Call for Application: Production Radio Drama Series

Nigeria-Benin Border Communities Peace Initiative: Enhancing Collaboration for Peace and Security in Kebbi, Katsina, Zamfara, Kwara, and Niger States (ECPS Project)

Search for Common Ground (SFCG) Nigeria is seeking a qualified media consultant to produce highly engaging and conflict sensitive radio drama series that will improve intra and inter-communal perceptions of peace and security, through improved access to reliable public information on peaceful coexistence along the Nigeria-Benin border communities in 5 states of Kebbi, Katsina, Zamfara, Kwara, and Niger States, Nigeria. 

The consultant will work collaboratively with the Search Media team from the pre-production to the post production stages in line with Search media policy.

About Search for Common Ground

Search for Common Ground (Search) is an international conflict transformation Non-Governmental Organization that aims to transform the way individuals, groups, governments, and companies deal with conflict, away from adversarial approaches and towards collaborative solutions. Headquartered in Washington DC, USA, and Brussels, Belgium, with 52 field offices in over 30 countries, Search designs and implements multifaceted, culturally appropriate, and conflict-sensitive programs using a diverse range of tools, including media and training, to promote dialogue, increase knowledge and determine a positive shift in behaviors. In Search, we believe the media is a powerful tool that can reach millions of listeners to tackle deeply-rooted social issues. Our media production arm works through our country programs and local partners to create content that aims to bridge differences and build peace. Using the radio drama format, we create and amplify fictional and real-life stories illustrating constructive alternatives to violence. 

About the Project 

The project, Nigeria-Benin Border Communities Peace Initiative: Enhancing Collaboration for Peace and Security in Kebbi, Katsina, Zamfara, Kwara, and Niger States (ECPS Project) aims to improve peace and security in Nigerian border communities in Kebbi, Katsina, Zamfara, Kwara, and Niger States. This will be achieved through community capacity building, institutional strengthening, and cross-border collaboration. 

Activities focus on empowering community members through training in conflict sensitivity and early warning systems, establishing and revitalizing local government level and state-level Peace Architecture otherwise known as LPAs and SPAs and fostering collaboration amongst project stakeholders. The project also seeks to promote trust-building and social cohesion, through approaches such as sport activities between communities and security officials, media engagement for conflict-sensitive journalism, and community outreach through radio dramas and participatory theater. By fostering inclusive dialogue and enhancing security coordination, the project aims to improve perceptions of peace and security while building sustainable mechanisms for conflict resolution and prevention in the region.

Strategic Objective 1: To strengthen the capacity of community members for peace and security in the Nigeria-Benin border areas.

Strategic Objective 2: To enhance Security Coordination and collaboration between communities and security agencies along the Nigeria-Benin border. 

Strategic Objective 3: To improve intra and inter-communal perceptions of peace and security along the Nigeria-Benin border.

Purpose

Building on its experiences in raising awareness through media engagement, Search will be engaging an expert producer of Radio-Drama who will design radio drama scripts for a drama series that will confront listeners with conflict scenarios found in their daily lives. The radio-series will combine entertainment with education, focusing on topics related to peace, security and social cohesion. The products will be aired on local radio stations in the five targeted states and will be followed by a radio talk show during which radio guests from diverse professional backgrounds, as well as traditional leaders, authorities, security personnel women representatives, and youth leaders identified through the State and Local Peace Architecture will be invited to provide different perspectives on conflict resolution to help elevate their voices and considerations. Listeners will join in the conversation through phone calls and other feedback channels to discuss common themes, challenges, and workable solutions. The talk show will be facilitated by hosts who would have participated in our Common Ground Journalism and Conflict Sensitivity training to ensure constructive and conflict sensitive discussions that will amplify peaceful narratives.

Objectives 

This activity is under Strategic Objective 3 where radio drama series produced under this consultancy will improve intra and inter-communal perceptions of peace and security, through improved access to reliable public information on peaceful coexistence. To realize this, we require a consultant that will produce high quality conflict sensitive radio drama series for broadcast in selected radio stations in Kebbi, Katsina, Zamfara, Kwara, and Niger States. The objectives of the consultancy include: 

1. To review all relevant documents relating to this project in the conceptualization and implementation of this consultancy 

2. To write scripts for the 130 episodes of radio drama series 

3. To identify suitable voice actors and produce a radio drama in the selected languages for the focal states (Kebbi, Katsina, Zamfara, Niger and Kwara state) 

4. To share the final drama produced, for review and approval by Search

Methodology

Search is looking to work with a consultant to produce 130 Episodes of 15 minutes radio drama series bearing in mind the cultural differences of the focal states. The Radio Drama is intended to improve intra and inter-communal perceptions of peace and security along the Nigeria-Benin border by providing reliable public information services on peaceful coexistence. It should highlight inspiring stories, with messages and content that showcases the diverse voices of the people of communities along Nigeria’s border states of Kebbi, Katsina, Zamfara Niger and Kwara. The production must address the thematic areas of the project to create the desired impact expected on the project. Search will share findings and recommendations from the EWER reports, members of the Common Ground Journalism Forum as well as inputs from the stakeholder engagements which will form the bulk of the curriculum for the topics for the radio drama.

