JOB BAND: D CONTRACT TYPE: 12-month FTC DEPARTMENT: BBC Verify LOCATION: London PROPOSED SALARY RANGE: Up to £55,000 depending on relevant skills, knowledge and experience. The expected salary range for this role reflects internal benchmarking and external market insights.
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 the offer stage.
Purpose of the Role
We are looking for a Senior Data Journalist to join BBC Verify on a one-year attachment.
Once in post, the successful applicant would be expected to make major contributions towards the creation and development of breaking news stories and high-profile data projects that will run on outlets across BBC News, including online, social media and broadcast as well as the BBC Verify Live Page.
The role is based in the BBC newsroom in London but involves working with colleagues around the world.
These are some recent examples of the team’s work -
Russia seizing thousands of homes in occupied Mariupol https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/resources/idt-ca98fa24-29a3-4c74-aa7d-ce38f756270d
GPs split over assisted dying plans, BBC research suggests https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c8e6ww5036go
Is the government meeting its pledges on illegal immigration and asylum? https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c9dqqj0v1ndo
How did my MP vote on assisted dying: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cd78nvn2r1yo
WHY JOIN THE TEAM
BBC Verify was established two years ago and brings together some of the BBC’s best analysts, fact-checkers, data specialists and designers from across domestic and global teams with expertise in data journalism, disinformation and the latest open-source journalism and verification techniques.
YOUR KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND IMPACT
- Creating original news stories, projects and live page posts - typically using data as the primary source - Explaining long-running stories in the news using data and data visualisation - Checking and feeding back on the work of colleagues - Spotting opportunities to pass on skills within the team and help train colleagues as needed - A keen collaborator; most data projects involve several people, typically across teams and or disciplines
ESSENTIAL CRITERIA
- Extensive experience in a specialist data journalism role - Ability to write well and clearly under pressure of deadlines - Proven experience in generating ideas for original news stories based on data and original interactives based on data - Extensive technical ability with software, such as R or Python, as well as mapping using GIS software - Ability to advise non-specialists on how to understand and communicate data - Experience in leading informal project teams, involving colleagues from design and development departments - Interest in developing skills in the use of artificial intelligence for both improving workflows and supporting editorial projects
Disclaimer
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.
For any general queries, please contact: bbchr@bbc.co.uk
Redeployment
The BBC is committed to redeploying employees seeking suitable alternative employment within the BBC, and they will be given priority consideration ahead of other applicants. Priority consideration means that for those employees seeking redeployment, their application will be considered alongside anyone else at risk of redundancy, prior to any individuals being considered who are not at risk.
