Senior Journalist

The BBC World Service is undergoing a significant strategic review. It is becoming a digital first operation and in WS Languages is being managed by two News Controllers – Output and Content. This new structure seeks to refine the editorial purpose and USP of each of the 42 Language service in target markets, ensure that the BBC is known for distinctive and original content and that well-produced stories from all over the world are shared as widely as possible across the BBC.

The Senior Journalist, BBC Mundo, is a key role in the new WSL Planning and Prospects team.

The role will report to the Senior News Editor, Planning and Prospects, and will be expected to work closely with colleagues in Newsgathering and Deployments, the Digital Production Hub, Longform as well as BBC Mundo’s Content and Output teams.

Main Responsibilities

As a Senior Journalist you will propose original stories of the Latin American region that can work for BBC Mundo and have potential to be shared with other BBC outlets – having in mind digital priorities and BBC Mundo’s wide agenda. You will champion the interests of BBC Mundo Output and Content teams, working closely with the Senior News Editor and other relevant editors to ensure they are supplied with the content they need.

Other Duties Will Include

Being the main point of contact of BBC Journalists in the field and make sure teams in Miami and London are coordinated and up to date with stories’ developments.
To research and edit stories as requested.
Ensuring BBC Mundo reporters are accredited to key events, conferences and press facilities.
Ensuring all content is factually accurate, has passed all necessary legal hurdles and is compliant with BBC’s editorial policy, including flagging up issues that might have been missed.
To work closely with digital video, website and social media teams and support the Miami Assistant Editor and SJs in commissioning and following up stories.

Are you the right candidate?

To Be Successful In This Role, Candidates Must Demonstrate

Fluency in Spanish (as first or equivalent language), and English, and ability to communicate effectively.
Experience of work in a similar position in a news environment.
An excellent general knowledge of and interest in international and Latin American current affairs.
Experience of covering a broad agenda and making judgments on editorial values.
A sound understanding of the needs, platforms and styles of the BBC.
Proficiency in IT skills, including Microsoft Office programmes. Practical experience and extensive knowledge of the Internet and an understanding of the potential of new technology is essential. Eagerness to master and use new technologies.
An understanding of requirements of logistically complicated reporting or outside broadcasts from the field, and what’s required to support this.
Ability to manage resources and/or budgets.