At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead BBC News Arabic, shaping impactful journalism for Arabic-speaking audiences worldwide.
- Company: Join the BBC, a global leader in news and media.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, 25 days leave, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Inclusive culture that values diversity and fosters career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on global conversations and innovate in journalism.
- Qualifications: Exceptional Arabic skills and extensive experience in leading journalism teams.
The predicted salary is between 90000 - 110000 £ per year.
JOB BAND: F
CONTRACT TYPE: Permanent, Full-time
DEPARTMENT: BBC News
LOCATION: London
PROPOSED SALARY RANGE: £90,000 - £110,000 depending on relevant skills, knowledge and experience. The expected salary range for this role reflects internal benchmarking and external market insights.
Purpose of the Role
The Head of Journalism will provide editorial, operational and managerial leadership for BBC News Arabic, ensuring the highest standards of journalism across all platforms. The role oversees the strategic direction, commissioning, production, and delivery of impactful, audience focused content. The post holder will guide teams through complex editorial decisions, uphold BBC values, and drive innovation in digital and broadcast output.
Why Join the Team
Join BBC News Arabic at a pivotal moment and shape one of the world’s most influential international news services. As Head of Journalism, you’ll lead talented teams, drive editorial ambition, and steer multiplatform output that reaches millions. This is an opportunity to champion truth, impact global conversations, and innovate across digital and broadcast journalism. You’ll play a key strategic role within BBC News, reporting to the Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa.
YOUR KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND IMPACT
- Provide strong editorial and managerial leadership for BBC News Arabic, serving Arabic speaking audiences worldwide and contributing content across BBC News and the World Service.
- Work closely with the Head of Regional Journalism on commissioning, planning and news deployments.
- Lead strategies to deliver impactful, high quality journalism across all platforms, growing audiences and strengthening trust in line with BBC editorial standards.
- Set a clear editorial vision, guide teams through change, and ensure content reflects the highest standards of accuracy, ambition and creativity.
- Drive innovation by embedding new technologies, including AI, to enhance production workflows and audience experience.
- Build a collaborative, high performing culture by championing teamwork, sharing expertise, and fostering productive relationships inside and outside the BBC.
- Oversee day to day operations, including resource planning, cross BBC collaboration, efficient workflows, and continuous improvement of ways of working.
- Develop people and teams through coaching, recruitment, performance management and inclusive leadership, ensuring robust rota, budget and staff support processes are in place.
YOUR SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
ESSENTIAL CRITERIA
- Exceptional Arabic language skills, with the ability to communicate accurately, fluently and with cultural sensitivity.
- Extensive experience leading journalists and production teams, with strong editorial judgement and proven capability in managing people, output and operational demands in a fast paced news environment.
- Demonstrates impartial, balanced decision making and consistently makes sound editorial calls in line with BBC standards.
- Proficient with broadcast and digital production technologies, staying up to date with new tools and innovations.
- Encourages creativity, experimentation and new approaches, fostering an environment open to innovation and continuous improvement.
- Strong strategic thinker who can articulate a clear vision, motivate teams, and translate long term goals into effective short and medium term plans.
- Committed to diversity, inclusion and exemplary workplace practices, with the ability to plan, prioritise and communicate effectively under pressure across all multimedia platforms.
If you can bring some of these skills and experiences, along with transferable strengths, we’d love to hear from you and encourage you to apply.
Head of Service, BBC News Arabic in London employer: BBC Group and Public Services
Join BBC News Arabic and be part of a dynamic team that values creativity, innovation, and inclusivity. With a competitive salary, flexible working hours, and a commitment to professional development, you will have the opportunity to lead impactful journalism that resonates with Arabic-speaking audiences worldwide. The BBC fosters a collaborative culture where your unique contributions are celebrated, ensuring you thrive in a supportive environment while shaping global conversations.
Contact Details:
BBC Group and Public Services Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Service, BBC News Arabic in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, especially those at BBC News Arabic. A friendly chat can open doors that applications alone can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for journalism! When you get the chance to meet potential employers, share your ideas and vision for impactful content. Let them see your enthusiasm!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the latest trends in digital and broadcast journalism. Be ready to discuss how you can drive innovation at BBC News Arabic.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Service, BBC News Arabic in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Journalism:When writing your application, let your passion for journalism shine through. Share specific examples of how you've led teams or projects that align with the values of BBC News Arabic. We want to see your enthusiasm for impactful storytelling!
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in leading editorial teams and managing production workflows. Use language from the job description to demonstrate how your skills match what we're looking for. This helps us see you as a perfect fit for the role!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Avoid jargon and focus on communicating your ideas effectively. We appreciate straightforwardness, so make it easy for us to understand your qualifications and vision for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the position. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at BBC News Arabic!
How to prepare for a job interview at BBC Group and Public Services
✨Know Your BBC Values
Before the interview, make sure you’re familiar with the BBC's core values. They’re not just buzzwords; they guide everything the organisation does. Be ready to discuss how your leadership style and editorial vision align with these values, especially in terms of diversity and inclusion.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking
As a Head of Service, you’ll need to demonstrate strong strategic thinking. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams through change or innovation in journalism. Think about specific projects where you set a clear vision and achieved impactful results.
✨Highlight Your Digital Savvy
With the role focusing on digital and broadcast output, be prepared to discuss your experience with new technologies, including AI. Share specific instances where you’ve integrated tech into production workflows to enhance audience engagement or improve efficiency.
✨Prepare for Editorial Scenarios
Expect to face hypothetical editorial scenarios during the interview. Practice articulating your thought process on making balanced, impartial decisions under pressure. This will showcase your editorial judgement and ability to uphold BBC standards in fast-paced environments.
