Internship | Job Vacancies at BBC World Service

Journalist (Planner/Producer) Focus on Africa

News Editor, Great Lakes at BBC World Service

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.

PURPOSE OF THE ROLE

BBC Great Lakes (Gahuza) is a highly respected provider of news and information in Kinyarwanda and Kirundi. This includes courageous journalism that holds power to account. It also offers engaging stories on politics, economics, environment, health, and social issues, along with highlighting achievements and innovations in Rwanda, Burundi, DR Congo and neighbouring countries. Now as we strive to expand our audience reach, we are focusing our radio and digital operation in Nairobi, Kenya.

WHY JOIN THE TEAM

We are recruiting an experienced News Editor to lead our news team in producing high-quality, accurate, and compelling news content that reflects the diverse voices and issues of the Great Lakes region. The News Editor will play a crucial role in shaping the editorial direction of our broadcasts and digital platforms, ensuring that our reporting is timely, relevant, and impactful. The successful candidate will ensure skills sets in their team support high editorial, production and brand values.

YOUR KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND IMPACT:

  • Lead the editorial vision of BBC Great Lakes, ensuring content reflects the multifaceted nature of our diverse audience and upholds high editorial standards for reporting without fear or favour.
  • Develop and implement innovative strategies to enhance audience reach and engagement, capitalizing on digital and social platforms and analysing audience data to inform editorial decisions.
  • Identify and respond to key regional issues and trends, advising on story angles, presentation, and coverage in collaboration with reporters, producers, and correspondents in Africa and beyond.
  • Oversee the editorial process from conception to production, ensuring thorough research, fact‑checking, timely delivery, and strong responses to breaking news while maintaining high journalistic standards.
  • Foster a culture of creativity, innovation, and professional growth, mentoring a diverse team of journalists, encouraging new formats and technologies, piloting ideas, and measuring their impact.
  • Build strong internal and external partnerships, working closely with other departments and engaging contributors, experts, and influencers to enrich storytelling and align with the BBC’s mission.
  • Represent BBC Great Lakes in external forums, champion workforce diversity, manage the budget responsibly, and find economies of scale in using central BBC material.

YOUR SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA:

  • Strong editorial judgment and the ability to quickly identify and develop impactful stories that reflect complex issues and diverse perspectives
  • Recent track record in leading content production and output (radio and digital) at a senior level, with focus on the Great Lakes region news
  • Demonstrable recent experience of launching new digital products or programmes that have led to growth in reach and reputation across platforms
  • Substantial knowledge of data analytics tools and how data is used to drive decision making on story choice, publication time and recirculation
  • Proven experience in managing high level stakeholders
  • Exceptional writing, editing, and communication skills in Kinyarwanda, Kirundi and English are all essential.

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Media Action Trustees – BBC Media Action

Media Action Trustees – BBC Media Action

  • Job Type: Fixed Term – Part Time
  • Category: Work Experience & Volunteering
  • Organisation: BBC Media Action
  • Application Deadline: 20 February 2026 (11:59 PM)
  • Locations: Multiple International Locations (see full list below)

About BBC Media Action

BBC Media Action is the BBC’s international charity. Working with partners across the globe, the organisation delivers impartial, trustworthy, and impactful media to more than 100 million people annually across over 30 countries and in 50 languages.

BBC Media Action strengthens local media to support:

  • Stronger democracies
  • Inclusive societies
  • A safer and more habitable planet

The organisation combines journalistic excellence, creative storytelling, research, and international development expertise to serve communities most vulnerable to misinformation, division, and exclusion.

The Role: Media Action Trustees

BBC Media Action is seeking to appoint five (5) Trustees to join its Board at a time of significant organisational transformation.

This is a rare opportunity to contribute to meaningful global impact while providing strategic oversight and leadership to one of the world’s most respected international media charities.

Trustees play a critical role in governance, strategy, financial oversight, and safeguarding the organisation’s values and reputation.

Who Should Apply

Applications are encouraged from individuals with experience in one or more of the following areas:

  • Fundraising from high-net-worth individuals, foundations, philanthropies, or corporates (especially in the UK, Europe, and USA)
  • Senior leadership experience (CEO-level or equivalent) in large private sector organisations
  • Leadership within UK-registered charities, particularly in international development or environmental sectors
  • Global influencing, communications, marketing, or public policy
  • Professional experience in regions where BBC Media Action operates, including Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, and the Pacific

Strongly encouraged applicants:

Women, ethnic minorities, persons with disabilities, and individuals under the age of 35, as these groups are currently underrepresented on the Board.

