Terms of Reference for the Recruitment of Drama+ Script Writing, Translating and Production Consultant for the Green Leaf Radio Program under the Platforms Project
Duration of task 3 months
Location Kampala, Uganda
Reports to Country Program Lead
Contract period March-June 2026
Application deadline March 18, 2026
Background:
Farm Radio International is a non-profit communication-for-development organization dedicated to serving African rural communities through the innovative use of radio and mobile phones. Together with our broadcasting and project partners, we reach tens of millions of small-scale farmers with life-changing information and enable them to have a stronger voice in their own development. Through our efforts, rural radio programs enable women, men and gender diverse people to: share and access information; gain and exchange practical knowledge on agriculture, food and nutrition security, health, education, climate change adaptation; contribute to community and societal transformation; and have their voices heard.
Farm Radio International has established Green Leaf Platforms with support from IKEA Foundation, in Uganda. Green Leaf Platforms in Uganda have a strong focus on circular and regenerative agriculture.
Farm Radio’s Green Leaf knowledge sharing platforms are a cost-effective solution to the challenge of providing and sustaining quality agricultural extension at scale in sub-Saharan Africa. Centered on widely accessible interactive radio programming and driven by local agriculture extension, Green Leaf platforms facilitate knowledge sharing, knowledge building and the uptake of good agricultural practices.
Aims, Objectives and Expected Outcomes:
The aim of this assignment is to undertake the scripting, production and testing of a radio drama series called Planet, Productivity & People Drama+ aimed at improving public attitudes, perception, knowledge and practice of circular and regenerative agricultural (CRA) practices with the aim of preserving the planet now and for future generations in Uganda. The drama series will address circular and regenerative agriculture (CRA) as a climate change strategy and explore the tension between planet-friendly and productivity-oriented approaches to agriculture.
The Consultant/Consulting Team will review project documents to identify the CRA themes for writing the 24 drama episodes; translate and produce them into the selected languages (Luganda, Runyankore, Rutoro, Rukiga, Runyoro, Acholi, Lugbara, Langi, Ateso, Lumasaba, Lusoga and Ngakaramajong).
Objectives
The objectives of the assignment are:
- To review all relevant documents relating to this project in the conceptualization and implementation of this consultancy.
- To collaborate with other stakeholders, to identify relevant themes and topics for writing the drama script minding about gender equality and inclusion aspects.
- To write the 24 drama episodes in English.
- Translate the written episodes from English to the 12 languages (Luganda, Runyankore, Rutoro, Rukiga, Runyoro, Acholi, Lugbara, Langi, Ateso, Lumasaba, Lusoga and Ngakaramajong)
- To Identify suitable voice actors and produce a radio drama in the selected languages for the 12 agro ecological regions (Buganda, Busoga, Bugisu, Teso, Karamoja, Lango, Acholi, West Nile, Bunyoro, Tooro, Ankole and Kigezi)
- To share the final drama produced, for review and testing with listeners.
- To adopt the comments resulting from the reviews and testing activities from the audience.
- Produce a final product that will air on the 12 radio stations in Uganda.
Approach:
The Drama scripts will be written and produced in close collaboration with the FRI Broadcaster Resources and Radio Craft team, Gender Specialist and Other FRI special project partners i.e Aid Environment, Green Africa Youth Organization (GAYO) among others and will require meetings to coordinate and review the activities to ensure the final product meets the key objective of the Platforms project.
Key expected activities:
- Participate in an inception meeting with the FRI team.
- Desk review of Platforms formative research results and other project documents.
- Collaborate with other stakeholders, to identify relevant themes and topics for writing the drama script.
- Identify all relevant themes and topics for the drama series with Gender Equality and Inclusion aspects.
- Confirm audience (youth and girls) preferences (e.g. language, terminologies, humor, socio cultural underpinnings etc.) current knowledge, attitudes and practices related to the CRA.
- Draft scripts for the 24 episodes and present to FRI team and partners for review
- Submit the final reviewed scripts for production.
- Identify suitable voice actors and produce the 24 Radio Drama episodes.
- Test the suitability of the series with relevant audiences in the 12 locations.
Eligibility Criteria:
The Consultant should have substantive experience in writing, translating and producing radio drama for social and behavior change communication projects. Similar work experience in Uganda is required, and the Consultant should have great communication skills and excellent written and verbal skills in English language. The Consultant should also demonstrate capacity for producing radio drama, facilitating storyboarding workshops and reporting of the assignment. The Consultant must have:
- Be legally registered and operational in Uganda
- A University degree in theatre for change or other relevant fields;
- Equivalent practical experience is preferable
- Demonstrated expertise in drama script writing
- Demonstrated experience in radio drama script writing and translation
- Previous experience in the areas of communication for development is an added advantage
- Good experience in using participatory approaches
- Ability to manage the scripting of radio drama for the different target groups and languages
- Ability to work under pressure and produce quality work within a short deadline
- Fluency in English written and oral communication
- Strong track record of working with local communities and stakeholders in Uganda
Application Process:
Interested parties, preferably, organisations, are encouraged to submit their Expression of Interest (EOI), which should include:
- A cover letter
- A technical proposal, comprising the following;
- Curriculum vitae of key personnel/s to be involved,
- A description of the technical approach / methodology for the Radio Drama Script writing, translating, production and how the team will be organized to complete the work.
- Proposed work plan: chronogram of activities, which includes specific dates of activities and responsible persons
- Previous experience: a brief summary of similar or relevant work completed by the consultant.
- Links to samples of previous works completed should be attached.
- Elucidate clearly the experience and technical ability of the consultant to implement the assignment.
- At least two references of past services of similar work carried out, as well as the contacts of the structures with which this work was undertaken.
- A financial proposal showing the estimated cost of delivering the assignment, including details on number of days, fee rates, and other expenses.
Selection Process:
The selection process will involve:
- Initial screening of applications based on eligibility criteria.
- Shortlisting of potential partners for further evaluation.
- Interviews and discussions with shortlisted candidates to assess their suitability.
- Final selection based on the quality of proposals, experience, and potential impact.
How to apply
APPLICATIONS
Farm Radio values diversity of expertise and inclusion of organisation, and welcomes applications from all organisations that meet the qualifications. Reasonable accommodations are available upon request in all aspects of the recruitment process. To submit your application, send your expression of interest to [email protected] with a copy to [email protected] with the subject line ‘Radio Drama for Green Leaf Radio Programming’. Only those organisations selected for the next stage will be contacted. No phone calls please.
More Information
- Job City Uganda
