Journalism Researcher (20215)

Introduction

BBC Monitoring (BBCM) provides news and information based on our monitoring of open source media from over 150 countries in more than 70 languages. It is an important part of the BBC's newsgathering operation, with journalists based worldwide providing content for a  range of BBC platforms.

Our round-the-clock monitoring of TV, radio, press, news agencies, digital and social media  is also provided to a wide range of users, including commercial clients. https://monitoring.bbc.co.uk

No other media organisation has an operation like BBC Monitoring, with its ability to track, decipher and analyse news media in dozens of languages. Our detailed knowledge of complex media environments in the non-Western world puts us in a unique position to spot unusual media behaviour or evolving propaganda tactics which could act as an early warning system for shifting geopolitical or societal dynamics.
 

Our expertise stems from access to hard-to-reach sources, knowledge of a particular region or topic and fluency of a combination of languages. Whether the story is about jihadism, media freedom, propaganda, disinformation, or social media’s potential to be a force for change, we can offer a unique perspective.

Main responsibilities

We are recruiting a journalism researcher in our team based in Nairobi, Kenya who will research thematic, regional and country-specific information to produce and maintain a range of content.  You’ll research and produce background information and profiles on media, politics, key political personalities/organisations and on global or regional themes. You will be proactive in making sure that the reference content is comprehensive and current as well as plan for upcoming events in the creation and maintenance of the product.  You'll produce timely tip-offs, media reviews, news reports and background information based on the monitoring of vernacular sources from the target area and play a role in the planning and strategic development of research as appropriate.  You'll contribute story ideas and new angles on emerging narratives and long-running stories, including from a data perspective.   You will be an integral part the production teams, acting on your own initiative,  with a flexible approach.   Some of the main responsibilities include:

• Research thematic, regional and country-specific information to produce and maintain a range of content
• Produce background information and profiles of media outlets, key political personalities and organisations and on global or regional themes
• Research, produce and maintain profiles of personalities, organisations, media outlets and source information
• Be proactive and meticulous in making sure that the Reference content is comprehensive and current, reprioritising as necessary, and planning for upcoming events in the creation and maintenance of data
• Produce timely tip-offs, news updates, diary entries and detailed background information based on the monitoring of vernacular sources
• Contribute story ideas and new angles on emerging narratives and long-running stories, including from a data perspective
• Work collaboratively with colleagues in BBC Monitoring and across the BBC, on regular output and bespoke products
• Contribute story ideas and new angles on emerging narratives and long-running stories, including from a data perspective
• Contribute to data projects including data collection, managing excel spreadsheets
• Play a role in planning and strategic development in the team as appropriate
• Prepare and compile multimedia elements for publication, for example video clips, images and maps.
• Ability to learn and use data reference and news production systems

Are you the right candidate?

It is essential that you have professional fluency in French

Excellent level of spoken and written English with demonstrable experience of writing in English

Arabic or other additional languages desirable, though not essential

Thorough knowledge and understanding of the news and current affairs and media environment of Sub-Saharan Africa with particular focus on the Sahel and Francophone countries

An interest in international news and media developments globally

Experience of working in a research type role and or carrying out tasks where attention to detail is particularly important

Experience in working with Excel and large data sets

Ability to communicate effectively and to present complex information and ideas clearly and concisely

To feed into the news agenda for the day, identifying new ways to deliver content relevant to all BBC Monitoring users

Work collaboratively with colleagues in BBC Monitoring and across the BBC

Willingness and enthusiasm to embrace new ways of working and new technology

Package detail

Job Title: Journalism Researcher - BBC Monitoring (Nairobi)

Reference: 20215

Contract: Permanent/continuing

Band: B

Location: Nairobi, Kenya

Job board closes: midnight (GMT) Tuesday 24th December 2024

A local hire position and eligible candidates must be able to live and work in Kenya.

About the BBC

We don’t focus simply on what we do – we also care how we do it. Our values and the way we behave are important to us. Please make sure you’ve read about our values and behaviours: https://performancemanager.successfactors.eu/S001190811T2/Our_BBC_Values.pdf

Diversity matters at the BBC. We have a working environment where we value and respect every individual's unique contribution, enabling all of our employees to thrive and achieve their full potential.

We want to attract the broadest range of talented people to be part of the BBC – whether that’s to contribute to our programming or our wide range of non-production roles. The more diverse our workforce, the better able we are to respond to and reflect our audiences in all their diversity.

We are committed to equality of opportunity and welcome applications from individuals, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, socio-economic background, religion and/or belief. We will consider flexible working requests for all roles, unless operational requirements prevent otherwise.