BBC Media Action Recruits Assistant Producer & Programmes Researcher, Libya

Title: Assistant Producer & Programmes Researcher, Libya

Reports to: Series Producer, Tunisia & Libya

Duration: To end September 2017 (with possibility of extension subject to funding)

Location: Tunis, Tunisia

Application instructions: 

Please send a CV and a cover letter in English by midnight GMT Wednesday 18 January to  specifying in the subject of the email: Assistant Producer & Programmes Researcher, Libya.

Job purpose:

The Assistant Producer & Programmes Researcher will work as the Assistant Producer for debate and current affairs programmes aimed at Libyan audiences. They will work proactively, under the overall supervision of the Series Producer and Head of Content and Training.

The Assistant Producer & Programmes Researcher will contribute to editorial development of programmes. They will help ensure outputs are made on time, to budget and to strict editorial standards. To support programme content, they will compile high level and verifiable information on key news and current affairs issues.

Research tasks may include identifying appropriate data, contributors, locations or archive material, collating and assessing information from various sources. They will have an excellent understanding of Libyan news and current affairs, experience of working in a demanding media environment and be able to demonstrate close attention to detail.  They will also provide fixing services to support BBC Media Action travel and activity across Libya, Tunisia and other locations as required.

Main Duties:

  • Help generate and develop new programme ideas regarding contributors, issues, locations and communities in line with projects’ overall aims and purpose.
  • Contribute to editorial meetings, effectively conveying research ideas and findings.
  • Help ensure editorial standards and donor requirements are met in selection of audiences and panellists and the creation of programme content’
  • Help plan and maintain the schedule and subjects for discussion across the project outputs, ensuring the most is made out of topics, potential panellists, audience, resources, locations and budget.
  • Source and research facts, figures and information using reliable and verifiable sources.
  • Assess contributors’ suitability, help research and book appropriate people and locations and provide comprehensive biographies to production staff as required.
  • Conduct pre-interviews with potential contributors as required.
  • Fact check final written materials for accuracy and suggest amendments in a helpful and constructive manner.
  • Contribute to the development of scripts or other written content as required.
  • Contribute to post production meetings and processes as required.

Required Knowledge, Skills & Experience

  • A proven record as a programme maker with a highly developed visual sense.
  • A broad and thorough understanding of Libyan news and current affairs.
  • In-depth awareness of audiences in Libya and their needs, and the ability to respond with original and viable production ideas
  • Proven experience of generating content ideas.
  • A creative approach to programme making.
  • The ability to work with diplomacy and sensitivity when working with internal staff and external contacts.
  • Strong interpersonal skills with ability to draw on existing and new contacts to get work done.
  • Thorough understanding and application of BBC editorial guidelines.
  • Awareness of legal and ethical considerations around the release of information to the press and public, particularly when sensitive or contentious issues are involved.
  • Capacity to determine priorities and a clear view of what is feasible within time and budget constraints.
  • Solutions focused approach to issues and problems.
  • Excellent analytical skills with the ability to assimilate and select relevant information from large amounts of information.
  • Precise attention to detail and methodical approach to work.
  • Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
  • Fluency in English and Arabic.
  • Good writing skills in English and Arabic.

Desirable Knowledge, Skills & Experience

  • Experience of working in the Middle East and/or North Africa and knowledge across the region.