Each episode of the radio drama which will be aired on selected radio stations across the 5 implementing states will be followed by a live radio interactive session which will also center on the theme and other talking points addressed in the 15 minutes drama. A radio presenter will link the 2 segments while invited radio guests and callers will contribute to the discussion. Search will engage a presenter to anchor this segment where listeners will call in with comments and observations centered on the Radio Drama and its themes, observations, and lessons learned. The talk show segment will be conversational, engaging, and interactive. The goal is to drive as much diverse audience participation as possible. 

A total of 130 episodes (26 for each state) of the drama series will be produced in the local languages of the implementing states which is broadly English, Hausa and Yoruba.

• The consultant will need to exhibit the professional know-how, to transform the script and present it in a format that is production worthy. Note: The final version of the script(s) will be shared with the Search team for review and onward approval before production commences.
• The consultant will hire a professional and highly skilled cast and crew that will properly interpret the script in line with the overall project goal. Both cast and crew MUST reflect the identity of the local population and citizens of Kebbi, Katsina, Zamfara, Niger and Kwara states.
• The consultant will be responsible for providing ALL high-quality equipment including a recording studio to carry out the production of the Radio Drama series. Search will not be responsible for any procurement, hiring or leasing of any equipment for the production of this Drama.
• The consultant will ensure a highly professional post production including mixdown of the radio drama series. All sound tracks, music and sound FX used to score the drama series MUST be licensed or authorized as the use of unlicensed and unauthorized audio materials can be a subject of litigation.
• After the post production process, the consultant will deliver 130 episodes broken down into 26 custom episodes for each of the implementing states in a hard drive for review by Search media team before delivering the final copies in the correct audio formats. Search will determine how the final version of the radio drama will be distributed for broadcast.
• At the end of the production, the consultant will provide Search with ‘Behind the Scenes (BTS)’ footage, as well as all recordings carried out during production and post-production, in a Hard Drive.
• It is imperative that the Radio Drama Producers should be based in either of these states and should own studio facilities.
• The period of performance for this contract is approximately between December, 2024 and February 2025.

• Development: The consultants will work closely with Search team to understand the project and its objectives expected results and activities in all the focal states and with this background, the consultants will develop the Radio Drama within the generated Series and pitch ideas, in dialogue with Search
• Pre-production: At this stage, the consultant will engage a script writer, hire other cast and crew, work closely with Search to develop ideas and finalize on scripts, agree on recording sites and finalize dates. During this period, the consultant will commence rehearsals in preparation for the main production. Pre-production work is to be conducted remotely with possible face-to-face meetings if required.
• Production The consultants will record the raw elements for the drama and take photographs during recording for Search’s record purposes and submit the first series of production.
• Post-production: The consultants will work closely with Search during the editing phase to finalize the Drama. The work during this phase may be conducted remotely with occasional visits to the studio by the Search team.
• Distribution: Consultant will deliver to Search one or more external hard drives with the final production and photographs as well as all raw footage during the production phase. The consultant is not responsible for further distribution of the product or photographs.
• Broadcasting: Search will broadcast the Radio Drama in line with the agreement/contract signed and paid for by Search. 

• University degree or equivalent in Radio Production, Communications, journalism, film and media studies or related fields. Master’s degree is an added advantage. 
• Substantive experience in writing and producing radio drama for social and behavior change communication projects
• At least 5 years’ experience developing and implementing Radio Production/Drama.
• Experience engaging and working with audiences from diverse ethnic and religious backgrounds; - Demonstrated experience working on conflict issues and fragile environments;
• Excellent knowledge of the conflict dynamics around Nigeria’s border communities in Kebbi, Katsina, Zamfara, Niger and Kwara states.
• Relevant experience supporting and engaging the media, NGO or INGO

• Familiarity with project locations (Kebbi, Katsina, Zamfara, Niger and Kwara states) and knowledge of the local languages in the target states will be an added advantage.
• Strong command of English language with excellent written, oral communication, and interpersonal communication skills
• A demonstrated commitment to high professional and ethical standards;
• Ability to prioritize, plan, and organize workflow to tight timeframes, multi-tasking, and flexibility.
• Strong leadership skills
• Attention to detail: The ability to process detailed information effectively and consistently.
• The ability to work effectively with others in order to achieve a shared goal
• New-Learning: The ability to absorb new information readily and to put it into practice effectively
• Adaptability: The ability to remain fully functional by adapting to changing circumstances (environment, procedures and people).

• A technical proposal, not more than four pages, describing how the drama production objectives (looking at the project background) will be met within the stated timetable. Also a narrative “pitch” describing the basic drama concepts and illustrative examples of how it would be structured based on the consultant’s area of expertise.
• Technical qualifications of the consultant (including team members if they will be applying as such) including CV(s), for all proposed personnel along with select online links or digital copies of relevant short productions developed by team members.
• Budget/financial proposal including a description of costs for personnel, per diems, travel, logistics, and local production support, and all production costs (development, pre-production, production, and post-production). Include an overall cost for the contract. Final content decisions will be discussed between the consultant and Search before production begins.
• The Consultant must be based in Abuja, Minna or any of the focal states with a visible office for production purposes.
• Creative portfolios, including internet links or digital copies of relevant radio productions developed by the consultant.

To Apply:

Interested consultants should submit through our career portal

1. A technical proposal (max. 4 pages) outlining the approach to scriptwriting, and production, in relation to the scope.

2. A company profile, CAC, TIN, etc., and CVs of key team members, with links to relevant past work or creative portfolios within the NGO workspace -

3. A budget proposal, including personnel costs, travel, logistics, and any local production support.

All applications should be submitted on or before the close of business on December 20, 2024. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.