacts for interview purposes including political and economic analysts, politicians, etc.
• Good keyboard/computer skills and the ability to acquire technical skills and to operate technical equipment. Practical experience and extensive knowledge of the internet and an understanding of the potential of new technology is essential.
• Wide and up to date familiarity with the target area and an in-depth understanding of its history, politics, social issues and culture as well as the changing needs of the audience.
• A thorough knowledge and understanding of news and current affairs and the media situation in the target area. A good knowledge of, and interest in international current affairs, particularly insofar as they affect the target area/s.
COMPETENCIES
The following competencies (behaviours and characteristics) have been identified as key to success in the job. Successful candidates are expected to demonstrate these competencies.
• Editorial Judgement - demonstrates balanced and objective judgement based on a thorough understanding of BBC editorial guidelines, target audience, programme and department objectives. Makes the right editorial decisions, taking account of conflicting views where necessary.
• Commitment to the BBC and the BBC Swahili Service strategy – demonstrates an interest and willingness to help the BBC achieve its objectives in the target area.
• Creative Thinking - able to transform creative ideas into practical reality. Can look at existing situations and problems in novel ways and come up with creative solutions.
• Planning and organisation - able to think ahead in order to establish and efficient and appropriate course of action for self and others. Prioritises and plans activities taking into account all the relevant issues and factors such as deadlines, staffing and resources.
• Communication - able to get one’s message understood clearly by adopting a range of styles, tools and techniques appropriate to the audience and the nature of the information.
• Influencing and persuading - able to present sound and well reasoned arguments to convince others. Can draw from a range of strategies to persuade people in a way that results in agreement or behaviour change.
• Managing relationships and team working - able to build and maintain effective working relationships with a range of people. Works co-operatively with others to be part of a team, as opposed to working separately or competitively.
• Resilience - manages personal effectiveness by managing emotions in the face of pressure, set backs or when dealing with provocative situations. Demonstrates an approach to work that is characterised by commitment, motivation and energy.
• Flexibility - adapts and works effectively with a variety of situations, individuals or groups. Able to understand and appreciate different and opposing perspectives on an issue, to adapt an approach as the requirements of a situation change, and to change or easily accept changes in one’s own organisation or job requirements.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
For submissions: apply here
Website: http://www.bbc.co.uk/swahili/