Technical Mentor BBC Media Action

BBC Media Action is the international development charity of the BBC. BBC Media Action uses media and communications to reduce poverty and promote human rights in developing countries. To achieve this, BBC Media Action partners with civil society, local media and governments to:

• Produce creative programmes in multi-media formats which inform and engage audiences around key development issues.
• Strengthen the media sector through strengthening professional capacity and infrastructure.

We work in partnership to provide access to useful, timely, reliable information. We help people engage in dialogue and take action to improve their lives. Our work in Zambia to effect change falls into two main thematic areas; governance and health.

We are looking to recruit for the following full-time position:

Technical Mentor

Overall Purpose of the Job

The Technical Mentor will provide capacity development for stations on a wide range of technical needs and provide technical management for BBC Media Action Zambia for radio and television outputs. S/he will  also provide IT assistance for BBC Media Action.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Technical Mentor will develop and implement mentoring and training plans to strengthen the capacity of partner stations across a range of technical areas including sound editing, use and maintenance of equipment and relevant IT processes.  S/he will also provide oversight and maintenance of equipment for partner stations and within BBC Media Action ensure that it is maintatined and repairs conducted where need be. S/he will organise and serve all the sound recording and editing needs of BBC Media Action Zambia (radio and TV), and will  lead on all technical aspects from set up to post production of central TV and radio debates.

Skills, Knowledge and Experience

• A good first degree in electrical/electronic engineering, sound engineering or in any relevant field.
• An additional certificate/training in programme recording/editing, programme production, directing would be an added advantage;
• Experience in recording sound for radio and/or TV in-studio and in a variety of outdoor settings.
• Experience in recording sound for radio and/or TV for different programme formats, including drama, interviews, and debates.
• Experience in editing sound for radio and/or TV programms.
• Experience in the operation of a wide range of audio and video equipment
• Experience in working with relevant computer software like Pro-Tools, Logic Pro Audio, Adobe Audition, Final Cut Pro and Adobe Premiere and After Effects.
• Experience in planning and conducting complex recordings for radio and/or TV.
• Experience in equipment handling/maintenance on location and in studio.
• Experience in technical and creative studio or outdoors set-up to accommodate varying filming and recording needs.
• Ability to conduct work with minimal supervision and good time management skills, with a track record of delivering results to deadline and to a high standard of quality.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills in English.
• Strong presentation skills, communicating complex technical ideas using non-technical language to a wide range of audiences from journalists, production staff, researchers, donors and development practitioners.
• Strong IT skills, including MS Word, Excel, and Powerpoint.
• Willingness and ability to travel within Zambia.

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 and the ability to learn BBC editorial guidelines and values.
• Decision Making – Is ready and able to take the initiative, originate action and be responsible for the consequences of the decision made.
• Planning and Organisation – 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.
• 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.
• Resilience – Can maintain personal effectiveness by managing own 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.