Job Introduction
As part of the World Service Language Services, BBC Africa newsgathering teams provide news reports, pictures and audio material from Africa to all BBC News programmes and services - both in the UK and internationally - in English and other languages. This content is of the highest possible editorial and technical standard, which in turn provides the best value for money for BBC audiences around the world. BBC Africa newsgathering teams have to ensure that in the face of increasing competition, BBC News is the world leader in newsgathering and is at the forefront of both its editorial coverage and technological innovation in broadcasting and digital services.
Tanzania is at the heart of the BBC’s audiences in East Africa. Its importance for the BBC in audience terms cannot be overstated both in Kiswahili and in English. In news terms, the rapid change in the multiparty political system and the transforming space of freedom of expression, and the growth of more critical voices from outside Tanzania dominate the headlines.
Role Responsibility
Based in Dodoma you will provide quality, informative programmes and reports in English and Kiswahili for BBC Television, Radio and Digital news programmes helping to ensure that our audiences, both Kiswahili and English speaking, are kept fully across the political developments coming out of the city. Yet Tanzania is also the home to the Kiswahili language and the human interest stories from the country just keep pressing to be told – you will play your part in telling those stories.
You will report on all aspects of national political, economic and cultural life in the city and across Tanzania and potentially travel across the region. You will stay well briefed on Tanzania in order to report and comment with authority, reporting in both English and Kiswahili.
You will report to the Editor, BBC Swahili Service liaising closely with the Bureau Editor, BBC Dar es Salaam
The role is based in Based in Dodoma.
Are you the right candidate?
- Extensive experience as a Reporter/Journalist including reporting assignments abroad.
- Experience of reporting on live/breaking news.
- Knowledge of the key editorial and audience priorities for the range of global and UK output.
- Sound knowledge of Tanzania including political, economic and security developments in the region.
- A thorough knowledge of the BBC’s Editorial Guidelines.
- A highly developed news and current affairs judgement.
- A thorough understanding of the output of BBC News in English and Kiswahili.
- A thorough understanding of the range of platforms and formats.
- A high level of editorial awareness and judgement.
- Diversity, reaching new audiences, multi skilling, health and safety and the ability to put these policies into practice.
SKILLS AND ABILITIES
- An excellent level of spoken and written and broadcast English and Kiswahili.
- Ability to originate programme ideas.
- Ability to build relationships/rapport with a variety of key people e.g. guests, contributors, camera operators and influence them where necessary.
- Ability to negotiate/exercise diplomacy with people where necessary.
- Possession of the specific skills, in writing, recording, editing, interviewing, reporting and presenting required for this job; this involves providing radio and television material in a variety of forms, working live to air and producing different types of digital content in text, video and stills.
- Ability to work alone and in teams.
Package Description
Contract: Permanent
Local terms and conditions apply
Location: Dodoma
Any offer of employment with the BBC will be conditional upon you having the right to work in Tanzania.
About the BBC
Reinventing the BBC for the next Generation
We don’t focus simply on what we do – we also care how we do it. Our values and the way we behave are important to us. Please make sure you’ve read about our values and behaviours in the document attached below.
Diversity matters at the BBC. We have a working environment where we value and respect every individual's unique contribution, enabling all of our employees to thrive and achieve their full potential.
We want to attract the broadest range of talented people to be part of the BBC – whether that’s to contribute to our programming or our wide range of non-production roles. The more diverse our workforce, the better able we are to respond to and reflect our audiences in all their diversity.
We are committed to equality of opportunity and welcome applications from individuals, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexuality, social background, religion and/or belief. And we promote flexible working opportunities where operational needs allow.
