Development Media International (DMI)
SCRIPT WRITING OPPORTUNITIES WITH DMI IN MALAWI
About DMI
Development Media International (DMI) delivers media campaigns aimed at changing behaviours, promoting health and saving lives in developing countries. We are the first organisation to scientifically demonstrate that mass media can increase life-saving behaviours (see the results of our RCT that proved our interventions can save thousands of children’s lives, here).
DMI has two priorities: first, to continue to generate ground-breaking research, second, to take our proven strategies to scale, saving as many lives as possible. We work across a range of health issues, including child survival, sexual and reproductive health, nutrition, hygiene, and early childhood development. DMI works in close partnership with leading experts in health, including WHO, UNICEF and LSHTM and has been funded by some of the world’s most prestigious organisations including the Wellcome Trust, FCDO, Noorda Foundation, The Hilton Foundation, the Global Innovation Fund, Unorthodox Philanthropy, and the Mulago Foundation.
We are an innovative organisation, working at the nexus between science and creativity. DMI has demonstrated that knowledge is not only a human right but is also the key to saving lives in a cost-effective way. Our intellectual rigour, enthusiasm, and willingness to learn from both our successes and mistakes, makes us distinct. By working at DMI you will have a genuine, measurable impact on improving lives in low-income countries.
DMI’s HQ is near King’s Cross in London and the organisation has a permanent presence in Malawi, Uganda, Burkina Faso, Madagascar, Mozambique, Tanzania, and Zambia. It also currently works in Mauritania and Cote d’Ivoire.
TERMS OF REFERENCE:
SCRIPTWRITERS MALAWI ECS PROJECT
Radio Scriptwriter for Mwana: Early Childhood Stimulation Campaign
Development Media International (DMI) Malawi has been implementing a nationwide campaign to encourage parents to play, talk and praise their children aged between 0–3-year-olds. The campaign broadcasting was implemented from July 2024 to May 2025.
DMI will be conducting a follow-up nationwide radio campaign with a particular focus on preventing the use of physical discipline on children.
Role Overview
DMI Malawi is therefore seeking to recruit an exceptional scriptwriter with a rich, fertile imagination to write memorable and engaging 1-2 minute radio drama scripts to encourage and promote the adoption of the desired behaviours.
Key Responsibilities
- Collaborate with DMI’s creative team, subject experts, and producers to brainstorm, develop, and refine script ideas that align with campaign themes and objectives guided by a message brief.
- Write radio drama scripts that are concise, engaging and emotionally resonant with our target audience (parents and caregivers of children aged 0-3)
- Incorporate feedback from team members and pretesting sessions to maximize clarity and audience impact
- Contribute creative ideas for integrating sound effects, music, and calls to action to enhance listener engagement.
- Stay attuned to audience preferences, local languages, and community feedback to keep content fresh and effective
What We’re Looking For
- Proven experience in radio scriptwriting or similar audio storytelling, with a portfolio of engaging, memorable work. Upcoming Scriptwriters confident of special writing skills are also encouraged to apply.
- Strong writing skills, with an ability to convey clear messages in a concise and compelling way
- Ability to create relatable characters, vivid scenes, and emotional connections using only words and sound
- Familiarity with early childhood development and/or Early Childhood stimulation and healthtopics is an advantage.
- Collaborative spirit and openness to feedback and iteration
- Understanding of local culture, language, and audience needs
Why Join Us?
- Be part of a campaign that is transforming the lives of children in Malawi through the power of radio.
- Work with a passionate, supportive creative team dedicated to making a real difference.
- Opportunity to learn scientifically proven way of writing for social and behaviour change.
How to Join Us?
If you believe you have what we are looking for, we want to hear from you!
Apply now with your CV and samples of your scriptwriting work.
In addition, please write a powerful 1–2-minute radio drama script that convinces parents not to use physical discipline when children aged 0-3 misbehave. We want a script that talks about real life. Be creative. Use humour, drama, or emotion. We want to read scripts where something is happening, not just people talking about information.
Please send your script to promise.matatiyo@developmentmedia.net by 9 May 2025.