Future Voices Pakistan – Trainee Journalism Scheme 2026 – EXTEND

The BBC World Service is looking for aspiring journalists to join our Future Voices Pakistan - Trainee Journalism Scheme in Islamabad is a three month, paid, early career opportunity for disabled and neurodivergent people across Pakistan.

Job Requisition ID: 47137

Job Closing Date: 5 July 2026

Islamabad, PAK, 44000

JOB DETAILS

CONTRACT TYPE: 3 months, fixed term contract.
SALARY: Rs. 200,000
LOCATION: Islamabad Bureau
START DATE: 21 September 2026

Do you have what it takes to be a journalist at the BBC?

Are you curious about the world?

Do you have stories you think deserve more attention?

Do you identify as deaf, disabled or neurodivergent?

ABOUT THIS OPPORTUNITY

The BBC World Service is looking for aspiring journalists to join our Future Voices Pakistan – Trainee Journalism Scheme in Islamabad is a three month, paid, early career opportunity for disabled and neurodivergent people across Pakistan.

You’ll work with BBC Urdu news teams in Islamabad, gain hands-on newsroom experience, and develop the skills you need to begin your career in journalism.

Please read Part 1 of this advertisement carefully. Proceed with reading Part 2 and 3 only of you consider that ii, iii and iv of Part 1 applies to you.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Part 1

i) This role is offered under the BBC Extend programme for disabled individuals. For the avoidance of doubt, this traineeship/internship does not constitute employment, nor does it guarantee future employment. Please visit BBC Extend for further information about BBC Extend.

ii) To apply for this role you should meet the definition provided within the ICT Rights of Persons with Disability Act 2020. For ease of reference the definition provides that disability “means a long term physical or mental condition which limits a person’s movements, senses or activities and shall include physical, mental, intellectual and development disorders or sensory impairments which in interaction with participate fully and effectively in day to day performance and interaction with others on an equal basis”.

iii) Applicants must:

Be aged 18 or over at the start of the scheme in September 2026.
Be fluent in both Urdu and English
Be available for a three-week, full-time, in-person training period at the BBC Bureau in Islamabad when the scheme begins on 21 September 2026.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR?

Part 2

We are seeking aspiring disabled journalists at the beginning of their careers who are passionate about discovering and telling stories of global relevance.

You do not need prior journalism experience or formal training, only curiosity, creativity, and enthusiasm.

What will you do?

During the scheme, you will:

Develop core journalism skills across multiple platforms
Receive professional training
Work within BBC Islamabad Bureau newsroom teams on daily output, planning and/or technical teams
Produce content for your professional portfolio
Have access to a mentor.

If you are not based in Islamabad, support may be available to assist with accommodation arrangements.

What do you get?

A paid three-month placement with one of the world’s most respected news organisations
Training and newsroom experience
A dedicated contact to support your development during the scheme
Hybrid working arrangements following the initial training period (subject to confirmation)

HOW TO APPLY

Part 3

Once you begin your application you’ll be asked to answer the eligibility questions for this scheme, once you submit this you will be invited to an online assessment which includes a series of questions to help us understand your interest in journalism and creating content.

You should be ready to:

Answer a few questions via video recording based on your motivations for applying and passion for journalism. This will be requested in both English and Urdu.
Share with us at least one item of journalistic content you’ve created, this could be a social media post, or something published on a digital platform, in print, TV, radio or podcast.

Accessibility and Support

We are committed to making the application process as accessible as possible. If you require adjustments, have specific access needs or for further information on the scheme, please contact the Future Voices team on email at [email protected]

#LI-DNI

The BBC is fully committed to providing workplace adjustments to remove barriers faced by disabled individuals. Dedicated support services are available throughout the traineeship/internship. If you are successful and require workplace adjustments, we will work with you to ensure appropriate support is in place.

Disclaimer

This job description is a written statement of the essential characteristics of the job, with its principal accountabilities, incorporating a note of the skills, knowledge and experience required for a satisfactory level of performance. This is not intended to be a complete, detailed account of all aspects of the duties involved.

Please note: If you were to be offered this role, the BBC will conduct Employment screening checks which include Reference checks; Eligibility to work checks; and if applicable to the role, Safeguarding and Adverse media/Social media checks. Any offer made is conditional on these checks being satisfactory.

Before your start date, you may need to disclose any unspent convictions or police charges, in line with our Recruitment policy. This allows us to discuss any support you may need and assess any risks. Failure to disclose may result in the withdrawal of your offer.

For any general queries, please contact: [email protected]

We are unable to accept applications via CV and only applications made online will be considered. Please click on the APPLY NOW button to proceed with your application.

Information at a Glance

This is your BBC

At the BBC you can create and innovate in an inclusive environment while contributing to some of the world’s best loved content, and the BBC’s mission to inform, educate and entertain.

Life at BBC

Here you will benefit from:
• Fair pay and flexible benefits specific to your location and contract type.
• Excellent career and professional development.
• Support in your working life.
• A values-based organisation where the way we do things is important as what we do.

You belong

We have a working environment where we value and respect every individual’s unique contribution, so all our employees feel that they can belong, thrive and achieve their full potential.

We want to attract the broadest range of talented people to join us. The more diverse our workforce, the better able we are to respond to and reflect our audiences in all their diversity.

We welcome applications from individuals, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, socio-economic background, religion and/or belief.

Find out more about diversity, inclusion and belonging in our strategy below.