Video Journalist

The BBC World Service is establishing a new Horn of Africa Language Services Unit in Nairobi, integrating its Somali, Afaan Oromo, Tigrinya, and Amharic services. BBC Somali is a highly trusted international news service for Somali-speaking audiences, transforming into a digital-first, video-led operation to reach new generations via smartphones and social media.

The BBC Somali service is evolving into a story-led model with two editorial streams: On the Day and On Demand. This position is crucial for generating and producing content for news, current affairs, and general programming, requiring the ability to self-shoot and edit full packages for various platforms. The BBC World Service is consolidating its Horn of Africa Language Services in Nairobi, aiming to transform BBC Somali into a digital-first, video-led operation to engage younger audiences who primarily consume news via smartphones and social media.

1. Research, write, shoot, edit, and deliver high-quality multimedia content for radio, digital, podcast, and online platforms, adhering to the highest editorial and production standards.
2. Independently produce complete journalism packages, covering all aspects of pre-production, production, and post-production using various audio, video, and digital tools.
3. Apply strong editorial judgment to identify, develop, and deliver accurate, impartial, and engaging stories tailored for diverse audiences.
4. Present and produce live or pre-recorded content across BBC platforms, including radio, visualised podcasts, and online services.
5. Collaborate effectively with editors, colleagues, and wider BBC teams to share content, prevent duplication, uphold best practices, and contribute to successful project delivery.
6. Prioritise and manage workloads efficiently, delivering high-quality journalism under tight deadlines while optimising resource use.
7. Contribute to team development by leading projects, mentoring colleagues, sharing technical expertise, and ensuring compliance with BBC health and safety standards.

1. Significant journalism experience with strong expertise in multimedia production, including self-shooting, video editing, and preparing content for broadcast and digital platforms.
2. Sound editorial judgment and a thorough understanding of BBC editorial standards, news values, audience needs, and current affairs coverage.
3. Proven ability to originate, develop, and deliver compelling news stories using various technologies for content gathering and production.
4. Excellent writing, editing, and translation skills, capable of creating accurate, engaging, and audience-focused content across multiple media formats.
5. Fluency in both spoken and written Somali and English, with the ability to write, sub-edit, and present professionally in both languages.
6. Strong planning, organisational, and relationship-building skills, capable of managing competing priorities, meeting tight deadlines, and working effectively with diverse stakeholders.
7. Adaptable and resilient under pressure, with knowledge of audience analytics and data-led content strategies to optimise performance and drive engagement across diverse audiences.