Senior Digital Content Producer

Job Summary

The Senior Digital Content Producer originates, films, scripts, and edits digital video content for BBC News in Kampala. This Band D producer creates scroll-stopping, multi-format stories (vertical, square, horizontal), covers breaking news and special events, manages risk and compliance, and engages younger audiences across digital platforms.

Key Roles & Operational Responsibilities

1. Visual Journalism, Field Shooting & Editing

• Original Video Production: Identify under-reported stories, emerging regional trends, and original angles to shoot, script, edit, and produce compelling video packages.
• Multi-Format Capture: Capture field footage using vertical, square, and horizontal framings to optimize content reuse across social media and mobile platforms.
• Non-Linear Editing: Edit polished, platform-ready video content under tight deadlines using tools such as Final Cut Pro (FCPx) and QEdit.

2. Editorial Oversight, Risk & Compliance

• Autonomous Decision-Making: Exercise strong editorial independence on assignment, making informed choices about story treatment, narrative pacing, and prioritization under minimal supervision.
• Hook & Retention Mechanics: Design video narratives that capture attention within the crucial first 3–10 seconds and sustain viewer retention.
• Ethics, Safety & Rights Management: Enforce BBC editorial values, safety protocols, copyright permissions, third-party media rights compliance, and ethical standards when interviewing vulnerable contributors in sensitive environments.

3. Innovation & Digital Engagement

• Format Testing: Experiment with innovative storytelling techniques, motion graphics, and visual enhancements to grow digital reach among younger audiences.
• Field Workflow Efficiency: Streamline shoot-to-edit turnaround timelines without compromising visual or editorial quality during breaking news scenarios.
• External Representation: Represent the BBC professionally when dealing with field contacts, official sources, media partners, and local communities.

Foundational Capabilities & Prerequisites

Required Qualifications & Technical Skills

• Legal Authorization: Verified Right to Work in Uganda.
• Video Shooting & Visual Judgment: Demonstrated ability to operate field cameras and shoot video content with strong visual composition.
• Video Editing Software Mastery: Proven video editing expertise using Final Cut Pro (FCPx), QEdit, or equivalent professional non-linear editing (NLE) tools.
• Digital Narrative & Scriptwriting: Strong scriptwriting skills with a track record of structuring digital stories that hook audiences in the first 3–10 seconds.
• Multi-Format Technical Knowledge: Mastery of multi-format capture (vertical, square, landscape) and digital platform distribution dynamics.
• Rights & Risk Compliance: Solid understanding of content copyright, clearance permissions, field safety, and ethical reporting standards.

Desirable Capabilities

• Basic knowledge of motion graphics and visual enhancement techniques.
• Strong logistical planning skills (managing locations, contributors, and shoot schedules).
• Cultural awareness and sensitivity across diverse East African communities.
• High adaptability and resilience when working under breaking-news pressure.

What the BBC Offers

• Global Media Platform: Work with the BBC World Service, reaching hundreds of millions of audience members globally.
• Impactful Regional Role: Shape the BBC's realigned East Africa footprint, creating original journalism directly from Kampala.
• Permanent Job Band D Position: Competitive Band D compensation package, structured career development, and employee support schemes.

Skills Required:

• Communication / Pr / Journalism