JOB ADVERT
Job Reference
255134
Job Title
Producers, BBC Pashto/Persian Service (Afghan Stream)
Contact Email
CAS-255134-KHL4T4
Job Advert Details
We currently have a vacancy for 2 Producers based in London (one Pashto and one Dari)
As a Producer you’ll research, prepare and produce material in Dari and/or Pashto for Radio, the Internet and other
media forms. Other duties will include conducting interviews, presenting programmes and chairing discussions.
You’ll also translate and adapt material swiftly and accurately for transmission or online output.
Excellent written and spoken Dari/Pashto is essential as is a full comprehension of English. You will have an in-
depth understanding of Afghanistan regional and International current affairs and an understanding of the changing
media market in the region. You must have recent and relevant journalistic experience, strong IT skills and the
ability to type. You should also have experience and knowledge of the Internet and the ability to thrive in a fast-
paced environment. A good microphone voice is essential for working on radio.
Shortlisted staff will be invited to an assessment and selection panel interview in March
Producer, BBC Pashto/Persian Service
JOB SPECIFICATION
GRADE 7D
ORGANISATION
Working in a team of journalists and reporting to the Editor. On a daily basis, reporting to Senior Producer/Desk
Editor, as appropriate. Shift work is required which would include nights, weekends and public holidays.
JOB PURPOSE
To originate, research, prepare, produce and present items, packages, interviews, discussions, complete
programmes, background, analysis and features for radio; the Internet and other media forms. To ensure that any
programme material for which the post holder is responsible meets the standards required by the BBC.
DUTIES
To research, write, translate, edit or adapt stories or programme material; to find contributors and interviewees as
well as other sources of material and/or actuality, as appropriate and to the required specification whilst maintaining
professional journalistic standards of accuracy, impartiality and fair dealing and adhering to the BBC’s Producers
guidelines.
To perform at the microphone with or without a script, conduct interviews and chair discussions, live or pre-
recorded.
To be responsible for a moving story, amending and updating material as required. To be able to freshen a story.
To be responsible for thinking through and around editorial problems, developing realistic alternative strategies and
approaches.
To offer ideas for items, programmes and series. To suggest new angles on existing stories, means of moving the
story on, and to put forward stories not yet covered. To understand the Service’s strategy and to suggest ideas
appropriate to its distinctive style and content.
To liaise closely with other team members and with contributors, reporters and stringers.
To be responsible for studio production of live and pre-recorded programmes. To respond to breaking stories whilst
on air and to resolve technical difficulties.
After appropriate training, to be able to use a range of audio & digital equipment and information technology to
research, write, assemble, edit and deliver programmes in the appropriate medium, to the highest professional
standards.
All producers may be required to travel outside the UK on short reporting trips and assignments and to spend
longer periods of time in the target area.
All producers may be required to work with or move to other programme / online teams on a multi-media basis and
to have the ability to work across a range of skills and in a flexible manner, and to carry out these responsibilities in
accordance with the BBC’s overall standards and values.
QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE
Recent and relevant experience as a journalist in broadcasting, online or print media in a current affairs capacity
and relevant to the target area.
A full command and up to date knowledge of Dari and/or Pashto language.
Fluent or near fluent in English, both in written and spoken form and the ability to communicate effectively.
Fast and accurate typing in Dari & Pashto
A good broadcasting voice and the ability to acquire the appropriate presentation style.
Ability to write in an engaging and informative style, adapt and translate with accuracy, clarity and style, appropriate
to differing audiences and forms of media.
Good keyboard/computer skills and the ability to acquire technical skills and to operate technical equipment are
essential. Familiarity with the Internet is essential and an awareness of the potential of new technology is desirable.
Wide and up to date familiarity with the target area ( Afghanistan, Iran, Pakistan, Tajikistan and other Central Asia)
and an in-depth understanding of the history, politics, social issues and culture as well as the changing needs of
the audience in the area. An extensive knowledge of the media situation in the target area and how it is developing.
A wide understanding of our broadcasting and online markets.
A thorough knowledge and understanding of news and current affairs as well as social and cultural developments
in the target area. A thorough knowledge of, and interest in, international (and British) current affairs.
An understanding of the BBC’s distinctive news agenda and a wider interest in the strategy of the BBC as a whole.
Good understanding of teamwork.
A committed, motivated, energetic and enthusiastic approach to work.
