BBC Media Action

We are the BBC’s international development charity. We use the power of media and communication to help reduce poverty around the world. BBC Media Action has been working in Ethiopia since 2001 in the areas of health, resilience, women’s empowerment and livelihoods. 

BBC Media Action is part of an international consortium led by Danish Refugee Council (DRC) to deliver a £21 million programme to protect would-be migrants and refugees form unsafe irregular migration through and from the Amhara and Tigray regions of Ethiopia. The 4-year programme, funded by the Department for International Development, UK (DFID, UK) will address the barriers to reducing unsafe irregular migration through and from Ethiopia, taking into consideration the most vulnerable groups - women, girls and unaccompanied irregular migrants. The programme will coordinate and engage in high level national and regional advocacy with key stakeholders. The programme is anticipated to be innovative, cross-sectoral and solutions-oriented with strong emphasis on research, learning and adaptive management.

Overall Purpose of the Job

The Production Assistant support the digital media teamto develop content for BBC Media Action’s TV and online (social media) outputs. The Production Assistant will support the Producers and will contribute to developing and strengthening BBC Media Action’s digital media outputs to best meet the needs of our audience, especially in the Amhara and Tigray regions. The outputs will include short films for TV and social media, TV spots/public service announcements and compelling graphics and other still content such as photography. The role will be based in Addis Ababa, with frequent travels to the Amhara and Tigray regions.

Safeguarding

This role will involve working with at partners, contributors, freelancers and vulnerable youth (some of whom might be minors) and vulnerable adults.  As such, the role will absolutely require effective working knowledge of safeguarding policies and procedures in relation to protection of children and vulnerable adults. For the successful candidate, mandatory training will be provided on BBC Media Action’s safeguarding policy and staff code of conduct. A police background check will form part of the recruitment process. BBC Media Action operates a zero-tolerance policy concerning all forms of abuse and exploitation of vulnerable people.

Main Duties

• With support from the digital media team, the Production Assistant is expected to:
• To work with the Producers to develop and source visual and text-based material for video production and onlineplatforms;
• To assist with filming and editing videos for TV and online platforms;
• To contribute new and creative ideas for digital media production;
• To understand trends of audience interaction and engagement with our social media platforms;
• To assist the producers in completing regular social media reporting;
• To ensure all compliance paperwork is filed and stored appropriately.
• ensure that BBC Health and Safety guidelines are observed on all productions; that staff are trained and briefed to produce suitable risk assessments, to actively manage risk in a highly challenging environment and provide support to others to take appropriate measures to minimize exposure to perceived risks;
• take responsibility for the security and maintenance of equipment and other assets that have been assigned to the role and/or are being used in production;
• adhere to BBC Media Action’s finance and administrative procedures when receiving and spending money during the job;

LOCATION:            

• Addis Ababa, (with frequent travels to Amhara and Tigray Regions)

REPORTS TO:         

• Digital Media Producers                                

DURATION:            

• One year (with possibility of extension)                    

CONTRACT:          

•  Local terms and conditions (Only Ethiopian nationals can apply)

Required knowledge and experience:

• TV/film production, graphic designing and social media background, preferably developing and managing content for multimedia platforms;
• strong technical skills, including use of video/still cameras and related equipment,
• knowledge of new technology, including use of Adobe Creative Cloud, Microsoft packages and other digital storytelling tools.
• knowledge of basic graphic design and/or audio/video editing is advantageous,
• Fluency in written and spoken English and Amharic or Tigrigna (ability to speak both languages is an added advantage)

Note: This list is not exhaustive. The successful candidate may, from time to time, be required to take on other duties as directed by the Senior Producer or a senior member of staff. BBC Media Action is looking to assemble a creative and dynamic digital media team with a range of skillsets (video production—filming and editing, still photography and graphic designing).

Key competencies:

The following competencies (behaviours and characteristics) have been identified as key to success in the job. Successful candidates are expected to demonstrate these competencies.

• Managing Relationships – has an ability to establish rapport quickly and effectively with new people/contacts. Takes care to maintain and develop existing relationships. Works harmoniously with a wide range of people and deals sensitively with contributors, customers and suppliers as well as with colleagues.  Understands the demands and pressures on others
• Creative Thinking – able to come up with creative ideas and turn them into compelling and high impact radio.  Respectful and collaborative approach to creative ideas of colleagues.
• Teamwork – able to build and maintain effective working relationships with a range of people, as opposed to working separately or competitively.
• Resilience – can manage emotions in the face of pressure, setbacks or when dealing with provocative situations. Demonstrates an approach to work that is characterized by commitment, motivation and energy.
• Flexibility – able to adapt and work effectively in a variety of situations, individuals or groups. Able to understand and appreciate different and opposing perspectives on an issue, to adapt an approach as the requirements of a situation change, and to change or easily accept changes in one’s own organisation or job requirements.
• Time and Stress Management – good time management and ability to prioritize a heavy workload under pressure. 
• Self-development – able to identify and apply opportunities for learning and development.