Africa Producer

We have an exciting opportunity for a news producer to join the Sky News Africa bureau. The role is based in Johannesburg.

The successful candidate will have substantial field experience, including in hostile environments. They will possess a strong editorial drive across a range of subjects, and a desire to innovate and develop new ways of telling stories on digital platforms.

Sky News is a world-class news service with a spirit of innovation and a fresh approach to story-telling. Our aim is to be the best and most trusted place for news, reflecting the diversity of our audience. Made by people who dare to challenge. Made for people who want clarity in an uncertain world.

What you’ll do 

Be a key part of the team responsible for coverage from across Africa on all Sky News platforms. Reporting to the Head of International News, You’ll be expected to co-ordinate the production of high quality coverage across a wide ranging agenda.

• Producing dynamic and high level news content in collaboration with the Sky News Africa correspondent and camera operator.

• Covering video first journalism from across the continent.

• Regular travel, often at short notice when reacting to breaking news including hostile environments.

• Taking responsibility for logistical and administrative planning

• Risk management in collaboration with colleagues

• Taking initiative in choosing original stories and developing editorial approaches.

• Innovating to help create new, dynamic formats across digital platforms, including podcasts.

• Playing a key influencing role with TV and digital production staff at Sky HQ

• Developing and maintaining high quality contacts across a range of topics

• Developing and displaying relevant expertise on politics, society and culture across Africa

• Briefing senior colleagues on plans and developments.

What you’ll bring  

• Strong planning and organisational skills.

• Evidence of editorial judgement, factual accuracy, and journalistic enterprise.

• Willingness to make contacts and nurture sources.

• Strong decision-making skills and the ability to lead and prioritise

• Demonstrable experience of international video news production in the field, including in hostile environments

• Ability to take control of dynamic situations and lead a team.

• A successful track record producing content on all platforms in a newsroom environment.

• Proven digital format production skills, with a willingness to develop technical capabilities

• Creative approach to storytelling and video production.

• Strong understanding of geopolitical issues and politics, society and culture across Africa.

• Ability to handle budgets and bureau accounting processes.

• Strong understanding of media law and compliance issues.

Benefits and perks

There's one thing people can't stop talking about when it comes to life at Sky: the perks. Here’s a taster:  

• Free Sky TV or NOW package, including Sky Sports and Sky Cinema   

• Pension package with up to 9% employer contribution 

• Private healthcare with mental health support  

• Aviva Digital GP and dental insurance  

• Discounts on Sky products, including Sky Mobile, Sky Broadband, Sky Glass and Sky Protect  

• Sharesave and Tech schemes  

• A range of Sky VIP rewards and experiences 

How you’ll work 

This is a field position. 

Who we are 

We’re Sky, a leading media and entertainment company who connect millions with entertainment, sports, news and arts through innovative products and services. Working with us means you’ll be bringing the joy of a better experience to more people, every day. All so we can do better and deliver better for our customers, colleagues and society.

We’re an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We're a Disability Confident Accredited Employer, and welcome and encourage applications from all candidates. We will look to ensure a fair and consistent experience for all and will make reasonable adjustments to support you where appropriate. Please flag any adjustments you need as early as you can. 

Just so you know: if your application is successful, we’ll ask you to complete a criminal record check. And depending on the role you have applied for and the nature of any convictions you may have, we might have to withdraw the offer.  

To be eligible for this role you are required to have the appropriate right to work in the UK. Please be aware Sky does not offer sponsorship for this position.

To find out more about working with us, search #LifeAtSky on social media.