Journalist, BBC Hausa at BBC World Service

The BBC is an international multimedia broadcaster on radio, TV, online and social networks with a weekly global audience of 320 million. As part of an historic multi-million pound expansion of BBC Africa, the BBC World Service is introducing a wide range of new and exciting language and regional content to serve African and global audiences.

We are recruiting suitable candidates to join our small but friendly project team based in the BBC Abuja Bureau in the position below:

Job Title: Journalist, BBC Hausa

Job Reference: BBC/TP/623869/62999
Location: Abuja, Nigeria
Contract Type: Fixed Term Full Time
Job Category: Journalism
Business Unit: News – WSG World Service
Contract: Fixed Term (9 months)
Grade: Local Terms & Conditions
Reports To: BBC Hausa Service Editor

Job Introduction

• The BBC World Service has grown its multimedia operations in Africa by doubling the number of language services from six to twelve and investing in modern TV and Digital production facilities.
• The BBC Hausa is an expanding team and our ambition is for our content to reach underserved audiences – such as younger and female audiences and more diverse demographics across in West Africa and beyond.
• We are looking to recruit a journalist based in Abuja to join our team in Nigeria to work across all our platforms – radio, digital and TV.
• This is a fixed term contract for 9 months.

Job Description

• This role will expect you to research, report, write, translate, edit or adapt stories or programme material; to find interesting contributors and interviewees as well as other sources of material and/or actuality.
• You will perform at the microphone with or without a script, conduct interviews, chair discussions and act as a participant in other productions.
• The successful candidate will be a fluent Hausa speaker and writer, with a very good level of English. A keen interest in current affairs and digital market developments in Nigeria and other West African countries is essential.
• This position will need you to have an excellent broadcasting voice and the ability to acquire an appropriate presentation style.

Main Responsibilities

• Use a range of video, audio and digital equipment and information technology to research, write, assemble, edit and deliver outputs in the appropriate medium, to the highest professional standards.
• May be required to present the content on radio, TV or on line. This might be live or recorded.
• May include the production and presentation of programmes. This might be live or recorded
• Exercise editorial judgment in developing story ideas and producing accurate and impartial journalism.
• To undertake pre and post production and studio work, live and pre-recorded. Use a range of video, audio & digital equipment and information technology to research, write, assemble, edit and deliver programmes in the appropriate medium, to the highest professional standards.
• To liaise closely with other team members and with other departments in the BBC, to ensure that output material is shared, duplication is avoided, and best practice is upheld
• Take a lead within a team setting or on delivering a specific piece of journalism or project as appropriate
• To tailor different news treatments for different audiences ensuring that the output reflects the audiences we serve
• To prioritise and plan activities taking into account all the relevant issues and factors such as deadlines staffing and resources available
• To produce engaging packages through a range of production skills
• Delivering to tight deadlines while maintaining the highest editorial standards.
• At all times to carry out duties in accordance with the BBC Health and Safety policy

Role Responsibility

• This role will expect you to research, report, write, translate, edit or adapt stories or programme material; to find interesting contributors and interviewees as well as other sources of material and/or actuality.
• You will perform at the microphone with or without a script, conduct interviews, chair discussions and act as a participant in other productions.
• You’ll be responsible for moving a story forward by suggesting fresh angles, amending and updating material as required and thinking through editorial problems and developing realistic alternative strategies and approaches.
• This position will need you to liaise closely with other team members and with contributors, reporters and stringers, along with collaborating constructively with colleagues in BBC Africa whether in London, Lagos or abroad, and to advise other parts of the BBC on target area affairs.
• You will also be responsible for studio production of live and pre-recorded programmes, respond to breaking stories whilst on air and to resolve technical difficulties, coupled with filing TV reports in Hausa and English.

The Ideal Candidate

• The successful candidate will be a fluent Hausa speaker and writer, with a very good level of English. A keen interest in current affairs and digital market developments in Nigeria and other West African countries is essential.
• This position will need you to have an excellent broadcasting voice and the ability to acquire an appropriate presentation style.
• You will have the ability to write, adapt and translate with accuracy, clarity and style appropriate to differing audiences and forms of media and be able to write for different media platforms in Hausa and English.
• You’ll have good keyboard/computer skills and technically adept, along with practical experience and extensive knowledge of the internet and an understanding of the potential of digital and social media.
• This role will require you to have proven recent and relevant experience as a journalist, This role will expect you to have a wide and up to date familiarity with the area/s to which the Hausa Service broadcasts and an in-depth understanding of the area’s history, politics, social issues and culture, coupled with an extensive knowledge of the media situation in the target area and the way it is developing.
• You will have thorough knowledge and understanding of African news and current affairs and a good knowledge of and interest in international and British current affairs.

Essential Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• A full command in Hausa language (first or equivalent).
• Fluent in English and able to communicate effectively.
• An interest in the developments in the digital market in Nigeria and other West African countries.
• Significant recent experience as a journalist, with a good knowledge of production techniques
• Demonstrates sound editorial and policy decisions based upon a clear understanding of the BBC’s distinctive news agenda, the requirements of news and current affairs coverage, the programme departments and the audience
• Ability to use technology as required, in order to gather material for broadcast.
• Understands how a team works effectively and adopts the most appropriate role
• Able to build and maintain effective working relationships with a range of people
• Demonstrates a commitment to improving diversity in the BBC and understands how individual differences can benefit the BBC.
• Experience using remote communication tools such as Zoom and/or Skype.
• Effective planning and organising skills, ability to concentrate on several areas of work at one time, prioritising, delivering consistently to deadlines and reacting positively to changes and conflicting priorities
• Ability to write creatively in an engaging manner, adapt, produce and translate with accuracy, clarity and style appropriate to differing audiences and forms of media suitable for multimedia output
• The flexibility and adaptability to sustain performance, particularly under pressure to meet deadlines and changing priorities and circumstances.
• An understanding of Health & Safety procedures and how it applies to broadcasting.

Application Closing Date
4th September, 2022.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online

Click here for more information (PDF)

Note

• Local terms and conditions apply.
• Any offer of employment is conditional upon you having the right to work in Nigeria.