Nigeria Languages Editor – BBC World Service

About the role

The Nigeria Languages Editor will lead the newly created Nigeria Languages Services Unit, overseeing BBC Pidgin, BBC Yoruba and BBC Igbo. Reporting to BBC World Service leadership, the role focuses on a digital‑first strategy that expands reach among young audiences, especially women, across West Africa and the diaspora.

Key responsibilities

• Set and deliver the editorial vision for the three language services, translating BBC World Service priorities into a regional strategy.
• Lead a multilingual editorial workforce, fostering a unified culture while preserving each service’s unique voice.
• Provide line management for three Assistant Editors and a Senior Journalist Team Manager, overseeing performance, talent development and succession planning.
• Own a digital‑first, video‑led content strategy across YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, WhatsApp and BBC digital platforms.
• Drive audience growth and engagement, targeting young audiences, women and diaspora communities.
• Lead the On‑Demand Production Hub and Social Media Studio, ensuring high‑quality video output and innovation.
• Commission and oversee high‑impact journalism, including investigations, documentaries, data‑led storytelling and long‑form video.

Required profile

• Proven senior editorial leadership in journalism, with a track record of high‑impact reporting in complex political environments.
• Demonstrated ability to break down organisational silos and build collaborative cultures.
• Experience managing multilingual teams and delivering digital‑first content strategies.
• Strong understanding of the media landscape in West Africa and the needs of young, digitally native audiences.

Required skills

• Leadership of multilingual editorial teams.
• Strategic planning and execution of digital‑first content.
• Video production and social‑media content creation.
• Audience development and engagement across digital platforms.

What we offer

• Opportunity to shape a new editorial unit within a globally respected public service broadcaster.
• Access to BBC’s extensive resources, training and development programmes.
• Collaborative, inclusive work environment in Lagos.