Video Journalist

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

Job Requisition ID: 53842

Job Closing Date: 8 October 2026

Nairobi, KEN, 0 0100

JOB DETAILS

JOB BAND: C
CONTRACT TYPE: Permanent, Full-time
DEPARTMENT: BBC News
LOCATION: Nairobi, Kenya

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

PURPOSE OF THE ROLE

BBC Somali is now transforming into a story-led model built around two complementary editorial streams: On the Day and On Demand. Therefore, the purpose of the role is primarily to initiate, gather and produce material for news, current affairs and general programming. Routinely self-shooting and editing complete packages for use across multiple platforms.

WHY JOIN THE TEAM

BBC World Service is creating a new Horn of Africa Language Services Unit in Nairobi, bringing together BBC Somali, BBC Afaan Oromo, BBC Tigrinya and BBC Amharic under a single editorial leadership structure for the first time.

BBC Somali is one of the most trusted international news services for Somali-speaking audiences in Somalia, Ethiopia, Kenya and across a substantial and highly engaged diaspora. It is a service with strong editorial heritage and, under this new structure, significant opportunity: the transformation to a digital-first, video-led operation that can reach a new generation of Somali audiences who consume news primarily through smartphones, YouTube and social media.

YOUR KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND IMPACT:

Research, write, shoot, edit and deliver high-quality multimedia content across radio, digital, podcast and online platforms, ensuring output meets the highest editorial and production standards.
Independently produce complete journalism packages, undertaking all aspects of pre-production, production and post-production using a range of audio, video and digital tools.
Exercise strong editorial judgment to identify, develop and deliver accurate, impartial and engaging stories tailored to the needs of different audiences.
Present and produce live or pre-recorded content across a range of BBC platforms, including radio, visualised podcasts and online services.
Collaborate effectively with editors, colleagues and wider BBC teams to share content, avoid duplication, uphold best practice and contribute to successful project delivery.
Prioritise and manage workloads effectively, delivering high-quality journalism to tight deadlines while making best use of available resources.
Contribute to team development by leading projects where appropriate, mentoring colleagues, sharing technical expertise and maintaining compliance with BBC health and safety standards.

YOUR SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA:

Significant journalism experience, with strong expertise in multimedia production, including self-shooting, video editing and preparing content for broadcast and digital platforms.
Sound editorial judgment and a strong understanding of BBC editorial standards, news values, audience needs and current affairs coverage.
Proven ability to originate, develop and deliver compelling news stories, using a range of technologies to gather and produce content.
Excellent writing, editing and translation skills, with the ability to create accurate, engaging and audience-focused content across multiple media formats.
Fluency in spoken and written Somali and English, with the ability to write, sub-edit and present professionally in both languages.
Strong planning, organisational and relationship-building skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities, meet tight deadlines and work effectively with a wide range of stakeholders.
Adaptable and resilient under pressure, with knowledge of audience analytics and data-led content strategies to optimise performance and drive engagement across diverse audiences.

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: bbchr@bbc.co.uk

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.