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Senior Journalist (Visual Podcast) at BBC Swahili

JOB DETAILS JOB BAND: D CONTRACT TYPE: Permanent, Full-time DEPARTMENT: BBC World Service LOCATION: Dar es Salaam, Tanzania Tanzaniajob listings Local terms and conditions We’re happy to discuss flexible working. If you’d like to, please indicate your preference in the application – though there’s no obligation to do so now. Flexible working will be part […]

Jul 22, 2026 - 09:47

Jul 22, 2026 - 10:46

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BBC Swahili Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania Full-Time Deadline: Jul 25, 2026

JOB DETAILS

JOB BAND: D
CONTRACT TYPE: Permanent, Full-time
DEPARTMENT: BBC World Service
LOCATION: Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Tanzaniajob listings

Local terms and conditions

We’re happy to discuss flexible working. If you’d like to, please indicate your preference in the application – though there’s no obligation to do so now. Flexible working will be part of the discussion at offer stage.

PURPOSE OF THE ROLE

BBC Swahili is one of the BBC World Service’s biggest and fastest growing language services, reaching millions of Swahili speakers across East Africa and beyond. Operating across radio, TV and digital platforms, the service provides independent, impartial journalism to audiences whose access to free and trusted news is often limited by political pressure, media restrictions and disinformation.

BBC Swahili is transforming into a story-led model built around two complementary editorial streams: On the Day and On Demand.

The Senior Journalist, Visual Podcast and Livestreaming sits within the On Demand stream, reporting to the Assistant Editor, and is central to one of the most ambitious and visible elements of the transformation.

WHY JOIN THE TEAM
The daily visualised podcast is a new format for BBC Swahili; a pre-recorded, highly crafted half-hour programme designed to attract young female audiences who increasingly consume news through video and on-demand platforms. This is not a radio programme adapted for screen. It is a standalone video-first editorial product, built from the ground up with a distinct visual identity, presenter format and editorial voice, published five times per week.

Alongside the podcast, the role leads BBC Swahili’s livestreaming capability on YouTube and other social platforms, covering major news events live and building the audience habits that make BBC Swahili a destination for breaking and developing stories in real time.

This is a role for a journalist who is as skilled in production craft as they are in editorial judgment; someone who understands what makes video content compelling for young female audiences, knows how to build and run a daily production pipeline, and has the technical confidence to manage live broadcasts in demanding and unpredictable news environments.

YOUR KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND IMPACT:
• Lead the end-to-end production of BBC Swahili’s new visualized podcast: a pre-recorded, half-hour programme published five editions per week, covering trending topics and social issues relevant to young female audiences.
• Develop and maintain the editorial identity of the podcast, working with the Assistant Editor, On Demand to establish a distinctive tone, visual style and editorial voice that speaks directly to young Swahili-speaking audience.
• Build and manage the weekly production pipeline from commissioning to publication, including story selection, scripting, filming, editing, quality control and scheduling across all distribution platforms.
• Plan and lead BBC Swahili’s livestreaming coverage of major news events on YouTube and other social platforms.
• Create and manage live show formats that are designed for digital audiences with real-time audience interaction, rolling updates, expert interviews and social media integration.
• Uphold the highest BBC editorial standards across all visualized podcast and livestreaming output, applying BBC Editorial Guidelines with rigor and consulting the Assistant Editor, On Demand on editorial risks.
• Collaborate closely with the On Demand and On the Day teams, sharing story ideas and ensuring podcast and livestreaming output is well integrated into BBC Swahili’s wider editorial offer.

YOUR SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA:
• Hands-on experience of producing, directing and editing video content to a high standard, including filming, lighting, audio, post-production editing and graphics for digital platforms.
• Demonstrable experience of planning and delivering live video broadcasts (on digital platforms), including managing technical set-up, directing presenters, coordinating field reporters and making editorial decisions in real time.
• Proficiency with video editing software (such as Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro or equivalent) and familiarity with livestreaming platforms and tools, including YouTube Studio, vMix or similar. Deep understanding of how to optimise video content for different platforms: aspect ratios, caption requirements, thumbnail design, title and description SEO for YouTube, and vertical format requirements for TikTok and Instagram Reels.
• Proven experience of leading or managing a team of video journalists or producers, including setting creative direction, managing performance and developing staff.
• Solid experience of developing or implementing video strategy within a digital news environment, with a demonstrable contribution to audience or engagement growth.
• Track record of commissioning or producing video content that has delivered measurable audience growth, particularly among young female audience.
• Excellent scripting, writing and sub-editing skills in Swahili and English

Disclaimer

This job description is a written statement of the essential characteristics of the job, with its principal accountabilities, incorporating a note of the skills, knowledge and experience required for a satisfactory level of performance. This is not intended to be a complete, detailed account of all aspects of the duties involved.

