Scriptwriter

Job description

Reports to: Country Manager

Start date: Flexible

Term: Consultancy

Based in: Lusaka, Zambia

Salary: Per script fee negotiable

Application deadline: 30th October 2026

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, 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, DFID, Comic Relief, the Global Innovation Fund, Unorthodox Philanthropy, and the Mulago Foundation.

We are an innovative and rapidly growing 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. Our ethos is non-hierarchical: all our staff are intellectually high-powered, and we have a “best idea wins” culture. By working at DMI you will have a genuine, measurable impact on improving lives in low-income countries.

DMI has a permanent presence in Burkina Faso, Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia and also has current or recent projects in Ethiopia. DMI’s headquarters is based in London and provides the strategic direction for the whole organisation.

DMI is ranked as one of the most cost-effective non-profit organisations in the world by The Life You Can Save.

Find out more on our website.

Job description

Development Media International (DMI) Zambia is implementing a campaign to encourage couples to attend all antenatal and postnatal appointments and to encourage parents to seek immediate treatment for children with symptoms of malaria, pneumonia and diarrhoea.

DMI Zambia is therefore seeking to recruit exceptional scriptwriters with a rich, fertile imagination to write memorable and engaging 1-minute radio drama scripts to encourage and promote the adoption of the desired behaviours.

More specifically, the Scriptwriter role will include the following responsibilities:

1. Collaborate with DMI’s creative team to brainstorm, develop and refine script ideas that align with campaign themes and objectives guided by a message brief.
2. Write radio drama scripts that are concise, engaging and emotionally resonant with our target audience (parents and caregivers of children aged 0-5 years).
3. Incorporate feedback from pretesting sessions to maximize clarity and audience impact.
4. Contribute creative ideas for integrating sound effects and music to enhance listener engagement.

Person specification

Required knowledge, skills and experience

1. Proven experience in radio scriptwriting with a portfolio of engaging, memorable work. Less experienced scriptwriters will also be considered if their writing is of a very high standard.
2. Strong writing skills, with an ability to convey clear messages in a concise and compelling way.
3. Ability to create relatable characters, vivid scenes and emotional connections using only dialogue and sound effects.
4. Understanding of local culture and audience, particularly rural audiences.
5. Collaborative spirit and openness to feedback.

Desirable knowledge, skills and experience

1. Familiarity with maternal and child health topics is an advantage.

DMI is committed to equality of opportunity for all staff and applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships.

DMI operates a zero-tolerance policy on sexual exploitation and abuse and is committed to the protection and safeguarding of vulnerable individuals. Where appropriate, successful candidates will undergo background and reference checks. All DMI employees will be required to self-declare prior issues of sexual or other misconduct, termination of past employment, criminal records, and concerns registered with government authorities regarding contact with children.