Researcher, Business
Job Introduction
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 and exciting expansion of BBC Africa, the BBC World Service is launching a new Business daily and weekly TV programme and innovative digital content alongside other African content.
Role Responsibility
A Researcher is expected to gather information and updates, as well as selecting stories and sources which provide unique insights to users (under the guidance of a senior Journalist / Editorial Lead); legal issues, such as libel, and other issues of balance, accuracy and tone should be referred up to the senior Journalist / Editorial Lead.
A Researcher is expected to maintain a database of relevant personalities, organisations and events in the target area.
To effectively carry out this role, a Researcher must engage virtually with colleagues in BBC Africa, and the wider BBC, via email, telephone or video-conference. There may be need to travel to the UK or in the region.
A Researcher needs to be proactive and constantly coming up with creative ideas to best tell the stories from the region, particularly with a focus on data-driven journalism; ultimate decision-making about the content and format of the output sits with the Senior Journalist.
The work of the Researcher will be reviewed by senior Journalist / Editorial Lead or as delegated.
The Ideal Candidate
Understanding user groups and target markets
Expertise in the collection, processing, analysis and visualisation of data (possibly including basic programming skills)
An excellent level of spoken and written English. Swahili or another African language is also desirable.
Ability to communicate effectively and to present complex information and ideas clearly and concisely
Ability to understand and identify the needs of business audiences, in particular, an excellent understanding of what audiences are looking for in digital and social media content.
A passion for African business
Editorial judgment and the ability to spot a story
Willingness and enthusiasm to embrace new ways of working and new technology to find and analyse information and produce content and an ability to share/communicate what you know, or have learnt, to others in the team
Experience of carrying out tasks where attention to detail is particularly important
Desirable
Experience as a journalist
Content creation, video shooting/editing skills or broadcast experience
A thorough knowledge of all the requirements of the BBC’s editorial policy
Package Description
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Reports to: Business Editor, Africa
Contract: Local Terms & conditions
About the BBC
We don’t focus simply on what we do – we also care how we do it. Our values and the way we behave are very important to us. Please make sure you’ve read about our values and behaviours in the document attached below. You’ll be asked questions relating to them as part of your application for this role.
The BBC is committed to building a culturally diverse workforce and therefore strongly encourages applications from underrepresented groups. We are committed to equality of opportunity and welcome applications from individuals, regardless of their background.