Advertising, Arts and MediaFull-TimeSenior-level(6+ yrs)
Job Description
The BBC World Service is the world's largest international broadcaster, broadcasting radio and television news, speech and discussions in 29 languages to many parts of the world on analogue and digital shortwave platforms, Internet streaming, podcasting, satellite, FM and MW relays. The BBC is looking for a Senior News Editor to provide editorial leadership across all East African language services.
Key Responsibilities
Provide editorial leadership across all East African language services, ensuring consistently high-quality journalism across platforms.
Line manage language service editors and senior teams, fostering strong editorial standards, creativity, and collaboration.
Take responsibility for complex editorial decision-making, including issues involving geopolitical sensitivity, legal considerations, and operational risk.
Set and deliver a clear editorial strategy for commissioning, newsgathering, and production in partnership with senior leaders across Africa.
Lead engagement with partnerships, launches, and major regional and strategic projects.
Manage and influence a wide range of senior and executive stakeholders, often under tight deadlines and competing priorities.
Drive effective production, distribution, and rollout strategies to maximise reach, relevance, and impact for audiences.
Requirements and Qualifications
A degree in Journalism, Communications, or a related field (BA/BSc/HND).
Substantial experience in journalism and production.
Proven editorial judgement and substantial experience of managing editorial and operational staff and facilities in a daily news environment.
Expert knowledge of audience needs, current market trends, and challenges.
Deep knowledge of editorial output processes across the whole of the BBC and that of competitors.
Experience of solving complex editorial and legal challenges, managing significant budgets, and understanding key financial drivers.
Experience of managing staff across locations, having nurtured talent and being recognized as a promoter of diversity and inclusion.
Full proficiency in English.
Working knowledge of one or more of the relevant languages that the BBC operates in across Africa.