Trustee Term

  • Initial term: 3 years
  • Possibility to extend for up to two additional three-year terms

Trustees are not remunerated, in line with charity governance best practice.
Reasonable travel expenses incurred on official Trustee business will be reimbursed.

Time Commitment

  • 4 Board meetings per year (approximately 3 hours each, plus preparation time)
  • Attendance at sub-committee meetings and occasional away days
  • Average commitment: 1–2 days per month

Board meetings are typically held at London Broadcasting House, with in-person attendance required for at least two meetings per year.

Main Duties & Responsibilities

Trustees are responsible for:

  • Contributing to strategic direction and organisational leadership
  • Approving budgets and monitoring financial sustainability
  • Monitoring progress against strategic goals and programme impact
  • Safeguarding the reputation, values, and integrity of BBC Media Action
  • Ensuring compliance with charity law, company law, and governance requirements
  • Acting in the best interests of BBC Media Action at all times
  • Supporting fundraising efforts and external advocacy

Trustees are also expected to apply their specific skills and expertise to enhance Board decision-making and organisational impact.

Trustee Expectations

Successful candidates will:

  • Align strongly with BBC Media Action’s mission and values
  • Champion the organisation externally
  • Think strategically and provide constructive challenge
  • Work collaboratively with the Board and Management Team
  • Commit sufficient time and energy to the role
  • Understand and accept the legal responsibilities of trusteeship

Board Composition

The Board currently consists of 10 Trustees and will expand to a maximum of 15 members, with the majority nominated by the BBC.
Standing sub-committees include:

  • Governance
  • Finance, Risk & Audit

Duty Locations

This role is open to candidates based in the following locations:

Abuja (Nigeria), Addis Ababa (Ethiopia), Beijing (China), Dar es Salaam (Tanzania), Freetown (Sierra Leone), Dhaka (Bangladesh), Hargeisa (Somaliland), Juba (South Sudan), Kabul (Afghanistan), Kathmandu (Nepal), London (UK), Lusaka (Zambia), Mogadishu (Somalia), Maputo (Mozambique), Nairobi (Kenya), New Delhi (India), Phnom Penh (Cambodia), Yangon (Myanmar), North Africa, OPT, Sudan, and other BBC Media Action offices.

Interested candidates should submit their application before 11:59 PM on 20 February 2026.

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Journalist at BBC

Purpose of the Job

Africa’s media landscape is changing. It is one of the fastest developing news markets in the world with mobile technology transforming lives, internet connectivity increasing, the radio market remaining relatively strong and Television migrating from analogue to digital.

The BBC World Service remains the leading international broadcaster in Africa, reaching a weekly audience of more than 100 million across all platforms and Social Media. Globally, the BBC reaches a weekly audience of 320 million across various platforms.

The BBC World Service has expanded its multimedia operations in Africa by doubling the number of language services from 6 to 12. Three of the new language services, Amharic, Tigrinya and Afaan Oromo, are serving our audiences in Ethiopia and Eritrea, as well as a large Diaspora community. There is a strong emphasis on reaching and connecting with young audiences.

Main Responsibilities

  • As a Journalist with the Amharic team, you will create content to maximise the BBC World Service’s impact and potential in Africa.
  • The role will involve researching, interviewing original sources, writing reports and presenting for the BBC Amharic website, Radio and Social Media in a range of formats. As well as being the first to respond to breaking news stories, you will help to produce and/or present the BBC’s live radio programme and create original and creative content to drive the BBC social media platforms.

Are you the right candidate?

  • The ideal candidate will have recent and relevant experience as a journalist and have a full command and up to date knowledge of written and spoken Amharic.
  • A good knowledge of English, both written and spoken is important.
  • You will be able to create original content with the ability to write, adapt and translate with accuracy, clarity and style for differing audiences and forms of social media. Experience of reporting, in the field, on political and economic issues would be advantageous. As we are looking to connect with female and young audiences, we are keen to hear from candidates who have knowledge & experience with these market.
  • If you can bring some of these skills and experience, along with transferable strengths, we’d love to hear from you and encourage you to apply.

