Journalist – BBC Swahili

Organization: BBC World Service
Department: BBC World Service – BBC Swahili
Location: Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Job Band: C
Contract Type: Permanent, Full-time

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Job Summary

The Journalist will be a core production member of BBC Swahili, creating accurate, engaging, and impartial journalism across multiple platforms including:

• Website
• Radio
• Television
• YouTube
• TikTok
• Instagram
• Facebook

The role requires a multi-skilled journalist who can research, write, film, present, edit, and publish stories while adapting content for different audiences and platforms.

The journalist will contribute to both breaking news coverage and planned editorial productions, ensuring BBC Swahili continues delivering trusted news to Swahili-speaking audiences across East Africa and beyond.

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Key Responsibilities

1. Digital Journalism and Content Production

The Journalist will:

• Write clear, accurate, and engaging articles for the BBC Swahili website.
• Produce well-structured, properly sourced, and SEO-friendly content.
• Publish stories within required deadlines.
• Adapt stories for different digital platforms.
• Ensure content meets BBC editorial standards.

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2. Video Production and Social Media Content

Responsibilities include:

• Produce short-form video content for:
  • YouTube
  • TikTok
  • Instagram Reels
  • Facebook
  • YouTube Shorts
• Create:
  • News updates
  • Explainers
  • Interviews
  • Reaction videos
• Record and edit videos using mobile phones or professional cameras.
• Apply strong visual storytelling techniques.
• Use appropriate:
  • Framing
  • Audio quality
  • Captions
  • Basic graphics

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3. Radio, TV and Broadcast Journalism

The Journalist will:

• Contribute to radio and visual broadcasting.
• Present content both on-air and on-screen.
• Write scripts suitable for radio audiences.
• Produce radio packages.
• Conduct interviews.
• Support TV package production.
• Participate in live broadcasts and breaking news coverage.

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4. News Gathering and Reporting

Responsibilities include:

• Develop and maintain professional contacts across East Africa.
• Generate original story ideas.
• Source information beyond agency and wire reports.
• Verify information from:
  • Social media sources
  • User-generated content
  • Online platforms
• Report accurately and impartially under tight deadlines.

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5. Breaking News Coverage

The Journalist will:

• Cover breaking news events across platforms.
• Produce timely updates.
• Support livestream coverage.
• Maintain BBC editorial accuracy and impartiality during fast-moving events.

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Required Skills and Experience

Candidates should demonstrate:

Digital Journalism Skills

• Experience producing content for:
  • News websites
  • YouTube
  • TikTok
  • Instagram Reels
  • Facebook
  • TV
  • Radio
• Understanding of different audience needs across platforms.

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Writing and Editorial Skills

Ability to:

• Write accurate and engaging Swahili articles.
• Structure online stories effectively.
• Produce SEO-aware content.
• Edit and review content professionally.

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Video Production Skills

Experience with:

• Self-shooting videos using mobile devices or cameras.
• Video editing.
• Creating vertical social media videos.
• Producing content suitable for digital audiences.

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Presentation Skills

Candidates must have:

• Confidence presenting on camera.
• Ability to deliver scripts naturally.
• Experience conducting interviews.
• Ability to present for radio and digital audiences.

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News Reporting Skills

Experience in:

• News research.
• Fact checking.
• Source verification.
• Interviewing.
• Working under deadline pressure.
• Maintaining impartial journalism standards.

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Language Requirements

Fluency required in:

• Swahili – written and spoken
• English – written and spoken

Candidates must be able to:

• Write professionally.
• Edit content.
• Present stories in both languages.

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Ideal Candidate Profile

The successful candidate should be:

• A versatile multimedia journalist.
• Comfortable working across digital, radio, and TV platforms.
• Creative and audience-focused.
• Able to work independently under pressure.
• Strong in storytelling and verification.
• Familiar with East African news environments.

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Application Information

Applications must be submitted online through the BBC careers portal:

BBC Careers Portal

Important: BBC does not accept applications through CV submission by email. Only online applications will be considered.

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Screening Requirements

Successful applicants may undergo:

• Reference checks
• Eligibility-to-work checks
• Safeguarding checks
• Social media/adverse media checks (where applicable)

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How to Apply:

To submit your application, please follow the link provided below.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY