Senior Journalist (Visual Podcast) at BBC Swahili, Dar es Salaam July 2026

JOB BAND: D
CONTRACT TYPE: Permanent, Full-time
DEPARTMENT: BBC World Service
LOCATION: Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Local terms and conditions

We’re happy to discuss flexible working. If you’d like to, please indicate your preference in the application – though there’s no obligation to do so now. Flexible working will be part of the discussion at offer stage.

BBC Swahili is one of the BBC World Service’s biggest and fastest growing language services, reaching millions of Swahili speakers across East Africa and beyond. Operating across radio, TV and digital platforms, the service provides independent, impartial journalism to audiences whose access to free and trusted news is often limited by political pressure, media restrictions and disinformation.

BBC Swahili is transforming into a story-led model built around two complementary editorial streams: On the Day and On Demand.

The Senior Journalist, Visual Podcast and Livestreaming sits within the On Demand stream, reporting to the Assistant Editor, and is central to one of the most ambitious and visible elements of the transformation.

WHY JOIN THE TEAM
The daily visualised podcast is a new format for BBC Swahili; a pre-recorded, highly crafted half-hour programme designed to attract young female audiences who increasingly consume news through video and on-demand platforms. This is not a radio programme adapted for screen. It is a standalone video-first editorial product, built from the ground up with a distinct visual identity, presenter format and editorial voice, published five times per week.

Alongside the podcast, the role leads BBC Swahili’s livestreaming capability on YouTube and other social platforms, covering major news events live and building the audience habits that make BBC Swahili a destination for breaking and developing stories in real time.

This is a role for a journalist who is as skilled in production craft as they are in editorial judgment; someone who understands what makes video content compelling for young female audiences, knows how to build and run a daily production pipeline, and has the technical confidence to manage live broadcasts in demanding and unpredictable news environments.

YOUR KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND IMPACT:
• Lead the end-to-end production of BBC Swahili’s new visualized podcast: a pre-recorded, half-hour programme published five editions per week, covering trending topics and social issues relevant to young female audiences.
• Develop and maintain the editorial identity of the podcast, working with the Assistant Editor, On Demand to establish a distinctive tone, visual style and editorial voice that speaks directly to young Swahili-speaking audience.
• Build and manage the weekly production pipeline from commissioning to publication, including story selection, scripting, filming, editing, quality control and scheduling across all distribution platforms.
• Plan and lead BBC Swahili’s livestreaming coverage of major news events on YouTube and other social platforms.
• Create and manage live show formats that are designed for digital audiences with real-time audience interaction, rolling updates, expert interviews and social media integration.
• Uphold the highest BBC editorial standards across all visualized podcast and livestreaming output, applying BBC Editorial Guidelines with rigor and consulting the Assistant Editor, On Demand on editorial risks.
• Collaborate closely with the On Demand and On the Day teams, sharing story ideas and ensuring podcast and livestreaming output is well integrated into BBC Swahili’s wider editorial offer.

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA:
• Hands-on experience of producing, directing and editing video content to a high standard, including filming, lighting, audio, post-production editing and graphics for digital platforms.
• Demonstrable experience of planning and delivering live video broadcasts (on digital platforms), including managing technical set-up, directing presenters, coordinating field reporters and making editorial decisions in real time.
• Proficiency with video editing software (such as Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro or equivalent) and familiarity with livestreaming platforms and tools, including YouTube Studio, vMix or similar.  Deep understanding of how to optimise video content for different platforms: aspect ratios, caption requirements, thumbnail design, title and description SEO for YouTube, and vertical format requirements for TikTok and Instagram Reels.
• Proven experience of leading or managing a team of video journalists or producers, including setting creative direction, managing performance and developing staff.
• Solid experience of developing or implementing video strategy within a digital news environment, with a demonstrable contribution to audience or engagement growth.
• Track record of commissioning or producing video content that has delivered measurable audience growth, particularly among young female audience.
• Excellent scripting, writing and sub-editing skills in Swahili and English