Freelance Tv Producer

Dunyana is BBC Arabic’s look at the world’s current affairs through women’s eyes. The programme is entirely produced and presented by women from Beirut, but has a definite pan-Arab outlook on events.  Experience in television is essential, as well as wide knowledge of current affairs and women’s outlook on world events, social trends and issues. Also essential is excellent Arabic and English language skills, both written and spoken, with full correct Arabic grammar that is suitable for broadcast. Wide range of contacts across the Arab world is highly desirable. Often working under tight deadlines, it is important to be flexible in your working hours, willing to travel when necessary and an excellent team player.
 
OVERVIEW
BBC Arabic is the largest language service of the BBC World Service, providing news and current affairs on Radio, TV and Online to Arabic speaking audiences in the Middle East and beyond. The service is multi-media daily newsgathering operation for daily, weekly and long-term planning. BBC Arabic increasingly collaborates with, and provides material for, other language outlets and platforms. A major part of BBC Arabic’s output is made up of long form programmes, documentaries and investigations, produced in-house by the BBC Arabic Programmes Unit.
 
THE ROLE
You will primarily focus on producing the output as a whole or in individual segments.  You will be expected, alone or alongside other journalists, to work directly on this specific programme or other programmes and to contribute, when requested, to the planning and overall running of the programme. When required, you will also contribute to the development of the programme and the smooth introduction of change.  You will also be expected to collaborate with colleagues across BBC Arabic and with other parts of the BBC.
 
DUTIES: 
 To plan episodes of “Dunyana” one month ahead, select and prepare lists of women guests and relevant topics from the Arab world

Have an innovative and creative thinking by offering topics that could trigger debates and discussion
You must be able to suggest new and fresh angles to conventional topics of discussion
You must always be able to clearly articulate why your chosen invited guests are appropriate to the programme
To make complex issues accessible to audience
To be fully aware of, and to follow at all times, BBC policy and editorial guidelines
To make the best use of new technologies - in particular developments in social media - in delivering our journalism to audiences

 
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE: 
- A full command and up to date knowledge of spoken and written modern standard Arabic, as first or equivalent  language. 
- Considerable relevant experience as a programme maker.
- Excellent independent and balanced editorial judgement.
- The ability to communicate effectively to audience in a modern style.
- Experience of originating and developing creative programme ideas.
- Ability to interpret complex stories for a non-specialist audience.
- The ability to work to tight deadlines and under pressure.
- Good organisational skills and the ability to prioritise workload and to work flexibly.
- A team-player with good interpersonal communication skills.
 
SUBMISSION GUIDELINES: 
To apply, please provide the following in English, unless stated otherwise:   1. A full CV with references.
2. A covering letter outlining how your background, skills and experience meet the requirements of this position.
3. An example of your approach as follows:
Choose a local, topical, non-political story, that is relevant to the wider BBC Arabic audience, and not older than a week of the date of this application.
Write, in Arabic, a proposed angle of discussion suitable for Dunyana, and suggest 3 female guests that could be invited to participate.   
Applications without the above requirements will not be considered. Please send your complete application to: [email protected]
Please include in the email subject line the following: Dunyana, your name and country of residence.