Journalist at BBC Swahili (BBC World Service) – August 2026
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 pr...
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
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Job Title: Journalist
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Organization: BBC World Service / BBC Africa
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Job Location: Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
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Job ID: 140490
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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
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Digital Writing & Web Publishing:
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Write clear, accurate, and engaging Swahili news articles for the BBC Swahili website, ensuring SEO optimization, strong structure, and strict deadline adherence.
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Verify, fact-check, and report news impartially, utilizing social media verification techniques for user-generated content.
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Short-Form Video & Social Media Production:
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Self-shoot, edit, and present vertical and horizontal video content (explainers, news moments, interviews) optimized for TikTok, Instagram Reels, YouTube, Facebook, and YouTube Shorts.
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Apply solid visual framing, crisp audio recording, and basic graphic/caption overlays using mobile and camera gear.
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Broadcasting & Live Coverage:
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Present news items to camera, conduct live two-ways, and report for simultaneous radio and YouTube streaming broadcasts.
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Research, script, film, and edit TV packages independently or in partnership with Video Journalists.
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Participate in live breaking news coverage across all digital and broadcast platforms.
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Newsgathering & Network Building:
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Cultivate a robust network of contacts across East Africa to generate original stories, investigative angles, and exclusive tip-offs.
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Candidate Qualifications & Skills
Education & Experience:
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Educational Background: Bachelor’s Degree, Advanced Diploma, or Diploma in Journalism, Mass Communication, Media Studies, or a related field.
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Work Experience: Minimum of 2 years of multi-platform journalism experience within a reputable digital, broadcast, or print news organization.
Core Competencies & Technical Skills:
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Language Skills: Native/fluent proficiency in written and spoken Swahili and English (ability to write, translate, sub-edit, and present in both languages).
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Multi-Platform Thinking: Proven track record in producing web articles, radio packages, TV reports, and short-form video for social platforms.
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Technical Shooting & Editing: Practical experience self-shooting video using mobile or DSLR equipment, audio gear, and video editing tools.
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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:
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Location: Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
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Closing Date: August 19, 2026
📋 Notice: Conditional offers are subject to standard BBC employment screening, including reference checks, right-to-work verification, and adverse media/social media checks.
How to approach this opportunity
Before applying for Journalist at BBC Swahili (BBC World Service) – August 2026, review the requirements carefully, tailor your CV to the role, and follow the instructions shown in the advert before Aug 19, 2026.
- Identify 2-3 requirements from the advert and make sure they are clearly visible in your CV, cover letter, or application message.
- Prepare a short application message that mentions the exact job title and why you fit the role.
- Keep your phone and email active after applying so you do not miss interview or assessment updates.
Tailor your CV before applying
For Journalist at BBC Swahili (BBC World Service) – August 2026, align your CV with the location and role context: Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
Questions to prepare for
Before interviewing for Journalist at BBC Swahili (BBC World Service) – August 2026, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, prepare short answers backed by real examples from your experience.
Why do you think the Journalist at BBC Swahili (BBC World Service) – August 2026 role is a good fit for you?
Which of your skills best match this position?
Give an example of an achievement or work challenge you solved.
How would you contribute to the organization if selected?
Which requirement in this advert best matches your experience, and what proof can you share?
How do you organize your work and deliver results within deadlines?
View sample application letter Dynamic draft tailored to this job post. Edit it before sending.
Refer to the letter heading above, I am writing to apply for the Journalist at BBC Swahili (BBC World Service) – August 2026 position. After reviewing the advertised requirements, I believe my skills, experience, and commitment to professional results make me a strong candidate for this opportunity.
My background has prepared me to contribute effectively in jobs. I can bring relevant experience, strong attention to detail, and the ability to work responsibly with teams, clients, and organizational priorities. In tailoring this application, I would highlight evidence related to BBC Swahili is one of the BBC World Service’s largest and fastest-growing language services, reaching millions of Swahili speakers across East Africa ....
I am especially interested in this role because it gives me an opportunity to apply my strengths, support the organization objectives, and continue growing professionally while delivering reliable results.
I have attached my CV and supporting documents for your review. I would appreciate the opportunity to discuss how my qualifications match this position before the application deadline of Aug 19, 2026.
Thank you for considering my application.
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