News Editor, Focus on Africa Job BBC

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Contract Type: Permanent, Full-Time
Department: BBC World Service
Location: Nairobi, Kenya

Purpose of the Role

We are looking for a highly successful News Editor to lead Focus on Africa teams in their efforts to expand the reach and reputation of the programmes, TV and radio/podcast, and to develop efficient and effective workflows. The successful candidate will ensure skill sets in their teams support high editorial, production, and brand values. The News Editor will have overall accountability for editorial direction, operational performance, and audience growth across digital, social, and linear platforms.

Why Join the Team

This role will continue to build a sustainable legacy for an important flagship programme. You will champion innovation in formats and ways of working, ensuring Focus on Africa grows its reach and relevance—particularly among younger and underserved audiences.

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Your Key Responsibilities And Impact

• Lead the editorial vision of Focus on Africa, ensuring that all content reflects the multifaceted nature of Africa and resonates with our diverse audience. Set high editorial standards and provide creative direction. Ensure the editorial teams meet deadlines while maintaining high journalistic standards and responding promptly to breaking news
• Collaborate with reporters, producers, and correspondents in Africa and beyond to identify and cover compelling stories that resonate with both local and international audiences
• Oversee the research process, from story conception to final production, ensuring thorough fact-checking and editorial oversight
• Spearhead the integration of digital media into our storytelling approach. Utilize digital platforms to engage younger audiences and expand our reach. You will analyse audience data to inform editorial decisions and optimize content performance
• 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. You will be responsible for piloting new ideas and measuring their impact
• 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
• Be a key link between production operations and technical operations in the everyday business and evolving ambitions of the TV and radio/podcast output. Manage the budget for the Focus on Africa programme, ensuring efficient allocation of resources, and adhering to financial controls.

Essential Criteria

Skills & Experience

• Substantial experience of journalism and production, and recent track record in leading content production and output (TV, radio and digital) at a senior level, with focus on Pan-African news.
• Expert knowledge of our audience’s needs, current market trends and challenges, and deep knowledge of editorial output processes.
• Evidence of strong editorial judgment and the ability to quickly identify and develop impactful stories that reflect complex issues and diverse perspectives
• 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 be internally and/or externally recognized as a promoter of diversity and inclusion

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How to Apply

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