Job Title: Producer-Presenter – Niambie

Location: Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Special Requirements: Right to work in Tanzania. Fluent in Kiswahili and English. Applicants must have proven ability and experience in issues relevant to young people, and in youth-focused programming, and hold a diploma in journalism or equivalent qualification.

Reports to: Senior Producer

Contract: 24 month with a possibility of extension

Closing date: 27 September 2020

Context: 

We are the BBC’s international charity, and we believe in the power of media and communication for good. We work across more than 20 of the world’s poorest and most fragile countries, supporting the independent media essential to democracy and development. Each year, our projects and programmes reach 100 million people facing poverty, inequality and insecurity with information they can trust, helping to improve health, bridge divides, challenge prejudice, and save and change lives. We are independently funded and rely on the valued support of our donors and partners. We deliver a portfolio of media projects in Tanzania and we work to ensure that our projects are delivered on time to the highest possible standard, in accordance with BBC editorial values and BBC Media Action best practice.

The Niambie project provides a unique space in the national media for young people to discuss important issues on their own terms and in their own language. It engages and informs young people from across Tanzania, creating a platform for them to talk to their leaders. Evidence shows that Niambie contributes to increased self-efficacy among young people and women and increased ability to engage in discussions and take action on issues that matter to them.

Project outputs include:

• A national youth-focused radio show
• Social media channels that provide a space for young people to interact with each other and share their thoughts on important issues
• Capacity-building with young professionals from five regions across Tanzania
• Collaborative partnerships with national media organizations who broadcast the Niambie radio programme

Job purpose:

BBC Media Action is looking for an experienced, creative and dynamic radio producer-presenter who can become one of the main voices of the Niambie radio show and represent the programme and the work of BBC Media Action at events, outside broadcasts and while recording content. The successful candidate will be expected to produce and present the weekly programme in Kiswahili and to ensure it continues to meet the highest editorial and production standards in line with the BBC’s editorial values and safeguarding policies.

Main duties and responsibilities:

The Producer-Presenter is expected to:

• Present the Niambie radio show and other media content in an engaging style that appeals to its young audience and attracts new listeners, helping the show to grow and improve and cementing a trusted relationship with its audiences;
• Plan, script, produce and edit programme items and some full editions of the programme;
• Originate ideas and create content for programmes, stories, features and interviews, both on radio and digital platforms and other media content as the project develops;
• Gather, and verify the accuracy of, content for a range of programme formats through interviews, and collaboration with the Content Researcher and gender equality experts within the office;
• Assist the Senior Producer to plan programme topics and production trips and events;
• Impartially and critically review content from the Niambie project and – at times – content from other BBC Media Action projects in Tanzania and elsewhere;
• Represent diplomatically, energetically, and strategically Niambie and BBC Media Action as a whole at external events such as workshops, conferences and launches including championing gender equality as a concept and in practice;
• Learn, stay up to date with, and consistently apply the BBC’s editorial policies and values, production standards, and approach to safeguarding vulnerable people;
• Assist with other production and project management tasks as required.

Essential knowledge skills and experience:

• At least one year’s experience of working as a presenter, producer and/or on-air journalist with an international or reputable Kiswahili broadcaster – essential
• A recognised journalistic qualification from a reputable university or college – essential
• Proven commitment to the principles of gender equality – essential
• Fluency in English in order to be able to use our systems, communicate with colleagues in London and other offices and contribute to reports – essential
• Applicants must have proven understanding of youth audiences and issues – essential
• Understand and comply with BBC Media Action’s Safeguarding policy and the staff Code of Conduct.
• Participate in relevant mandatory training on Safeguarding and Respect at Work.
• Report any Safeguarding concerns immediately, either to the Country Director, or using the Whistleblowing Policy.
• Experience of working on behaviour-change communication projects, preferably in the governance or gender sectors – desirable
• Experience of developing entertaining, memorable and editorially acceptable programme topics and formats with experience of working in a similar role
• Knowledge of computer software for audio or video editing and uploading content to a range of digital platforms – desirable

Key competencies:

The following competencies (behaviours and characteristics) have been identified as key to success in the job. Successful candidates are expected to demonstrate these competencies.

• Excellent presentation and performance skills
• Ability to generate original ideas, and to think creatively about how to communicate them to a range of audiences
• An understanding how to use the voice effectively for radio
• Ability to build credibility and rapport by communicating knowledgably and engagingly with audiences
• Determination and tenacity
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to draw information from people
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Self-motivation and adaptability
• Ability to work effectively under pressure, react quickly, and meet tight deadlines
• Knowledge of the law, ethics and regulation relevant to radio production and broadcasting
• Ability to learn how to use a variety of recording equipment and to operate different radio studios
• Ability to conduct effective internet research

The role may involve working with groups of vulnerable children and adults. For the successful candidate, mandatory training will be provided on BBC Media Action’s safeguarding policy and staff code of conduct. A police background check may form part of the recruitment process. BBC Media Action operates a zero-tolerance policy concerning all forms of abuse and exploitation of vulnerable people.

Candidates should send their CV and a cover letter (PDF or Microsoft Word format) which outlines their experience and suitability for the role in English by email to: [email protected] with the title of the position applied for in the subject line by 5pm on Sunday 27th September 2020. Please do not send certificates or other attachments.

Applicants with no separate cover letter will not be considered. These are local posts applicable to people who have the legal right to live and work in Tanzania and national terms and conditions will apply.

Only shortlisted candidates will be notified.