Senior Journalist – Focus On Africa

About the role

BBC is seeking a Senior Journalist to lead the production of the Focus on Africa TV programme, its digital livestreams and related radio/podcast output. The role involves supervising a talented team to create engaging, high‑quality content that reflects Africa’s diverse stories for a global audience.

Key responsibilities

• Lead editorial planning, development and production of Focus on Africa content across broadcast and digital platforms.
• Manage and develop a high‑performing production team, providing leadership, coaching and professional development.
• Ensure all output meets BBC editorial standards for accuracy, impartiality and quality.
• Drive audience growth by overseeing digital output, podcasts and social media, using analytics and audience insights.
• Build strong relationships with correspondents, contributors, BBC departments and international bureaux.
• Promote diversity in workforce and output, maintain broad contributor networks and deputise for the Assistant Editor when required.

Required profile

• Proven success in producing, commissioning and delivering high‑quality TV, digital and streaming content, with a strong track record in original journalism and current affairs.
• Extensive experience in fast‑paced breaking‑news environments and deep understanding of African affairs.
• Strong leadership and people‑management skills, able to mentor and drive collaborative editorial teams.
• Excellent editorial judgement, including script editing, sub‑editing and managing complex legal and compliance issues.
• Strong digital storytelling expertise, with experience in podcasts, social media and audience analytics.
• Skilled researcher and communicator, capable of analysing complex information and producing clear, engaging English content.

Required skills

• Video production
• Script editing
• Sub‑editing
• Digital storytelling
• Podcast production
• Social media management
• Audience analytics