At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the creation of impactful educational content for young audiences across multiple platforms.
- Company: Join the BBC Dars team, a leader in global journalism and education.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible working hours, and generous annual leave.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to innovation and social impact.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by delivering high-quality content that empowers underserved youth.
- Qualifications: Experience in editorial roles and fluency in Pashto or Dari/Farsi required.
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 52000 £ per year.
CONTRACT TYPE: Permanent, Full-time
DEPARTMENT: BBC News
LOCATION: London
PROPOSED SALARY RANGE: £42,000 - £52,000 depending on relevant skills, knowledge and experience. The expected salary range for this role reflects internal benchmarking and external market insights. We're happy to discuss flexible working. If you'd like to, please indicate your preference in the application – though there's no obligation to do so now. Flexible working will be part of the discussion at offer stage.
PURPOSE OF THE ROLE
This is a unique opportunity to make a meaningful difference through content with real social impact. You’ll be part of a passionate, creative and collaborative team producing innovative, multi-platform educational programming for underserved audiences around the world. BBC Dars combines trusted journalism, inspiring global stories and engaging learning experiences to help young people fulfil their potential. As the programme continues to grow, including its expansion into Arabic, you’ll help shape its exciting future.
WHY JOIN THE TEAM
Join the BBC Dars team to help deliver high-quality educational content and impartial global journalism to young audiences aged 11–16 who face barriers to learning. BBC Dars is an award-winning World Service programme providing engaging lessons in subjects including maths, English, science and life skills across TV, audio, digital and social platforms. Originally launched in Dari and Pashto to support learners affected by restrictions on education, the programme is now expanding its reach into Arabic.
YOUR KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND IMPACT:
- Lead the commissioning and delivery of BBC Dars content across TV, audio, digital and social platforms, working closely with education consultants to ensure high-quality, curriculum-relevant output.
- Assign, brief and guide presenters, producers and video journalists, shaping editorial treatments that maximise audience impact, multi-platform reach and value for money.
- Oversee programme output from planning through to transmission, including studio recordings, presenter performance and delivery across multiple platforms.
- Maintain the highest journalistic, editorial and production standards, ensuring all content is accurate, compliant, fact-checked and aligned with BBC Editorial Guidelines, while effectively managing editorial risks.
- Supervise, coach and motivate a team of journalists, fostering collaboration across Afghan and Persian teams and using audience insights and analytics to support digital growth and engagement.
YOUR SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
ESSENTIAL CRITERIA:
- Significant experience in senior editorial, output-producing or commissioning roles, with a strong track record of delivering high-quality content across television, audio and digital platforms.
- Excellent editorial judgement and decision-making skills, with the ability to assess risk, manage breaking priorities and ensure compliance with legal and BBC editorial standards.
- Strong leadership and interpersonal skills, with experience managing, developing and inspiring teams to deliver engaging content under pressure and to tight deadlines.
- Demonstrable understanding of digital storytelling, audience analytics and platform best practice, with the ability to drive audience growth through innovative, multi-platform content strategies.
- Full fluency in Pashto or Dari/Farsi, with excellent written and spoken English; able to write, edit, restructure and translate content to a high standard across languages and formats.
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.
Disclaimer: This job description is a written statement of the essential characteristics of the job, with its principal accountabilities, incorporating a note of the skills, knowledge and experience required for a satisfactory level of performance. This is not intended to be a complete, detailed account of all aspects of the duties involved.
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. Before your start date, you may need to disclose any unspent convictions or police charges, in line with our Recruitment policy. This allows us to discuss any support you may need and assess any risks. Failure to disclose may result in the withdrawal of your offer.
Redeployment: The BBC is committed to redeploying employees seeking suitable alternative employment within the BBC and they will be given priority consideration ahead of other applicants. Priority consideration means for those employees seeking redeployment their application will be considered alongside anyone else at risk of redundancy, prior to any individuals being considered who are not at risk.
Information at a Glance: This is your BBC. At the BBC you can create and innovate in an inclusive environment while contributing to some of the world’s best loved content, and the BBC’s mission to inform, educate and entertain.
Find out more about the BBC Life at BBC. Here you will benefit from: Fair pay and flexible benefits including a competitive salary package, a flexible 35-hour working week, 25 days annual leave with the option to buy an extra 5 days, a defined pension scheme and discounted dental, health care and gym. Excellent career and professional development. Support in your working life, including flexible working which you can discuss with us at any point during the application, selection or offer. A values-based organisation where the way we do things is important as what we do.
