Overview
News Editor, Focus on Africa Jobs in Nairobi, Nairobi County, Kenya at BBC
Title: News Editor, Focus on Africa
Company: BBC
Location: Nairobi, Nairobi County, Kenya
JOB DETAILS
JOB BAND: E
CONTRACT TYPE: Permanent, Full-time
DEPARTMENT: BBC World Service
LOCATION: Nairobi, Kenya
Local terms and conditions apply
- 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.
Focus on Africa is BBC’s flagship news and current affairs programme for our audiences in Africa and those interested in African stories across the world. The programme, across TV, radio and digital/social 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 programme seeks to foster understanding, promote dialogue, and celebrate the richness of African life by presenting high-quality journalism that motivates, educates, and informs viewers.
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 skills 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.
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
YOUR SKILLS AND 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
Disclaimer
This job description is a written statement of the essential characteristics of the job, with its principal accountabilities, incorporating a note of the skills, knowledge and experience required for a satisfactory level of performance. This is not intended to be a complete, detailed account of all aspects of the duties involved.
Please note: If you were to be offered this role, the BBC will conduct Employment screening checks which include Reference checks; Eligibility to work checks; and if applicable to the role, Safeguarding and Adverse media/Social media checks. Any offer made is conditional on these checks being satisfactory.
For any general queries, please contact: [email protected]