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Senior News Editor (English in Africa) at BBC

PURPOSE OF THE ROLE

As part of our commitment to African audiences, this role will drive our ambitious strategy to grow English-language reach  he role will be responsible for commissioning and delivering ambitious and agenda-setting journalism that engages and inspires the next generation on digital, social and linear platforms. It will hold full responsibility for critical editorial and business decisions, with greater autonomy, strategic influence, and accountability. 

WHY JOIN THE TEAM 

You will be directly responsible and accountable for driving the editorial direction and operational strategy for Focus on Africa TV and podcast, as well as all BBC Africa social media platforms. You will also work closely with colleagues responsible for English language content on website, TV, radio and other platforms across BBC News, to ensure our editorial offer for audiences on the continent is aligned and optimised for impact and to grow audience reach.  

YOUR KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND IMPACT: 

  • Line manage the Focus on Africa editor, as well as the BBC Africa social media teams, and be responsible for high quality editorial content on a variety of platforms. 
  • Handle editorial decisions in moderate and highly complex environments, including some geopolitical sensitivity or operational risk. 
  • With other senior staff managing editorial operations across Africa – you will set and deliver a clear editorial strategy for commissioning, gathering and reporting the news and current affairs 
  • Be highly skilled at managing numerous and diverse senior and executive level stakeholders, often operating under tight timescales and managing competing priorities  
  • Have expert knowledge of our audience’s needs, current market trends and challenges, and deep knowledge of editorial output processes across the whole of the BBC, as well as that of competitors. 
  • Experience of solving complex editorial and legal challenges, managing significant budgets and understanding key financial drivers.  
  • Have experience of managing staff across locations, having nurtured talent and be internally and/or externally recognized as a promoter of diversity and inclusion 

YOUR SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE 

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA: 

  • Substantial experience of journalism and production, as well as proven editorial judgement and substantial experience of managing editorial and operational staff and facilities in a daily news environment. 
  • Demonstrates balanced and impartial judgement. Makes the right editorial decisions with guidance. 
  • Demonstrates proficiency in the use of broadcast and digital technology and stays current with developments in this field. 
  • Ability to foster creativity and experimentation, shows openness to new ways of doing things, and demonstrates a commitment to improving diversity in the BBC 
  • Ability to think strategically and describe the concept in a way which motivates others towards that goal – able to convert long term aims into short and medium-term goals. 

DESIRED BUT NOT REQUIRED: 

  • In addition to full proficiency in English, have a working knowledge of one or more of the relevant languages that the BBC operates in across Africa. 

If you can bring some of these skills and experience, along with transferable strengths, we’d love to hear from you and encourage you to apply. 

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Journalist at BBC Monitoring

PURPOSE OF THE ROLE

BBC Monitoring (BBCM) provides news and information based on our monitoring of open-source media from over 150 countries in more than 100 languages and across all platforms. As a center of expertise and with journalists based in the UK and international bureau, it is an important part of the BBC’s news gathering operation.   

This extensive operation enables us to provide insightful and reliable coverage of political, economic, security, and media news. Our round–the-clock reporting on TV, radio, press, online and social media is also provided to commercial clients, partners and the UK Government. 

YOUR KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND IMPACT: 

  • As a journalist, you’ll play a pivotal role in meeting the needs of BBC Monitoring’s users by identifying news and key insights based on the monitoring of local media and vernacular sources – TV, radio, newspapers and social media – across Africa.   
  • You will produce engaging content in English and cover many news stories, including breaking news.   
  • You will work a shift pattern, feed into the global news agenda, acting as a point of reference on Sub-Saharan Africa.   
  • You’ll use a variety of digital tools and techniques to mine the media for story ideas, identify emerging trends and narratives and contribute to advance planning for coverage of key events.   

YOUR SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE 

  • You must have excellent knowledge (spoken and written) of the following language: Somali.   
  • Experience as a journalist and exceptional writing skills in idiomatic English.   
  • You’ll be able to record accurately, to report impartially, to provide context as necessary and to ensure all output is consistent with the BBC’s editorial guidelines.    
  • You’ll have a thorough understanding of Africa’s media environment, political, cultural, religious, and economic issues.   
  • You’ll be able to track breaking news and emerging trends on social media.   
  • You are willing and able to embrace new ways of working, continually developing yourself and others around you, and actively seeking feedback.   
  • You have good inter-personal communication skills and can work collaboratively with team members and with other parts of the BBC    

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Senior Journalist, Nairobi at BBC 

Senior Journalist, Nairobi

Job Description

  • Job Requisition ID:  28980
  • Job Closing Date:  21/09/2025
  • Nairobi, KEN, 0 0100

JOB DETAILS

  • JOB BAND: D 
  • CONTRACT TYPE: Permanent, Full-time  
  • DEPARTMENT: News and Current Affairs 
  • LOCATION:  Nairobi, Kenya

Any offer of employment with the BBC will be conditional upon you having the right to work in Kenya. 

