Africa News Editor, Digital News

PURPOSE OF THE ROLE

• Join the BBC’s Digital News team as our Africa News Editor in Nairobi, shaping how millions of people across the continent and around the world understand one of the most dynamic news regions. You’ll lead and commission agenda setting journalism in text and video on the BBC news website in English. You’ll run a team that responds to breaking and major news stories, oversee live pages, video and reported features and ensure our coverage is sharp, authoritative and distinctive across BBC platforms. 

WHY JOIN THE TEAM

• BBC News is one of the world’s largest and most popular news sites, with mobile and desktop editions curated for both UK and international audiences. It has the biggest news app in the UK and also one of the leading international news apps in the world.   
• Africa is home to some of our most compelling stories, and you’ll be at the centre of how we tell them. This new position will take charge of a team of talented digital journalists across Africa, making editorial calls on breaking news and overseeing planning for Africa’s big stories. This is a rare opportunity to lead a high impact team, champion original journalism, and help evolve the BBC’s digital strategy as audience needs and platforms change. 

YOUR KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND IMPACT:

• Lead the BBC’s English-language digital coverage from Africa on the News website, overseeing breaking news, original journalism, backgrounders, analysis and features. 
• Working with other senior staff managing editorial operations, shape the long‑term editorial strategy for Africa across digital platforms, adapting output to evolving audience needs and emerging formats. 
• Work closely with our Africa desk in London and teams across Africa to plan and commission stories. 
• Take the lead when major news breaks; directing output, planning coverage and deploying staff. 
• Manage and inspire an experienced team across multiple locations, providing clear direction and high‑quality editorial oversight. 
• Collaborate with senior BBC stakeholders in News, the World Service and other departments, to ensure we meet our organisational goals. 
• Maintain the highest editorial standards across all content.

YOUR SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA:

• Proven senior and hands-on experience in digital news journalism, with an understanding of how to respond to breaking news on digital platforms  
• A track record of strong editorial judgment in complex news and coverage scenarios and the ability to take decisive editorial action under pressure 
• An excellent understanding of African news and politics, with the ideas and contacts to generate and uncover untold stories 
• Deep understanding of African audiences and the ability to translate BBC strategy into impactful digital journalism that will grow African and global audiences 
• Strong knowledge of the international news agenda 
• An understanding of the importance of different text and video formats to covering the news and telling stories  
• Experience and strong understanding of using search and social platforms to inform and amplify our journalism 
• Ability to work autonomously and meet tight deadlines as well as lead through change and champion new ways of working. 
• Experience managing culturally diverse teams across multiple locations and coaching staff through new editorial challenges.  

DESIRABLE:

• Experience adapting content for emerging platforms and new digital formats. 
• Familiarity with commercial considerations in digital news environments. 
• Fluency in one or more non-English African languages. 
• Experience of using digital content production systems