Senior Journalist (Reporter) – BBC (Syria)

Package Description

Job Title: Senior Journalist – Reporter (Syria)

Job reference: 21286

Band: D

Contract: Permanent, local terms and conditions apply

Location: Based in Syria

If you need to discuss adjustments or access requirements for the interview process please contact the [email protected].  For any general queries, please contact: [email protected].

Freelancer Eligibility to Apply for Internal BBC Roles

Freelancers are eligible to apply for an internal role if they are on a Worker Contract and they have worked continuously for 6 months. If they have worked for less than 6 months continuously or have a break of 3 weeks or more between engagements, they must seek Divisional HR approval to apply for an internal role prior to submitting an application.

Please note that the application process will require you to upload a CV and complete the online application form with the opportunity to detail your experience, skills and knowledge required for the role.

Any offer of employment with the BBC will be conditional upon you having the right to work in Syria. 

Job Introduction

BBC World Service is an international multimedia broadcaster, part of BBC News, delivering a wide range of language and regional services and working increasingly with other parts of BBC News to serve global audiences. It uses multiple platforms to reach its weekly audience of around 360 million globally, including TV, digital platforms such as social media, AM, FM, shortwave, digital satellite and cable channels.

All Language Services are multiplatform, including a multimedia website with a focus on digital video, text and interactivity for both desktop and mobile platforms.

The role is part of the Arabic Digital Production Hub.

Main Responsibilities and Accountabilities

As a Senior Journalist Reporter, you will be responsible for originating and producing stories which may include scripting, editing, outputting, filming and presenting content across a range of BBC output or generating exciting ideas and original newsgathering.

Day to day duties will include:

• Propose; research; write; report and edit interesting and well-explained reports and more thoughtful, analytical pieces for publication – meeting high journalistic standards and fully observing the BBC editorial guidelines.
• Alert editors to breaking news and be ready to file and present accurate, on-the-spot reports. Check and advise against coverage when necessary.
• Develop and use all formats and platforms available to tell the story in the most appropriate way, with a particular focus on digital platforms to deliver our journalism to audiences.
• Supply items for the news diary, coming up with a stream of realistic coverage ideas and working jointly with other BBC reporters and producers in the field/region.
• Provide regular advice on news developments, guidance on agency or newspaper stories and briefings on government policies.
• To gather material for broadcast on news topics and events which is reflective of the audiences we serve.
• To provide timely, specialist and self-assured news coverage and analysis of news and events of interest to the audiences of the BBC.
• Maintain regular and clear communication with the Editors ensuring everyone is always briefed on own movements throughout the assignment.
• Delivering to tight deadlines while maintaining the highest editorial standards.
• At all times to carry out duties in accordance with the BBC health and safety policy.

Are you the right candidate?

To be successful in this role candidates must demonstrate:

• Excellent understanding and comprehensive knowledge of Syria and the region
• Extensive live reporting experience, including live breaking news with a good on-screen presence, self-assured microphone voice and ability to communicate effectively to target audience. A knowledge of and aptitude for using multimedia technology
• The successful candidate will have a full command and up-to-date knowledge of spoken and written modern standard Arabic and a complete understanding and command of written and spoken English to an acceptable broadcast standard
• Demonstrates balanced and impartial judgement. Makes appropriate editorial decisions, taking account of conflicting views where necessary
• Willingness to travel and in particular to High-Risk environments
• A demonstrable knowledge of how to maximise a story for digital, and proven skills in generating original newsgathering
• Proven experience of successfully working independently as well as in a team
• Ability to convey story and programme ideas and to contribute fully to the planning process
• Able to get one’s message understood clearly by adopting a range of styles, tools and techniques appropriate to the audience and the nature of information
• Demonstrates a commitment to improving diversity in the BBC and understands how individual differences can benefit the BBC
• Must have the right to work in Syria