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