Senior Producer Haba na Haba, Tanzania

Location: Tanzania (Dar es Salaam)

Reports to: Senior Production Manager

Contract duration: 12 months (with possible extension)

Application instructions: Candidates should send their CV and a covering letter (PDF or Microsoft Word format) which outlines their experience and suitability for the role in English to tzrecruitment@tz.bbcmediaaction.org. Include the position applied for in the subject line. Please do not send certificates or other attachments.

Applicants with no separate covering letter will not be considered. Please only apply if you meet the basic criteria under the person specification.

This is a local post applicable to people who have the legal right to live and work in Tanzania. National terms and conditions will apply.

Only shortlisted candidates will be notified.

Application deadline: Wednesday 15 January 2014.

The Programme

Haba na Haba is pre-recorded. On a weekly basis, together with the Haba na Haba production team, the Senior Producer, will coordinate with journalists and BBC-MA mentors from different radio stations to gather packages, features, interviews and vox pops from around the country and create a ½ hour magazine programme.

Special emphasis is placed on bringing out the voices of ordinary citizens who are most affected by the issue and also include leaders who converse with the people hence creating a national conversation

Unlike other BBC Media Action content, Haba na Haba is BBC World Service Swahili Service branded. It is compiled and packaged by both BBC MA producers and BBC Swahili Service team but comprises inputs from communities around the country.

Job purpose:

The senior producer will lead the Haba na Haba production team in the weekly production of Haba na Haba. They will ensure the programme reaches the highest editorial and professional standards in line with BBC editorial policy. They will be responsible for the creative direction of the programme, ensuring the programme maintains a national feel, brings the voices of Tanzanians from across the country and gives them the space to begin a dialogue on governance issues with their leaders. They will ensure that Haba na Haba remains a flagship, popular and respected programme for the BBC in Tanzania.

Main Duties:

• Ensure the programme meets the editorial standards of the BBC

• Oversee and manage the day to day production of Haba na Haba

• Lead on long term planning and strategic direction for the programme

• Manage the Haba na Haba production team in the Dar office and oversee the content development within the regions in line with the programme demands

• Script and oversee the presentation of the programme

• Develop contacts within government and bureaucracy of Tanzania and ensure the continued independence of the programme

• Lead and inspire the team

• Lead on Haba na Haba specials anchored outside Dar

• Have a good understanding of Swahili language and be able to make the programme accessible to a broad range of audiences

• Closely work with the BBC Media Action programme manager & research team to ensure that the programme content is in line with projects overall objectives.

Skills, knowledge and experience requirements:

• Post holders will have considerable experience of producing radio programmes. They will be able to demonstrate a strong interest in, and proven commitment to, governance programming.

• They must have proven leadership and management skills of radio production teams.

• They must have a sound understanding of transmission and recording systems, audio systems and communications equipment employed in the studio.

• They must be familiar with BBC editorial standards for radio, and have an understanding of the implications of working with material generated on various different local radio partners.

• They need to demonstrate a high degree of editorial awareness and judgment, combined with a thorough understanding of the aims and policies of BBC. 

• They should be able to take responsibility for any brief that might be assigned by a programme or editor.

• They should demonstrate excellent team leading skills and have the ability to manage a team, handling conflict effectively when necessary.

• They should possess good communication skills

• They should show a willingness to travel within Tanzania occasionally as the programme demands.

• Familiarity with BBC Editorial Guidelines http://www.bbc.co.uk/guidelines/editorial