Senior Journalist, BBC News - Pidgin Service at BBC

About The Job

• Any offer of employment with the BBC is conditional upon you having the right to work in Ghana.

Job introduction

• We are now looking for a Senior Journalist 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.