Senior Journalist  Abuja or Lagos

The BBC is an international multimedia broadcaster on radio, TV, online and social networks with a weekly global audience of 320 million. As part of an historic multi-million pound expansion of BBC Africa, the BBC World Service is introducing a wide range of new and exciting language and regional content to serve African and global audiences. We are  recruiting to fill the position below:

 Job Title: Senior Journalist

Job Requisition ID: 53245

Location: Abuja or Lagos Purpose of the Role

We are looking for a highly successful Senior Journalist to supervise the production and outputting of Focus on Africa TV program as well as its digital livestreams and assets and, whenever necessary, do the radio/podcast output. The Senior Journalist will lead a talented team to produce engaging and informative content that resonates with our global audience while reflecting the rich diversity and complexities of African stories. You will be an experienced journalist with experience of handling breaking news and rolling coverage and good understanding of our audience needs.

Your Key Responsibilities and Impact

Lead the editorial planning, development, and production of Focus on Africa content, delivering engaging, accurate, and visually compelling stories that resonate with African audiences across broadcast and digital platforms. Manage and develop a high-performing production team by providing leadership, coaching, constructive feedback, and professional development opportunities, while fostering a culture of creativity, innovation, and inclusion. Ensure all content meets BBC editorial standards for accuracy, impartiality, fairness, and quality by reviewing and approving scripts, video packages, and other editorial output prior to publication or broadcast. Drive audience growth and engagement by overseeing digital output, including podcasts and social media, using audience insights, analytics, market research, and feedback to inform content and digital expansion strategies. Build and maintain strong relationships with correspondents, contributors, BBC departments, and international bureaux to enhance coverage, source compelling stories, and deliver collaborative cross-platform content. Promote diversity in both workforce and output by maintaining broad and diverse contributor networks, sharing knowledge across teams, reflecting the needs of audiences served, and deputising for the Assistant Editor when required. 

Your Skills and Experience

Proven success in producing, commissioning, and delivering high-quality television, digital, and streaming content, with a strong track record in original journalism, daily news output, and current affairs programming. Extensive experience working in fast-paced breaking news environments, with a strong understanding of African affairs, global news, and wider cultural, entertainment, and sporting developments. Strong leadership and people management skills, with the ability to lead collaborative editorial teams, mentor less experienced colleagues, delegate effectively, and drive cross-team partnerships. Excellent editorial judgement, including significant experience in script editing, sub-editing, video production, and managing complex legal, compliance, and editorial policy issues. Strong digital storytelling expertise, including the production of impactful online content, podcasts, and social media output, alongside a good understanding of audience engagement, analytics, and digital best practice. Skilled researcher and communicator, with the ability to analyse complex information, write and edit engaging content for diverse audiences, and communicate clearly and effectively in English. Knowledge of data and visual journalism, combined with a commitment to diversity and inclusion, cultural awareness, and sensitivity in reporting; experience of filming is desirable.

6th October, 2026. How to Apply

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