JOB INTRODUCTION

BBC News brings together Network News, English Regions and Global News’ English and Language Services to serve a large variety of audiences in the UK and around the world on many platforms. 

At the heart of this structure, BBC News Content which provides news reports, pictures and audio material 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 News Content has 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. 

We are looking for a Senior Journalist to join our team based in Nairobi on a permanent contract. 

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Reporting to the Africa Bureaux Chief, you will be responsible for producing content for all output with News Content Correspondents and sometimes working with World Service Correspondents and Reporters in Africa. You will act as a point of editorial reference for Journalists and Correspondents, providing editorial leadership as required.
  • You will exercise your editorial judgement, creativity and flair to make original and compelling multimedia content. You will also offer ideas for daily output and future diary events, suggesting new angles on existing stories and putting forward stories not yet covered. 

Are you the right candidate?

  • The successful candidate will have a demonstrable background in a senior journalistic role, in field production, with first class knowledge of news for UK, global and African audiences.
  • A broadcast-level of English, written and spoken, is essential.
  • You will have notable experience of working across multi-platforms such as TV, digital and radio. You will have demonstrable, extensive experience of working in hostile environments.
  • You will have a wide range of contacts in your network. In addition, you must have evidence of producing high-impact stories for digital, TV and radio. You will have a solid understanding of news and current affairs across Sub Saharan Africa, its history, politics, social and cultural issues.
  • A thorough understanding of the latest developments in storytelling is key. You will be flexible and happy to be deployed at short notice to stories around Africa and globally as required. 

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Team Assistant at BBC World Service

PURPOSE OF THE ROLE

The purpose of the role is to provide comprehensive administrative assistance to managers and team members. The role will be responsible for a broad range of administrative tasks e.g. the handling and direction of queries, maintenance of records, acting as the first point of contact for the team, coordination of projects and activities.    

YOUR KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND IMPACT: 

  • Provide comprehensive administrative and operational assistance to team using discretion to identify and resolve first line issues, referring to supervisor/manager for assistance as necessary.  
  • Organise key team meetings including coordination and distribution of agendas, supporting documents, production and distribution of minutes, and follow-up on outstanding actions.   
  • Make routine arrangements and bookings, according to clearly defined instructions, and provide diary management assistance to team to help ensure that they use their time effectively.  
  • Maintain, efficiently operate and improve a range of office processes and administrative systems (including filing) to ensure the smooth running of the team.  
  • Prepare documents, presentations and other materials to a clear brief, using established formats and standard software.   
  • Follow set ordering procedures to ensure adequate routine supplies/resources are available to meet office/work unit requirements.  
  • Responsible for coordinating team IT requests, user administration, systems access and record keeping. Working with the lead asset manager to ensure those who are joining, moving or leaving the department are equipped appropriately with the right IT. 

YOUR SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE 

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA: 

  • Experience in providing administration assistance in an international organisation.  
  • Effective communication skills with the ability to work well with stakeholders at all levels.   
  • Demonstrable skills in confidential data handling, understanding of Data protection Act. 
  • Strong attention to detail, respecting the need for privacy of staff sensitive information 
  • Organised with the ability to prioritise own workload effectively, to coordinate activities and conflicting demands to ensure that tight deadlines are met. 
  • Proficient computer skills with strong experience of office software packages (i.e. Word, Excel and PowerPoint.).   
  • Ability to use own initiative with minimal supervision and deal with routine queries as they arise, escalating to others as necessary.  

DESIRED BUT NOT REQUIRED: 

  • Media sector experience.  
  • Relevant business administration qualification. 

If you can bring some of these skills and experience, along with transferable strengths, we’d love to hear from you and encourage you to apply. 