Benefits may vary if you are joining on an FTC basis or on an orchestra conditions contract. Learn more about life at the BBC and our values in our candidate pack.
You belong. We have a working environment where we value and respect every individual's unique contribution, so all our employees feel that they can belong, thrive and achieve their full potential. We want to attract the broadest range of talented people to join us. The more diverse our workforce, the better able we are to respond to and reflect our audiences in all their diversity. We welcome applications from individuals, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, socio-economic background, religion and/or belief. Find out more about diversity, inclusion and belonging in our strategy below.
Diversity, inclusion & belonging strategy: Disability confident. We are a disability confident employer. If you need to discuss adjustments or access requirements for the interview process, or to carry out this role, please contact us via email and we’d be happy to discuss: reasonable.adjustments@bbc.co.uk
Senior Journalist, BBC DARS employer: BBC Group and Public Services
At BBC Studios, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and inclusive work culture in the heart of London. With competitive salaries, generous bonuses, and a commitment to employee growth, we empower our team to drive innovation and creativity in the media landscape. Join us to collaborate with industry leaders, develop your skills, and contribute to world-class commercial products that engage global audiences.
Contact Details:
BBC Group and Public Services Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Journalist, BBC DARS
✨Get Involved in Local Journalism
Join local journalism groups or community events to meet industry folks and make connections. Try volunteering for community newspapers or online platforms – it's a great way to get your foot in the door and show your commitment to the craft.
✨Showcase Your Work Online
Create a personal website or a blog to showcase your best articles, videos, or multimedia projects. This not only highlights your skills but also demonstrates your passion for journalism and helps establish your personal brand in the media landscape.
✨Stay Updated on the Industry Trends
Follow industry leaders on social media and stay updated on the latest trends in journalism. Engage with them by sharing your thoughts or asking questions – you never know when an informative tweet might catch the eye of a recruiter or journalist at BBC Group and Public Services!
✨Explore Internships for Full-Time Opportunities
Don’t shy away from internships, even if you’re looking for full-time roles. Many journalism companies, like BBC Group and Public Services, often hire from their intern pool, so using these as stepping stones can really pay off. Keep an eye on their career page for any openings!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Journalist, BBC DARS
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Writing Skills:In journalism and media, your ability to write well is essential, so make sure your CV and cover letter reflect that. Include diverse writing samples, whether they’re articles, blog posts, or reports, that showcase your style and versatility. We want to see your voice and ability to engage an audience from the get-go!
Highlight Relevant Experience:If you've interned at a media outlet or contributed to any publications—whether student-run or professional—don't keep it a secret! We love seeing real-world experience, so clearly detail your responsibilities and achievements. Quantify your impact where possible, like mentioning audience growth or story reach.
Tailor Your Application for BBC Group and Public Services:When applying for the Senior Journalist, BBC DARS role at BBC Group and Public Services, really dig into what makes their content stand out. Reference their tone, style, or any recent articles that resonated with you in your cover letter. This shows we you’re not just sending out generic applications—you’re genuinely interested in what we do!
Prepare for a Portfolio Spotlight:Since you're applying for a full-time role, you're likely expected to have a portfolio ready to go. Make sure to curate a selection of your best work that aligns with what BBC Group and Public Services produces. Provide a link to your online portfolio in your CV and be prepared to discuss your favourite pieces in interviews—this is your chance to shine!
How to prepare for a job interview at BBC Group and Public Services
✨Show Off Your Writing Skills
Prepare a portfolio that highlights your best writing samples. This is crucial in journalism as hiring managers want to see your voice and style. Make sure to include a variety of pieces, like news articles, features, and opinion pieces, showing your versatility.
✨Master the Art of Storytelling
During the interview, be ready to discuss how you approach storytelling. You might be asked to outline a story you reported on, your process for gathering information, and how you engage your audience. Practice telling a couple of your best stories concisely and compellingly.
✨Know the Current Media Landscape
Be prepared to discuss industry trends and how they affect journalism today. Familiarise yourself with key developments in media, and have opinions ready for discussions about digital versus traditional platforms, as well as ethical considerations in reporting.
✨Convey Your Passion and Drive
As you’re applying for a full-time role, they’ll want to know about your long-term commitment to journalism. Share your aspirations for future projects, any internships or freelance work, and how you see yourself growing within BBC Group and Public Services. Show that you’re not just looking for a job, but a career in journalism.
