Commissioning Editor Vacancy at Africa Magic

Africa Magic - The AfricaMagic channels provide television programming that speaks to the African heart! dedicated to African programming made by Africans - from soaps and drama series to lifestyle shows and movies.


We seek to appoint a suitably qualified & dedicated individuals, to fill the position below: 

Job Title: Commissioning Editor

Location: Lagos

Job Description


  • The position will be based at our facilities in Lagos, Nigeria and the successful candidate will report to the GM: Production.

Context
External factors which influence the work environment, taking future conditions and strategic requirements into account:

  • Multi-channel environment
  • Market expansion/new ventures
  • Multicultural environment
  • Fast paced Digital broadcasting environment

Customers
External and internal individuals or groups to whom products, services, programs and information must be provided:

  • DStv subscriber base
  • Channel Heads
  • Marketing and Public Relations
  • DStv Media Sales
  • Finance
  • Suppliers (Independents and Production Houses)
  • MultiChoice

Strategic Outputs

  • Provide Development expertise for the scripted genres within the department:
    • Part of the development phase (research & development)
    • Attend quarterly review meetings for long running series
    • Attend mid-point review meeting for 13 part or 26-part Drama series and Reality
  • Provide Content DNA guidance across all the scripted and non-scripted content produced by Africa Magic channels
  • Manage all commissioned project budgets with the Head of Production
  • Work closely with Head of Production on ensuring that content strategic objectives are met
  • Approve Scripted and Non-Scripted briefs based on agreed direction

Outputs

  • Draft Content Briefs to Industry for commissioning purposes
  • Receive instruction from Head of Production (understand requirements)
  • Submit 1st draft to Head of Production for review and review if necessary
  • Conclude final draft and submit to Head of Production
  • Submit for publishing through relevant media (print, online, social media)
  • Receive, log and respond to unsolicited proposals
  • Set up review meetings with content team (Time and Criteria)
  • Shortlist proposals and discuss with Head of Production
  • Send pitch letters to producers of shortlisted proposal
  • Co-ordinate "Pitch" sessions with external parties and content team
  • Draft report with recommendations and submit to Head of Production
  • Letter of Intent (to Commission)

Contract Production Company

  • Meet with Production House to discuss Terms and Conditions:
    • Budget, Payment Schedule, Delivery Schedule, Technical specifications, Marketing , Production Schedule, etc.
  • Discuss agreed deliverables with Head of Production
  • Load onto contract management system
  • Receive and review draft contract from Legal
  • Send contract draft to Production House
  • Finalize contract with Production House, Legal, Channel Head, Regional Director

Manage the Production

  • Manage Production contract:
    • Budget - review periodic cost reports, review production delivery specifications (production value/production quality), provide delivery formats (file/tape), implement and manage editorial requirements, etc.
  • Conduct/Host/Attend regular internal status meetings
  • Implement weekly status meetings with production house
  • Ensure 360 Commissioning process

Manage Internal and External Stakeholders 
Production House, Finance, Marketing, Legal, Suppliers, Media Sales, Viewers, Scheduling, TX, EPG

  • Provide and receive info to/from stakeholders (according to schedule)
  • Regular follow up/feedback on in-house budgets for forecasting purposes
  • Manage regulatory matters relating to programme content
  • Ensure that sponsorships and barter agreements are manage and all exposure elements are implemented
  • Manage Performance of Commissioned Programmes budgets vs agreed delivery requirements
  • Review and monitor programme performance vs. target
  • Amend production/programmes, where possible, to meet performance targets
  • Red flag non-performing programmes with the view to take corrective action or terminate
  • Inform necessary parties/systems of repeats

Research Industry Trends/Changes

  • Investigate/Review alternate programmes/channels/trends
  • Report on alternate programmes/channels/trends
  • Proactively present/discuss new ideas

Experience and Qualifications Required

  • A Degree in TV/Media/Script-writing/Drama
  • A minimum of 3 years commissioning or producing scripted and non-scripted content
  • Extensive knowledge about TV broadcasting
  • Legal and financial understanding and experience
  • Understanding of Regulatory requirements
  • Computer literacy (Excel critical, Word and PowerPoint)

Competencies:

  • Personal capabilities which are critical to the production of quality outputs are:
  • Strategic Thinking
  • Scripted and non-scripted content experience (working on television shows, variety, magazine, reality, dramas and/or soaps)
  • Ability to mentor and lead
  • Planning and Organizing
  • Communication Skills (Written and Verbal)
  • Interpersonal Skills
  • Stakeholder Relationship Management
  • Attention to Detail
  • Deadline Driven
  • Team Player
  • Problem solving Skills
  • Administrative Skills