Postjob service

Please note: If you were to be offered this role, the BBC will conduct Employment screening checks which include Reference checks; Eligibility to work checks; and if applicable to the role, Safeguarding and Adverse media/Social media checks. Any offer made is conditional on these checks being satisfactory.

Before your start date, you may need to disclose any unspent convictions or police charges, in line with our Recruitment policy. This allows us to discuss any support you may need and assess any risks. Failure to disclose may result in the withdrawal of your offer.

For any general queries, please contact: bbchr@bbc.co.uk

We are unable to accept applications via CV and only applications made online will be considered. Please click on the APPLY NOW button to proceed with your application.

Jobconnect application guidance

How to approach this opportunity

Before applying for Senior Journalist (Visual Podcast) at BBC Swahili, review the requirements carefully, tailor your CV to the role, and follow the instructions shown in the advert before Jul 25, 2026.

1 Match your CV Highlight the skills, qualifications, and achievements that directly relate to this role. Avoid sending a generic CV.

2 Apply safely Use the application instructions provided in the advert. Never pay money to get a job, interview, or application form.

3 Prepare evidence Keep certificates, references, portfolio links, and measurable work examples ready before submitting.

4 Track your application Note the location: Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania. Save the job, record the deadline, and follow up only through official channels.

Quick readiness check

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.

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For Senior Journalist (Visual Podcast) at BBC Swahili at BBC Swahili, align your CV with the location and role context: Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania.

Professional summary Start with a short summary that mentions the target role, your strongest matching experience, and the value you bring.

Key skills Add 6-10 skills that match the advert. Avoid unrelated skills that distract from the role.

Experience bullets Move the most relevant skills, qualifications, and achievements for this post into your profile summary.

Proof of fit Replace generic duties with results, tools used, number of people served, targets met, or problems solved.

Possible CV keywords: Senior Journalist Visual Podcast Swahili Details

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Interview preparation

Questions to prepare for

Before interviewing for Senior Journalist (Visual Podcast) at BBC Swahili - BBC Swahili, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania, prepare short answers backed by real examples from your experience.

Why do you think the Senior Journalist (Visual Podcast) at BBC Swahili 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?

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Match answers to the advert Use real examples Prepare documents and references

AL View sample application letter Dynamic draft tailored to this job post. Edit it before sending.

Use this as a starting point only. Replace placeholders with your real details, add your strongest achievements, and match the final wording to the employer instructions.

YOUR NAME,

YOUR POSTAL ADDRESS,

DAR ES SALAAM, TANZANIA.

JULY 22, 2026.

THE HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGER,

BBC SWAHILI,

DAR ES SALAAM, TANZANIA.

Dear Sir/Madam,

RE: APPLICATION FOR SENIOR JOURNALIST (VISUAL PODCAST) AT BBC SWAHILI

Refer to the letter heading above, I am writing to apply for the Senior Journalist (Visual Podcast) at BBC Swahili position at BBC Swahili. 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 JOB DETAILS JOB BAND: D CONTRACT TYPE: Permanent, Full-time DEPARTMENT: BBC World Service LOCATION: Dar es Salaam, Tanzania Tanzaniajob listings Local....

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 Jul 25, 2026.

Thank you for considering my application.

Yours faithfully,

___________________

(Insert your handwritten signature here)

YOUR NAME

Phone: YOUR PHONE NUMBER | Email: YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS

YOUR NAME,
YOUR POSTAL ADDRESS,
DAR ES SALAAM, TANZANIA.
JULY 22, 2026.

THE HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGER,
BBC SWAHILI,
DAR ES SALAAM, TANZANIA.

Dear Sir/Madam,

RE: APPLICATION FOR SENIOR JOURNALIST (VISUAL PODCAST) AT BBC SWAHILI

Refer to the letter heading above, I am writing to apply for the Senior Journalist (Visual Podcast) at BBC Swahili position at BBC Swahili. 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 JOB DETAILS JOB BAND: D CONTRACT TYPE: Permanent, Full-time DEPARTMENT: BBC World Service LOCATION: Dar es Salaam, Tanzania Tanzaniajob listings Local....

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 Jul 25, 2026.

Thank you for considering my application.

Yours faithfully,

___________________
(Insert your handwritten signature here)

YOUR NAME
Phone: YOUR PHONE NUMBER | Email: YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS

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