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Senior Manager Strategic Deliver – Africa at BBC World Service

YOUR KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND IMPACT: 

  • Working closely with the RD, deliver growth in reputation, reach and revenue in Americas/ Africa, across English and languages, aligned to global strategy.  
  • Design and run quarterly business performance sessions, strategic reviews, and decision forums for the Africa/ Americas region, to ensure to ensure delivery of strategic objectives on time and on budget 
  • Support the delivery in Africa/Americas region of the central digital platform strategies, roadmaps, and priorities 
  • Help Americas/Africa  RDs in new idea development, on the basis of robust market assessment and audience context.  
  • Define and deliver a benefits-led prioritisation approach incorporating the potential need for iterative re-planning and cost-effective benefits measurement processes. 

YOUR SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE 

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA: 

  • Experience of enabling high level strategic decision making at speed, working with seniormost/ ExCo level stakeholders  
  • Ability to work with and deploy financial, HR, market, and audience data to enable strategic decision making  
  • Experienced in planning and delivery of strategic projects and demonstrable ability to convert strategic thinking to action 
  • Deep knowledge of media market and consumers, and experience of working in African/Americas markets (in any sector) 

DESIRED BUT NOT REQUIRED: 

  • Experience of influencing and/or driving growth in a business, ideally a media business  
  • Experience in a strategic or delivery role in a modern media, digital, or tech environment 

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Journalist (Planner/Producer) Focus on Africa

Introduction

Focus on Africa is BBC’s flagship news and current affairs program for our audiences in Africa and those interested in African stories across the world. The programme, across TV, radio and digital 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.

We are looking for two highly successful Journalists to plan and produce impactful content for Focus on Africa TV and radio programmes as well as its digital livestreams and assets. The successful candidate will be an experienced journalist with a good understanding of our audience needs. You will have extensive experience of working on a TV, radio or podcast programme and in-depth knowledge of digital production.

Main responsibilities

  • 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.
  • Planning for big events, commissioning, developing and remote producing TV, radio and digital content to the highest quality.
  • Build and maintain effective working relationships with a range of people for gathering in African countries. 
  • Research, pitch, and produce compelling news stories and features tailored for TV and radio/podcast broadcasts. Ensure content is informative, accurate, and engaging, reflecting the diversity of African experiences and perspectives
  • Conduct interviews and gather information from various sources, including government officials, community leaders, and ordinary citizens
  • To ensure that BBC Editorial principles and all relevant legal, contractual and copyright requirements are met, referring upwards in cases of difficulty or doubt
  • Work closely with editorial colleagues, producers, and field reporters to develop and execute story ideas. Participate in team discussions and contribute to the overall editorial direction of Focus on Africa
  • Maintain up-to-date knowledge of current affairs, cultural happenings, and developments within Africa and beyond. Analyze trends and issues impacting the continent in order to produce timely and relevant news
  • Oversee the digital presence of Focus on Africa, including social media platforms 
  • Coordinate with other BBC departments and international bureaux to source stories, enhance coverage, and collaborate on cross-platform features
  • Build and maintain relationships with correspondents and contributors as needed
  • 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
  • Build and maintain diverse contact lists; compile and distribute information with other members of the team

Are you the right candidate?

The successful candidates will have demonstrable experience in originating, editing and curating engaging social and digital content and; 

  • Demonstrable experience of producing original content that has been impactful and reached new audiences with knowledge of social media best practice
  • Proven ability to work independently, or collaboratively as required, on original journalism for underserved audiences across a range of specialisms
  • In-depth knowledge of the news agenda across the African continent and its diaspora; ability to spot an interesting, shareable story – and generate eye-catching headlines and content to go with it
  • Ability to find interesting, alternative angles on established/on-going stories that dominate the news agenda
  • Track record of creativity in the use of pictures, graphics and audio to illustrate and explain fast-moving events and complex stories
  • Experience of working under pressure and meeting tight deadlines. A self-starting individual, you will be able to come up with ideas, get them commissioned made and delivered efficiently
  • Strong verbal communication skills in English, with the confidence to present on camera and on air
  • Ability to write creatively in English in an engaging manner as well as the ability to adapt material with accuracy, clarity and a style appropriate to differing audiences and forms of media
  • Strong working knowledge of the data and analytics tools available and demonstrable evidence of using them effectively
  • Strong research abilities to prepare for broadcasts, with the capability to analyse and distil complex information for audience consumption
  • An understanding of and respect for diverse cultural perspectives, enabling thoughtful engagement with various community topics and issues

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