Journalism Coordinator - Arabic

Job Introduction

BBC Arabic is the largest of the BBC’s forty language services providing multimedia content on BBC platforms and through social media to our Arabic speaking audiences in the Middle East and across the world 24 hours per day, seven days a week.

Our output is contemporary in style and outlook and adheres to BBC Values of accuracy and impartiality. We aim to have broad appeal, free from commercial, political and religious affiliations or pressures.

We have an exciting opportunity for a Journalism Coordinator to join the World Services Languages Lifefline Programme, in Arabic, working in the Cairo bureau in Egypt. The successful candidate will deliver production support to two targeted daily Radio programmes to audiences of need – one for audiences in the Middle East and focusing on the current conflicts in the region; and the other focused on Sudan. This is a great opportunity for an individual looking to develop their production experience in a lively and varied department.

Main responsibilities

•    To work closely with the production team before, during and after the output production

•    Ability to support the editorial teams with pre and post production tasks

•    Providing office and studio support including guest/contributor handling

•    Work with the Finance team in the bureau to process payments and keep track of all costs

•    Contribute programme ideas and carry out research, under supervision, in support of journalists

•    Responsible for the simple operation of a variety of analogue and digital radio equipment

•    Build and maintain contact lists and databases; research and compile source data into briefs for journalists or presenters

•    Find contributors for items on programmes; persuade contributors to go on air

•    Delivering to tight deadlines while maintaining the highest editorial standards

•    At all times to carry out duties in accordance with the BBC health and safety policy

Are you the right candidate?

•    A full command and up-to-date knowledge of spoken and written modern standard Arabic and some knowledge and command of written and spoken English

•    Understands the basic language of the broadcast media and the differing needs of each programme; has a developed interest in broadcast media and, for those appearing on air, a good microphone voice

•    Ability to originate and assist with the development of programme ideas and shows an ability to assess relative merits of stories

•    Demonstrates an ability and aptitude in the use of operational, broadcast and computer-based technology

•    Ability to work well within a team as well as on own initiative

•    Demonstrates a commitment to improving diversity in the BBC and understands how individual differences can benefit the BBC

•    Thinks ahead in order to establish an efficient and appropriate course of action for self and others - prioritises and plans activities taking into account all the relevant issues and factors such as deadlines and resource requirements

•    Has the ability to establish rapport quickly with a wide range of people within and outside the BBC either face to face, over the telephone or in writing

•    The flexibility and adaptability to sustain performance, particularly under pressure to meet deadlines and changing priorities and circumstances

•    An understanding of health and safety procedures and how they apply to broadcasting

•    Demonstrates a commitment to improving diversity in the BBC and understands how individual differences can benefit the BBC

•    Liaise and collaborate with teams in World Service languages and beyond to drive an effective two-way flow of information and content

•    Clear understanding of BBC Arabic’s digital market, audience and strategy objectives

•    Strong interest and knowledge of regional and international news agenda

Job package

Job Title: Journalism Coordinator – Lifeline Programme (Arabic)

Job Reference: 22356

Band: B

Contract type: Fixed Term Contract or Attachment until 31st March 2026 – local terms and conditions apply

Location: Office Base is Cairo, Egypt

Final date to apply: Tuesday 22nd April 2025

Any offer of employment with the BBC will be conditional upon you having the right to work in Egypt.

We’re happy to discuss flexible working. Please indicate your choice under the flexible working question in the application. There is no obligation to raise this at the application stage but if you wish to do so, you are welcome to. Flexible working will be part of the discussion at offer stage.

Unrivalled training and development opportunities – our in-house Academy hosts a wide range of internal and external courses and certification.

Benefits - We offer a negotiable salary package and a flexible 35-hour working week for work-life balance. You can find out more about working at the BBC by selecting this link to our candidate pack.

If you need to discuss adjustments or access requirements for the interview process please contact the [email protected].  For any general queries, please contact: [email protected].

Freelancers are eligible to apply for an internal role if they are on a Worker Contract and they have worked continuously for 6 months. If they have worked for less than 6 months continuously or have a break of 3 weeks or more between engagements, they must seek Divisional HR approval to apply for an internal role prior to submitting an application.

If you are unsure which contract you are on, you can speak to your booker or the HR BP, however if it helps - both a PAYE freelance or Modus Gross contract is considered a Worker contract and covered by the Worker terms found here.

Please note that the application process will require you to upload a CV and complete the online application form with the opportunity to detail your experience, skills and knowledge required for the role.

About the BBC

We don’t focus simply on what we do – we also care how we do it. Our values and the way we behave are important to us. Please make sure you’ve read about our values and behaviours here.

Diversity matters at the BBC. We have a working environment where we value and respect every individual's unique contribution, enabling all of our employees to thrive and achieve their full potential.

We want to attract the broadest range of talented people to be part of the BBC – whether that’s to contribute to our programming or our wide range of non-production roles. The more diverse our workforce, the better able we are to respond to and reflect our audiences in all their diversity.

We are committed to equality of opportunity and welcome applications from individuals, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, socio-economic background, religion and/or belief. We will consider flexible working requests for all roles, unless operational requirements prevent otherwise.

To find out more about Diversity and Inclusion at the BBC, please click here.

Please note: If you were to be offered this role, the BBC will conduct Employment screening checks which include Reference checks; Eligibility to work checks; and if applicable to the role, Safeguarding and Adverse media/Social media checks. Any offer made is conditional on these checks being satisfactory.