Deadline: March 15, 2017

Applications are open for the BBC World News Komla Dumor Award 2017. The Award will be made to an outstanding individual living and working in Africa, who combines strong journalism skills, on air flair, and an exceptional talent in telling African stories with the ambition and potential to become a star of the future.

The winner will receive a once-in-a-lifetime training and development opportunity with the BBC in London, starting in early September 2017 and running for three months. Working with teams from across BBC News, the winner will produce an African story for the BBC and have their story and their voice shared across the continent and the world.  They will be supported by a high-level BBC mentor and attend courses run by the BBC’s world-class training department, the BBC Academy.

Cost

• The BBC will pay for the winner’s flights to and from the UK and for their visa. They will also arrange and pay for the winner’s accommodation in London during their placement;
• The winner will receive £2,000 per month for the three month placement to cover their living expenses and a one-off payment of £5,000 as a contribution towards loss of salary in their home country. Some of the above may be subject to taxation (and deductions will be made as appropriate).

Eligibility

• You must be currently living and working as a journalist in Africa with 3 to 10 years’ experience as a professional journalist in Africa;
• You must also have the following skills and experience:
  • Excellent journalism skills, including in digital and social media
  • Broadcasting experience is preferable
  • An excellent broadcasting voice and strong presenting skills with the ability to perform at the microphone with flair
  • The ability to identify and pitch a strong original African story idea, aligned to the BBC editorial guidelines
  • Wide and up-to-date knowledge and understanding of the African continent, including politics, business, culture, history and sport
  • Fluency in English as a first or equivalent language

Additional requirements for all applicants

• You must provide a CV (maximum two pages) / complete a careers hub profile
• You must hold or be able to obtain by March 1, 2017 a passport that is valid until at least January 31, 2018
• You must not be a current or former member of BBC staff
• If successful, your employer must be willing to release you for three months from September 2017 for you to travel on your own to take up your placement in London
• The visa requires that you hold a degree or are studying towards a degree equivalent to a UK Bachelor’s degree from a recognised university
• References, proof of employment, birth certificate, passport, an appropriate UK visa and proof of level of English will be required from shortlisted candidates

Application Process

• Begin application here.
  

For more information, visit BBC World News Komla Dumor Award.