Current Recruitment At BBC Ghana

Africa’s media landscape is changing. It is one of the fastest developing news markets in the world with mobile technology transforming lives, internet connectivity increasing, the radio market remaining relatively strong and Television migrating from analog to digital.

The BBC World Service remains the leading international broadcaster in Africa, reaching a weekly audience of more than 100 million across all platforms and Social Media. Globally, the BBC reaches a weekly audience of 320 million weekly across various platforms.

Over the next four years, the BBC World Service will be expanding its multimedia operations in Africa by doubling the number of language services from 6 to 12.

Three of the new language services, Pidgin, Yoruba, and Igbo, will serve our audiences in Nigeria and West Africa. They will be based in Lagos, working alongside our operation in Abuja from where the BBC currently produces its Hausa service output. There is a strong emphasis on reaching and connecting with young audiences.

We are now looking for a reporter with strong journalism, digital and language skills (Pidgin and English) to work in Ghana.

Job Description

Job Title: Reporter (Pidgin)

This role involves working irregular hours including weekends and public holidays.

Role Responsibility

• The BBC is looking for an excellent reporter to produce a dynamic range of digital, audio and video content which will appeal to a young audience.
• The successful candidate will have some experience of reporting for a digital media organization.
• Fluent in Pidgin (Ghana) and English (written and spoken), you will have experience of field reporting, delivering creative output for digital and social media platforms.
• An excellent knowledge of local, regional and international news and current affairs is essential, including a good understanding of a broad editorial agenda.
• You will have knowledge of and recent experience of living in the target area, including a good understanding of the complexities of Ghana.
• You will have good local contacts.
• Ability to work under pressure and react to breaking news is essential. You must be a self-starter, with a strong ability to work independently.
• You must have work authorization for Ghana.

The Ideal Candidate

• A full command and up to date knowledge of Pidgin as first (or equivalent) language is essential. An additional language – Hausa, Yoruba, or Igbo – is desirable.
• An excellent knowledge of English including complete comprehension of written and spoken English for journalism and the ability to communicate effectively.
• A digital media background and social media journalism experience preferable, you will ideally have a strong screen presence for coverage online and on social media.
• A good broadcasting voice and presence and the ability to acquire the appropriate presentation style to communicate effectively with listeners in Pidgin and English
• An experience of field reporting on political, economic and trending social issues in Ghana is desirable. So is the ability to demonstrate a good range of contacts for interview purposes.
• Updated in-depth knowledge of Ghanaian/West African affairs including social issues. A thorough knowledge of wider regional or international affairs will be an advantage.
• A good understanding of the needs of a young digitally-savvy audience in the region is essential.
• Ability to convey story and programme ideas in an exciting way and to contribute fully to the planning process.
• A knowledge of and aptitude for, using modern broadcast and recording (audio & video) technology including digital.
• A record of demonstrating good interpersonal skills and an understanding of the importance of working as a part of a team, especially at a distance, as well as working independently.
• Ability to remain calm under pressure, apply sensible work priorities and pace him/herself through the assignment.

Package Description

Contract: Continuing

Salary: Local Terms and Conditions Apply

About the Company

We don’t focus simply on what we do – we also care how we do it. Our values and the way we behave are very important to us. Please make sure you’ve read about our values and behaviours in the document attached below. You’ll be asked questions relating to them as part of your application for this role.

The BBC is committed to building a culturally diverse workforce and therefore strongly encourages applications from underrepresented groups.  We are committed to equality of opportunity and welcome applications from individuals, regardless of their background.