Journalist at BBC Swahili (BBC World Service) – August 2026

Journalist at BBC Swahili (BBC World Service) – August 2026

Journalist – BBC Swahili (BBC World Service)

Company Overview

BBC Swahili is one of the BBC World Service’s largest and fastest-growing language services, reaching millions of Swahili speakers across East Africa and the global diaspora. Operating across digital platforms, TV, and radio, BBC Swahili provides independent, impartial, and trusted journalism designed to counter disinformation and serve audiences with reliable news.

Position Summary

• Job Title: Journalist

• Organization: BBC World Service / BBC Africa

• Job Location: Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

• Job ID: 140490

• Application Deadline: August 19, 2026

Job Purpose

The Journalist serves as a core production resource across both On the Day and On Demand workflows. Thinking multi-platform by default, this role produces, self-shoots, edits, and presents news content fluently across web articles, vertical short-form social videos (TikTok, Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts), radio broadcasts, and TV packages under tight deadline pressure.

Key Responsibilities & Accountabilities

• Digital Writing & Web Publishing:

  • Write clear, accurate, and engaging Swahili news articles for the BBC Swahili website, ensuring SEO optimization, strong structure, and strict deadline adherence.

  • Verify, fact-check, and report news impartially, utilizing social media verification techniques for user-generated content.

• Short-Form Video & Social Media Production:

  • Self-shoot, edit, and present vertical and horizontal video content (explainers, news moments, interviews) optimized for TikTok, Instagram Reels, YouTube, Facebook, and YouTube Shorts.

  • Apply solid visual framing, crisp audio recording, and basic graphic/caption overlays using mobile and camera gear.

• Broadcasting & Live Coverage:

  • Present news items to camera, conduct live two-ways, and report for simultaneous radio and YouTube streaming broadcasts.

  • Research, script, film, and edit TV packages independently or in partnership with Video Journalists.

  • Participate in live breaking news coverage across all digital and broadcast platforms.

• Newsgathering & Network Building:

  • Cultivate a robust network of contacts across East Africa to generate original stories, investigative angles, and exclusive tip-offs.

Candidate Qualifications & Skills

Education & Experience:

• Educational Background: Bachelor’s Degree, Advanced Diploma, or Diploma in Journalism, Mass Communication, Media Studies, or a related field.

• Work Experience: Minimum of 2 years of multi-platform journalism experience within a reputable digital, broadcast, or print news organization.

Core Competencies & Technical Skills:

• Language Skills: Native/fluent proficiency in written and spoken Swahili and English (ability to write, translate, sub-edit, and present in both languages).

• Multi-Platform Thinking: Proven track record in producing web articles, radio packages, TV reports, and short-form video for social platforms.

• Technical Shooting & Editing: Practical experience self-shooting video using mobile or DSLR equipment, audio gear, and video editing tools.

• Camera Presence: Natural confidence presenting to camera, delivering live broadcast hits, and conducting engaging on-air interviews.

How to Apply & Background Screening

Qualified media and journalism professionals must apply online via the official portal:

• Location: Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

• Closing Date: August 19, 2026

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

📋 Notice: Conditional offers are subject to standard BBC employment screening, including reference checks, right-to-work verification, and adverse media/social media checks.