Job Introduction

Working in a multimedia English Language Teaching (ELT) team of producers, and reporting to the Team Leader. Shift work may be required which could include nights, weekends and public holidays. The post-holder will work primarily on content for Chinese English-language learners although s/he may also be expected to work on content for global audiences.

Working as a member of a team to originate, research, prepare, produce and present English language teaching items, packages, interviews, discussions, complete programmes, and features, for radio, the Internet and other media forms, including social media platforms. To ensure that any programme material for which the post holder is responsible is strongly audience and learner focused, and meets the standards required by the BBC.

About the Company

We don’t focus simply on what we do – we also care how we do it. Our values and the way we behave are important to us. Please make sure you’ve read about our values and behaviours in the document attached below. You’ll be asked questions relating to them as part of your application for this role.

The BBC is committed to building a culturally diverse workforce and therefore strongly encourages applications from underrepresented groups.  We are committed to equality of opportunity and welcome applications from individuals, regardless of their background

The BBC is currently implementing a Career Path Framework which will result in employees being aligned to generic job titles and job descriptions. Consequently, successful applicants may be realigned to a slightly different job title shortly after joining the BBC.

Role Responsibility

• To research, report, write, edit or adapt programme and online material; to find contributors, interviewees, language learners and experts as well as other sources of material and/or actuality, as appropriate.

• To assemble an attractive and compelling offer for target audiences; and to do so whilst maintaining professional standards of educational quality, journalistic accuracy, impartiality and fair dealing and adhering to the BBC’s Producers’ Guidelines.

• To write original material for outlets including radio, online, social media and mobile for a Chinese and global audience.

• To ensure the availability of required production facilities.

• To be able to freshen, adapt, amend and update materials as required.

• To be responsible for thinking through and around editorial and educational problems, developing realistic alternative strategies and approaches.

• To perform in front of the microphone with or without a script, live or in recording sessions; either as Programme Producer, or as a participant in others' productions.

• To conduct interviews either in the studio or on location, live or pre-recorded.

• To liaise closely with other team members and with contributors, and with other programme teams across World Service and the BBC.

• To advise other parts of the BBC on English Language Teaching issues and target audiences.

• To mix audio for radio production and be responsible as necessary for studio production of live and pre-recorded programmes, and to resolve technical difficulties.

• To ensure that BBC Editorial principles and all relevant legal, contractual and copyright requirements are met, referring upwards in cases of difficulty or doubt.

• To build and maintain links with appropriate BBC departments to enable the efficient production of radio, video and online content.

• To monitor the growth of the Learning English and other associated ELT web sites, analysing patterns of use and identifying areas for expansion.

• To offer ideas for items, programmes/series and to actively contribute to the creative and planning process.

• To suggest new items and angles on existing ELT programmes and materials, and new initiatives.

• To understand the department’s strategy and to suggest ideas appropriate to its distinctive style and content.

• To brief Studio Managers, as necessary, in respect of the transmission or recording of any programmes or part of a programme for which the Producer is responsible.

• After appropriate training, to be able to use a range of audio & digital equipment and information technology to research, write, assemble, edit and deliver programmes in the appropriate medium, to the highest professional standards.

• To direct Broadcast Assistants in preparation of programme material for which the Producer is responsible.

• To provide data necessary for the preparation of Programme as Broadcast (Ps as B) and other administrative records.

• To be prepared both to direct colleagues, and to receive direction from colleagues, in a flexible manner and depending on the requirements of the tasks in hand.

• To be responsible for efficient use of allocated resources, ensuring relevant output is produced to time and within agreed budgets.

• All producers may be required to travel outside the UK on short content gathering and promotional trips and assignments, and to spend longer periods of time in ELT target areas.

• All producers may be required to work with or move to other programme teams on a multi-media basis and to have the ability to work across a range of skills and in a flexible manner, and to carry out these responsibilities in accordance with the BBC’s overall standards and values.

• To provide advice or file pieces, etc. on occasions to other BBC outlets.

The Ideal Candidate

You will have a DELTA or equivalent ELT qualification with recent and relevant experience in an English language teaching role. Native knowledge of Mandarin Chinese, coupled with an excellent knowledge of the English language including complete comprehension of both languages in written and spoken forms. You will have the ability to write, adapt, edit and present ELT materials with accuracy, clarity and style appropriate to suit learners from a wide range of backgrounds and levels. Experience producing materials for social media platforms is essential.