News Editor, BBC Hausa

Role overview

This is a senior editorial leadership position within BBC Hausa. The postholder will shape the day-to-day news agenda and help define the long-term direction of the service. The role calls for sharp editorial judgement, a strong grasp of audience needs, and the ability to lead and inspire a newsroom.

BBC Hausa serves audiences across Northern Nigeria, Niger, Ghana, Cameroon and the wider Hausa-speaking community through digital, audio and video output. The editor will help ensure the service remains accurate, impartial and distinctive, while also leading digital change, expanding the range of coverage, and increasing the service’s relevance in a rapidly changing media landscape.

Job details

Job band: E

Contract type: Permanent, full-time

Department: BBC World Service

Location: Abuja, Nigeria

Local terms: Local terms and conditions apply.

Eligibility and work authorization

Any offer of employment is subject to the candidate having the legal right to work in Nigeria and having completed the mandatory National Youth Service programme (NYSC), or holding a valid certificate of exemption.

What the role is expected to deliver

The editor will lead BBC Hausa with confidence, shaping coverage that is strong on breaking news, original reporting and well-developed enterprise journalism. The role also involves protecting editorial standards, managing risk, supporting staff development, and driving audience growth across platforms.

Editorial leadership

• Define and lead a clear editorial direction for BBC Hausa, ensuring output remains high quality and distinctive across digital, audio and video platforms.
• Steer the daily news agenda with a focus on breaking stories, original reporting and enterprising coverage relevant to Hausa-speaking audiences.
• Apply BBC editorial principles consistently when handling difficult, sensitive or high-risk stories.
• Protect the BBC’s editorial integrity while managing legal, editorial and reputational exposure.
• Make sure all content follows BBC rules on accuracy, fairness and impartiality.
• Handle audience complaints, feedback and editorial criticism with clarity and openness.

Digital growth and audience focus

• Drive the newsroom’s digital transformation so content performs well on social, mobile and newer platforms.
• Widen the mix of stories to better reflect the diversity of Hausa-speaking communities and connect with underserved audiences.
• Use audience insights and performance data to guide editorial choices and improve reach and impact.

People management and collaboration

• Provide energetic leadership that builds an inclusive, collaborative and high-performing newsroom culture.
• Oversee recruitment, staff development, training and succession planning, while supporting both on-air and off-air talent.
• Promote staff wellbeing, safety and professional growth in a demanding news environment.
• Work closely with BBC News Group, other World Service language teams and wider BBC stakeholders to support alignment and collaboration.
• Contribute to and deliver broader BBC and World Service strategic projects.

Operations and governance

• Take ownership of budget delivery, including identifying financial pressures and maintaining value for money.
• Review team performance regularly, set clear goals and ensure accountability.
• Ensure health, safety and duty-of-care responsibilities are fully understood and met, especially for journalists working in high-risk environments.

Experience and skills needed

The ideal candidate will bring substantial editorial leadership experience, particularly in news environments that are international, multilingual or public service oriented. They should understand Hausa-speaking audiences, regional politics, culture and social issues across West Africa, and be able to make strong editorial decisions in fast-moving and sensitive situations.

Additional requirements and notes

• Employment is governed by local terms and conditions.
• The BBC will carry out employment screening, including reference checks, right-to-work verification and, where relevant, safeguarding and adverse media or social media checks.
• Before the start date, the candidate may need to declare any unspent convictions or police charges in line with recruitment policy.
• Failure to disclose required information may lead to the offer being withdrawn.
• General queries can be directed to bbchr@bbc.co.uk.
• Applications are accepted only through the online application process; CV-only submissions will not be considered.

Disclaimer

This description sets out the main duties, responsibilities, skills, knowledge and experience required for the role. It is not an exhaustive list of every task involved.