Lead Presenter, Focus on Africa (Radio/Podcast)

Main Responsibilities

• To present the Focus on Africa radio program and visualized podcast, delivering news, interviews, and features with authority, clarity, and engaging storytelling
• To prepare thoroughly for each broadcast by conducting in-depth research on current events, relevant issues, and guest profiles to foster informed discussions
• To engage with audiences through live interactions, doing social lives, creating a dynamic and participatory experience
• To conduct exclusive interviews with key figures, including politicians, experts, and influential leaders from across Africa, facilitating meaningful dialogue on pressing topics
• To collaborate closely with the editorial team to ensure the selection of relevant stories and segments that align with audience interests and program objectives
• To provide insights and analysis to enhance storytelling, translating complex issues into relatable narratives for a diverse audience
• To represent BBC Focus on Africa at public events, conferences, and media appearances, reinforcing the program’s visibility and credibility in the landscape of African journalism
• To contribute to the development and promotion of podcast content, identifying emerging trends and relevant topics to engage a wider audience
• To maintain a strong online presence, promoting episodes through personal and program social media channels, and engaging with followers to build the program's community
• To provide mentorship and guidance to junior presenters and producers, fostering a collaborative and creative atmosphere within the team
• To foster a culture of creativity and innovation within the team and to encourage the exploration of new formats and technologies, enhancing audience interaction and participation
• To liaise closely with other team members and with other departments in the BBC, to ensure that output material is distributed, duplication is avoided, and best practice is upheld
• To build and maintain diverse contact lists; compile and distribute information with other members of the team

Are you the right candidate?

• A high-profile presence in African journalism, with a well-established reputation and credibility in the field
• Track record of conducting exclusive and agenda-setting interviews in English with top names in African politics, economics, entertainment and sports, capable of drawing insightful responses from a diverse range of guests, including public figures and subject matter experts
• Strong on-air presence and the ability to engage audiences with charisma and authority 
• Significant experience in broadcast journalism, especially in radio or podcasting, with a proven track record of presenting news or current affairs programs. Experience of TV presentation will be a distinctive advantage 
• Excellent spoken communication skills in English, including clarity, articulation, and the ability to convey complex ideas simply
• Ability to write creatively in English in an engaging manner as well as the ability to adapt material with accuracy, clarity and a style appropriate to differing audiences and forms of media
• Strong research abilities to prepare for broadcasts, with the capability to analyze and distill complex information for audience consumption
• An understanding of and respect for diverse cultural perspectives, enabling thoughtful engagement with various community topics and issues
• Experience and understanding of digital video output and engaging with audience on social platforms
• Deep understanding of the socio-political landscape of African countries and the ability to communicate these nuances effectively to a global audience
• Track record of dealing with complex legal and editorial policy issues