08/12/2016
Writer and Executive Producer- STTA
Communities in Transition Division
Position Location: Abuja, Nigeria
Background:
Creative Associates International is a dynamic, fast-growing global development firm that specializes in education, economic growth, democratic institutions and stabilization. Based in Washington, D.C., Creative has a field presence in more than 25 countries with a strong client portfolio that includes the U.S. Agency for International Development and the State Department, among others. Since its founding in 1977, Creative has earned a solid reputation among its clients and is well-regarded by competitors and partners alike.
Position Summary:
Under a soon-to-start activity, NERI will contract a service provider to script, produce and broadcast an 8-part multi-language, TV drama that highlights northeast issues in a manner that appeals to a wider Nigerian audience, that touches on current/pertinent social issues, and creates a sense of national unity around their solution. The project will be implemented at the selected provider’s studios or agreed location and will include filming, footage and personalities from at least one Northeastern state: (i) Adamawa; (ii) Borno; or (iii) Yobe. Broadcast will be on a major Nigerian TV network and/or prominent satellite channel. The production will include language and subtitling to ensure access to intended Kanuri, Hausa and English-speaking audiences, and while immediate broadcast is intended for Nigerian audiences, the product must also appeal to international audiences. At a future date, the production will be adapted to radio broadcast.
NERI seeks an advisory writer and executive producer to represent NERI, assist and advise the selected provider on the interweaving of priority messages with locally appropriate and engaging drama. The role will help develop storylines and final scripts for the drama and hold responsibility for the overall quality control of the production.
Reporting & Supervision:
This position reports to NERI’s Media and Reporting Officer in Abuja.
Deliverables:
Submitted and approved final report that presents meeting summary, content, tone, outcomes and opportunities for USAID and OTI/NERI’s further engagement in the DDR process.
Primary Responsibilities:
Develop plot concepts and storylines in consultation with the contracted provider, ensuring adherence to approved drama themes in line with NERI goals and aims.
Responsible for development and delivery of final scripts for 8-part television and potential multi-part radio drama.
Work with and through contracted provider staff to ensure final themes and storylines are culturally and socially acceptable for target audiences.
Liaise with Producer and production team to ensure smooth conversion of scripts to television.
Participate in auditions and selection of cast.
Regularly review and provide guidance and mentoring to service provider staff.
Oversee all areas of production coordination in collaboration with the contracted service provider.
Develop production schedules in association with the writing and production team of the contracted service provider.
Develop digital editing post production timeline, ensuring output meets on-air delivery commitment.
Develop and implement, through the selected service provider, research method for assessing perception, outcomes and impact of the broadcast on target audiences.
Support any required external production personnel and recording, permissions, licensing and clearance obligations.
Oversee permissions, licensing and clearance obligations, necessary for location drama shoots.
Work collaboratively with NERI reporting team, program team and management, providing activity progress updates, monitoring project risks and proposing solutions.
Collaborate with NERI reporting team, providing additional narrative concepts and creative input towards development of Success Stories, reporting and related projects, as reasonably requested.
Required Skills & Qualifications:
Minimum 5 years’ experience writing and producing TV drama and other formats in transitional, post-conflict environments.
Demonstrated ability to manage culturally diverse production teams in developing countries, preferably in West Africa.
Demonstrated leadership skills and demonstrated ability to problem-solve in management of media production contracts.
Demonstrated experience managing television production timelines.
Excellent communications skills and time management abilities.
Computer literate in Excel and Word.
Tertiary qualification in Screen Writing, Film/Television Production or considerable experience in-lieu of qualification.
Fluency in English required. Competence in Hausa desired.
Timeline:
Production on the drama will commence mid-January 2017. Writing, production and broadcast is expected to last 6-8 months.
Applications can be done on our website here:
Creative Associates International is a dynamic, fast-growing global development firm that specializes in education, economic growth, democratic institutions and stabilization. Based in Washington, D.C., Creative has a field presence in more than 25 countries with a strong client portfolio that inclu...
