My Wildlife - My Community is a Tanzanian Entertainment-Education program that addresses the issues of poaching and the illegal bushmeat trade. The bushmeat problem is growing rapidly in Tanzania and other parts of Eastern Africa. The bleakest projections released show the extinction of Elephants in Tanzania by 2020, due to poaching.
PCI Media Impact, a 28-year old international leader in media and Entertainment-Education (E-E) storytelling, and the College of African Wildlife Management (MWEKA), Bushmeat-Free Eastern African Network (BEAN), Image Transfer Limited (Radio Kili fm) and US Fish & Wildlife Service produced the first episodes of a serial radio drama "Temboni" to protect wildlife in Tanzania. The drama broadcasts from November 2013 - April 2014 and aims to change knowledge, attitudes and behaviors of Tanzanian citizens with regard to the bushmeat issue. The drama is well received in the target audience and has the potential to become a hit soap opera in the region.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF JOB
Under the supervision of the Africa Programs Director, and in close coordination with the production staff, the Lead Scriptwriter will be responsible for the creation of a 15 scripts, written by closely following a detailed episodic treatment (already developed). Scripts should reflect the style and characterization of the first 10 already-written episodes, in a seamless fashion.
MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
" Write 15 scripts, closely following a detailed episodic treatment (already developed) of an Entertainment-Education radio drama following PCI Media Impact's guidelines and feedback
" Writes the scripted episodes in English and preferably translates them into Swahili
" Submit scripts for review by PCI Media Impact and partners, incorporating all feedback as necessary until final approval is received in writing
" Review technical content and documents to assure messaging is appropriately targeted within the storylines and character development, and tied to targeted impact outcomes
" Participate in formative research/focus groups, and incorporate findings into the scriptwriting process and storylines, as appropriate
" Work with the PCI Media Impact team, partners, translators and production staff to ensure the creative transfer of technical content into dramatic form
" Ensure delivery of completed scripts in the pre-approved format and within the defined timeframe
TIMEFRAME
The anticipated duration of the work is 3 months from the start date of the contract. This timeframe is an estimate and is negotiable and subject to change according to the needs of the program. This position has the potential to be extended.
DELIVERABLES
" 15 Episode scripts in English (15 x 12 minute episodes = 15 x 10 pages)
QUALIFICATIONS FOR SCRIPTWRITER
" University degree or equivalent background in playwriting or scriptwriting, preferably with specialized training in scriptwriting for radio and/or TV.
" Prior public broadcasting, Communication for Development, field experience in Tanzania, and/or East Africa preferred
" Excellent oral and written communication skills in English and preferably in Swahili
" Minimum 4 years relevant experience
" Prior writing samples required
" Able to work in Word documents on a computer, conduct online research, and be easily accessible via email and skype.
" Able to write quickly and respect deadlines.
How to apply:
Please send your Cover Letter and CV to
jobs@mediaimpact.org
