Digital Journalist, BBC News Urdu

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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.

BBC News Urdu is seeking two Digital Journalists to strengthen our digital output from Islamabad. In this role, you will collaborate with editors and senior journalists to deliver high-quality, timely coverage that meets BBC's editorial standards. Your work will help expand our reach and ensure Urdu-speaking audiences across Pakistan and beyond stay informed and engaged.

WHY JOIN THE TEAM

Joining BBC News Urdu means becoming part of a globally respected organisation dedicated to excellence in journalism. This role provides the opportunity to contribute to impactful digital content that serves millions of Urdu-speaking audiences. You will benefit from working within a professional and collaborative environment that values integrity, diversity, and innovation, while developing your skills and advancing your career within one of the world's most trusted news organisations.

YOUR KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND IMPACT

• This is a digital journalism role responsible for writing, editing, and adapting content for the BBC News Urdu website, with opportunities to further develop reporting skills.
• Produce a wide range of content, including breaking news, analysis, features, and live updates.
• Generate original story ideas, propose effective treatments, and conduct interviews with relevant contributors to ensure distinctive and high-quality coverage.
• Apply analytics on a daily basis to inform editorial decisions and contribute to shaping the news agenda.
• Identify potential stories through social media platforms and translate audience needs into compelling content that meets BBC's editorial standards.

YOUR SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA

• Full command of written and spoken Urdu as a first (or equivalent) language, with up-to-date knowledge and complete proficiency in written and spoken English, demonstrating the ability to communicate effectively across both languages.
• Strong expertise in data analytics, with proven experience in applying insights to shape content strategies and address the needs of diverse audience groups.
• In-depth knowledge of Pakistan and South Asia, with the capability to lead the production of impactful original digital content and deliver balanced, impartial coverage of major breaking news events.
• Demonstrated experience in commissioning, editing, structuring, and producing sharp, engaging news and current affairs across a range of digital formats, including the generation of ideas to expand audience reach.
• Established track record of working within a digital production environment, with demonstrable achievements in digital journalism.
• Excellent proficiency in social media and digital platforms, with strong skills in audience engagement, content optimisation, and off-site promotion.

DESIRED BUT NOT REQUIRED

• Demonstrate strong understanding of digital media and current trends in the media market.
• Produce SEO-optimized headlines for Urdu-speaking audiences as well as broader regional markets.
• Proficient in leveraging technology to gather and curate content for digital platforms.
• Build and maintain effective working relationships across diverse teams and stakeholders.
• Exhibit flexibility and adaptability to sustain high performance under pressure, meeting deadlines and managing shifting priorities effectively.

If you can bring some of these skills and experience, along with transferable strengths, we'd love to hear from you and encourage you to apply.

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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.

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.

• Fair pay and flexible benefits specific to your location and contract type.

• Excellent career and professional development.

• Support in your working life.

• A values-based organisation where the way we do things is important as what we do.

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.

BBC Group and Public Services, Broadcasting House, Portland Place, London, United Kingdom, W1A 1AA. BBC Studios Distribution Limited, company no: , registered address: 1 Television Centre, 101 Wood Lane, London, United Kingdom W12 7FA.