Africa Correspondent

Africa Correspondent Job at BBC

The BBC World News Content department seeks a full-time, permanent Africa Correspondent based in the Johannesburg bureau, covering South Africa and southern Africa while contributing to broader African and global coverage. This role demands impartial, high-quality journalism, with a focus on digital, radio, and television output, including live reporting and geopolitical analysis. The position requires experience in breaking news, cultural exploration, and multi-platform storytelling, with the ability to deploy to hostile environments and work across Africa and globally.

What it offers

• Impartial public service journalism with a focus on digital innovation, geopolitical analysis, and audience engagement.
• Flexible benefits and career development tailored to the Johannesburg location.
• Support for professional growth in an inclusive, values-driven environment.
• Opportunity to work in diverse, high-impact news environments, including live broadcasts and field reporting.

Who can apply

Applicants must have extensive journalism experience in South Africa, with a strong background in cultural, political, and geopolitical reporting. Fluency in English is mandatory, and the role requires ability to work in hostile environments and deploy globally at short notice.

What you'll do

• File breaking news stories across BBC Online, radio, television, and digital platforms, including live TV/radio coverage.
• Craft original journalism (text, video, podcasts) with a focus on geopolitical and cultural insights.
• Analyze and report on major events, adapting content for multiple audiences (global and domestic).
• Experiment with digital video formats, optimizing content for social media and interactive engagement.
• Engage diverse audiences, particularly younger and female viewers, while upholding BBC Editorial Standards.
• Contribute to high-impact projects and test new journalism initiatives.

How to apply

• Submit a completed application form with three examples of your work (text/broadcast/digital video reports).
• Provide proof of recent experience covering South Africa’s culture, politics, and geopolitics.
• Include links to samples of breaking news reports, original journalism, and geopolitical analysis.
• Apply only online via the BBC careers portal (no CV submissions accepted).

Good to know

• Right-to-work verification in South Africa is mandatory.
• Employment screening checks (reference, eligibility, safeguarding, and adverse media checks) will be conducted.
• Unspent convictions or police charges must be disclosed before the start date.
• The role is permanent, full-time, and based in Johannesburg, ZAF.

Applications close on 15 September 2026.