Assistant Editor

About the Programme

Focus on Africa is BBC’s flagship news and current affairs programme for our audiences in Africa and those interested in African stories across the world. The programme, across TV, radio and digital/social platforms, aims to provide a comprehensive view of the diverse experiences, cultures, and challenges facing African nations and their people. This includes engaging stories on politics, economics, environment, health, and social issues, along with highlighting achievements and innovations within Africa. Focus on Africa aims to bridge the gap between African societies and global audiences, offering a platform for voices that often go unheard. The programme seeks to foster understanding, promote dialogue, and celebrate the richness of African life by presenting high-quality journalism that motivates, educates, and informs viewers.

Purpose of the Role

We are looking for a professional journalist or senior operational professional with proven experience managing and developing journalism teams. You will lead the programme’s editorial direction, champion innovation in formats and ways of working, and ensure Focus on Africa grows its reach and relevance—particularly among younger and underserved audiences.

Key Responsibilities and Impact

• Develop and implement new and innovative approaches to programme structure and content.
• Commission, shape and deliver high-impact multimedia journalism, with a clear understanding of what drives audience engagement.
• Use advanced understanding of audience analytics, search optimisation and platform performance to translate data into effective editorial decisions.
• Employ innovative storytelling techniques, including data journalism and other approaches that enhance clarity, depth and audience understanding.
• Manage and develop a large team working across multiple platforms, championing diversity and inclusion within the team and output.

Skills and Experience

Essential Criteria

• Considerable recent experience of editorial leadership in live television and radio production, with a focus on Pan-African news.
• Demonstrable recent experience of audiovisual podcast production as well as high-impact digital journalism that has led to growth in reach and reputation across platforms.
• Experience of exercising editorial oversight of scripts in English and the ability to write creatively and in an engaging manner in English.
• Proven record of successfully managing large teams working on multiple platforms while championing diversity and inclusion within the team and output.
• Track record of dealing with complex legal and editorial policy issues including editorial complaints and compliance processes.

Why Join the Team

This role will continue to build a sustainable legacy for an important flagship programme. You will champion innovation in formats and ways of working, ensuring Focus on Africa grows its reach and relevance—particularly among younger and underserved audiences. You will have the opportunity to shape the future of a programme that makes a real difference in connecting African voices with global audiences.