Background information about the job or company (e.g., role context, company overview)

BBC Great Lakes (Gahuza) is a highly respected provider of news and information in Kinyarwanda and Kirundi. This includes courageous journalism that holds the power to account. It also offers engaging stories on politics, economics, environment, health, and social issues, along with highlighting achievements and innovations in Rwanda, Burundi, DR Congo and neighbouring countries.

Responsibilities or duties

Lead the editorial vision of BBC Great Lakes, ensuring that all content reflects the multifaceted nature of our diverse audience. You will set high editorial standards for reporting without fear or favor.

Lead BBC Great Lakes transformation to a digital-first, video-led service, creating a culture of editorial ambition, personal accountability, mutual respect and continuous learning.

Develop and implement a data-led video strategy designed to drive measurable digital growth, with a focus on expanding reach among younger and female audiences.

Use audience insight, analytics and platform trends to inform commissioning, distribution and editorial decision-making.

Set the editorial agenda, prioritising stories that matter most to target audiences

Commission, edit and deliver high impact original journalism, including exclusives, investigations, explainers and digital-first content.

Mentor and inspire a diverse team of journalists, fostering their professional growth and enhancing their storytelling skills. Provide constructive feedback and support a collaborative work environment that values diverse perspectives.

Qualifications or requirements (e.g., education, skills)

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA:

Recent track record in leading content production and output (radio and digital) at a senior level, with focus on the Great Lakes region news

Demonstrable experience of managing and motivating teams across multiple locations and in fast-paced news environments.

Proven track record of developing and implementing successful data-led video strategies that delivered measurable digital growth.

Strong editorial judgment and the ability to quickly identify and develop impactful stories that reflect complex issues and diverse perspectives

Demonstrable recent experience of launching new digital products or programs that have led to growth in reach and reputation across platforms

Proven experience in breaking news stories as well as producing features, investigations and original journalism about the Great Lakes region

Exceptional writing, editing, and communication skills in Kinyarwanda, Kirundi and English are all essential.

DESIRABLE:

Proven ability to shoot, script and edit video stories using tools such as Final Cut Pro (FCPx) and QEdit, with the ability to deliver polished, engaging, audience-focused content which is optimised for digital platforms such as YouTube, Instagram, TikTok and Facebook

• Lead the editorial vision of BBC Great Lakes, ensuring that all content reflects the multifaceted nature of our diverse audience.
• Set high editorial standards for reporting without fear or favor.
• Lead BBC Great Lakes transformation to a digital-first, video-led service, creating a culture of editorial ambition, personal accountability, mutual respect and continuous learning.
• Develop and implement a data-led video strategy designed to drive measurable digital growth, with a focus on expanding reach among younger and female audiences.
• Use audience insight, analytics and platform trends to inform commissioning, distribution and editorial decision-making.
• Set the editorial agenda, prioritising stories that matter most to target audiences
• Commission, edit and deliver high impact original journalism, including exclusives, investigations, explainers and digital-first content.
• Mentor and inspire a diverse team of journalists, fostering their professional growth and enhancing their storytelling skills.
• Provide constructive feedback and support a collaborative work environment that values diverse perspectives.

• Leading content production and output (radio and digital) at a senior level, with focus on the Great Lakes region news
• Managing and motivating teams across multiple locations and in fast-paced news environments.
• Developing and implementing successful data-led video strategies that delivered measurable digital growth.
• Strong editorial judgment and the ability to quickly identify and develop impactful stories that reflect complex issues and diverse perspectives
• Launching new digital products or programs that have led to growth in reach and reputation across platforms
• Breaking news stories as well as producing features, investigations and original journalism about the Great Lakes region
• Exceptional writing, editing, and communication skills in Kinyarwanda, Kirundi and English
• Ability to shoot, script and edit video stories using tools such as Final Cut Pro (FCPx) and QEdit
• Ability to deliver polished, engaging, audience-focused content which is optimised for digital platforms such as YouTube, Instagram, TikTok and Facebook

• BA/BSc/HND
• Recent track record in leading content production and output (radio and digital) at a senior level, with focus on the Great Lakes region news
• Demonstrable experience of managing and motivating teams across multiple locations and in fast-paced news environments.
• Proven track record of developing and implementing successful data-led video strategies that delivered measurable digital growth.
• Strong editorial judgment and the ability to quickly identify and develop impactful stories that reflect complex issues and diverse perspectives
• Demonstrable recent experience of launching new digital products or programs that have led to growth in reach and reputation across platforms
• Proven experience in breaking news stories as well as producing features, investigations and original journalism about the Great Lakes region
• Exceptional writing, editing, and communication skills in Kinyarwanda, Kirundi and English are all essential.
• Proven ability to shoot, script and edit video stories using tools such as Final Cut Pro (FCPx) and QEdit, with the ability to deliver polished, engaging, audience-focused content which is optimised for digital platforms such as YouTube, Instagram, TikTok and Facebook