BBC Media Action is working in Nepal to produce programmes which are aimed at increasing the public’s access to leaders and decision makers in order to improve accountability and transparency. With funding from the British Government’s Department for International Development (DFID) we produce Sajha Sawal, a series of radio and TV debate programmes in Nepal. The debates provide an opportunity to people from minority and marginalised groups to ask questions of those in power. BBC Media Action also works with a number of regional radio stations in Nepal to produce their own regional versions of Sajha Sawal to build their capacity.

Experience:

BBC Media Action is recruiting a Senior Producer for the Sajha Sawal television and radio debate programmes. We are looking for someone who is ready to take on the exciting challenge. You may already be an experienced journalist working in television or radio and already be showing signs of great potential. You’ll have excellent editorial experience, be a skilled communicator and have in-depth knowledge of political, social and economic issues in Nepal. You will also need to be an excellent team player, manager and implementer, and be willing to travel across Nepal for the Sajha Sawal recordings.

Job purpose

The Senior Producer holds day-to-day editorial responsibility for the quality output of the Sajha Sawal programme on television, radio and the internet, overseeing the delivery of weekly episodes from planning stages through to successful broadcast across all platforms. He/she will work alongside the editor of Sajha Sawal in deciding the priority governance issues to be covered in the debates based on audience research, the selection of panellists, audience representation and choice of location for recordings. The senior producer will output produce each debate and help shape the direction of each programme guiding the presenter on this. The role will ensure that the audience has the maximum opportunity to put their questions to the panellists. He/she will be responsible for managing the weekly budget of each debate and ensuring that all production activities are carried out within BBC editorial and production guidelines. The senior producer will edit the radio version of the debate and have oversight of the television edit working collaboratively with the Director. He/she will make sure that all programmes are produced on time and to budget. The Senior Producer has very good editorial experience in television, radio or multi-media current affairs production and he/she is required to make quick and sound judgments on editorially sensitive issues. The senior producer will have line management responsibility for the Producer, Social Media Producer, and Audience Producer.

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

• Manage the efficient planning and output producing the weekly Sajha Sawal debates. 
• Manage the budget allocated on weekly bases and ensure that all expenditures adhere to BBC Media Action financial policies and standards. 
• Responsible for ensuring that each programme successfully addresses its governance remit.
• Ensure that the debate programmes adhere to the programme’s editorial brief: to reflect the geographic, ethnic and social diversity of Nepal through an audience led format.
• Responsible for making sure that each debate is produced within BBC editorial and production guidelines.
• Co-ordinate with and support the work of the Sajha Sawal production team. 
• Effective gallery output production of each debate.
• Edit the radio version of the debates and provide input and advice on the final television edit of the programme.
• Ensure that the social media platforms of Sajha Sawal are used effectively to engage with audiences.
• Offer creative and innovative ideas on how Sajha Sawal can build on its audiences and provide further opportunities for citizens to question decision makers on governance issues.
• Provide support to BBC Media Action’s partner radio stations in Nepal in their production of regional versions of Sajha Sawal debates.
• Line manage the Producer, Social Media Producer, and the Audience Producer. 

Essential skills and experience

• A strong background in current affairs programming.
• Excellent knowledge of political, social and economic issues in Nepal.
• Excellent editorial judgement and knowledge of BBC editorial guidelines and how they apply to programme content.
• Proven experience in working on a weekly debate programme and understanding of the challenges involved
• Excellent writing skills for radio and television
• A thorough understanding of the processes of radio and television production, and demonstrable experience of location recording and live programme making
• Acute awareness of audiences and their needs, and the ability to respond with original and viable production ideas
• Understanding of the editorial and technical demands of editing a weekly series.
• Clear understanding of the aims and values of BBC Media Action and an awareness of the development goals of our programming
• Exceptional planning, organizational and management skills 
• Previous experience of managing programme budgets and strong financial accountability
• Demonstrable experience of people’s management, including setting performance management including objective setting and appraisal
• Provide support to BBC Media Action’s partner radio stations in Nepal in their production of regional versions of Sajha Sawal debates
• Excellent written and spoken English

Desirable skills and experience

• Experience and understanding of international development and/or media issues
• Knowledge of BBC Media Action, its objectives and operation, and an understanding of the wider BBC
• An awareness of BBC editorial guidelines, rules and regulations

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.

Editorial Judgement

• Demonstrates balanced and objective judgement based on a thorough understanding of editorial guidelines, target audience, programme and department objectives. Makes the right editorial decisions, taking account of conflicting views where necessary.
• Managing relationships and team working
• Able to build and maintain effective working relationships with a range of people. Works co-operatively with others to be part of a team, as opposed to working separately or competitively.

Developing Others

• Is able to recognise potential (managerial, professional, artistic or otherwise) and is willing to foster the development of that potential. Creates a climate in which potential can be realised

Decision Making

• Is ready and able to take the initiative, originate action and be responsible for the consequences of the decisions made.

Planning and organising

• Is able to think ahead in order to establish an efficient and appropriate course of action for self and others. Prioritises and plans activities taking into account all the relevant issues and factors such as deadlines, staffing and resources requirements.

Resilience

• Can maintain personal effectiveness by managing emotions in the face of pressure, set-backs or when dealing with provocative situations. Can demonstrate an approach to work that is characterised by commitment, motivation and energy.

Influencing and persuading

• Ability to present sound and well-reasoned arguments to convince others. Can draw from a range of strategies to persuade people in a way that results in agreement or behaviour change.

How to apply

If you are interested in applying for this position, please send a CV and covering letter outlining your interest in the role, and demonstrating how you fulfil the essential skills and experience, by 8th April, 2014 to [email protected] (with job title: Senior Producer in the subject line).