Senior Journalist: BBC News (Pidgin Service) - BBC

The BBC World Service remains the leading international broadcaster in Africa, reaching a weekly audience of more than 100 million across all platforms and Social Media. Globally, the BBC reaches a weekly audience of 320 million weekly across various platforms.Three of the language services, Pidgin, Yoruba and Igbo, serve our audiences in Nigeria and West Africa.

They are based in Lagos, working alongside our operation in Abuja from where the BBC currently produces its Hausa service output. There is a strong emphasis on reaching and connecting with young audiences. We are now looking for a Senior Journalist to join the team in Accra.

Main Responsibilities 

The BBC is looking for an excellent Senior Journalist reporter to produce a dynamic range of digital, audio and video content which will appeal to a young audience. You will supply timely, rich, expert and authoritative coverage (live and pre-recorded) via digital and social media platforms for the BBC Pidgin Service, BBC Africa and the wider BBC.

To produce and publish quality, informative content and creative reports for all BBC Pidgin outlets – online, audio/video and social media outlets.

Other Duties Will Include

• Source original material primarily for the Pidgin output for online and social media and share material as widely as possible.
• Generate original content ideas and to be able to see them through.
• Report and publish breaking news live on various platforms as required.
• Manager, mentor and support junior BBC Pidgin staff.

Are you the right candidate?

• A full command and up to date knowledge of Pidgin as first (or equivalent) language is essential. An additional language – Hausa, Yoruba, or Igbo – is desirable.
• An excellent knowledge of English including complete comprehension of written and spoken English for journalism and the ability to communicate effectively.
• A digital media background and social media journalism experience preferable, you will ideally have a strong screen presence for coverage online and on social media.
• A good broadcasting voice and presence and the ability to acquire the appropriate presentation style to communicate effectively with listeners in Pidgin and English
• Experience of field reporting on political, economic and trending social issues in Ghana is desirable. So is the ability to demonstrate a good range of contacts for interview purposes.
• Updated in-depth knowledge of Ghanaian/West African affairs including social issues. A thorough knowledge of wider regional or international affairs will be an advantage.
• A good understanding of the needs of a young digitally-savvy audience in the region is essential.
• Ability to convey story and programme ideas in an exciting way and to contribute fully to the planning process.
• A knowledge of and aptitude for, using modern broadcast and recording (audio & video) technology including digital.
• A record of demonstrating good interpersonal skills and an understanding of the importance of working as a part of a team, especially at a distance, as well as working independently.
• Ability to remain calm under pressure, apply sensible work priorities and pace him/herself through the assignment.