Vacancy Dabanga: External Content and Commercial Sales Lead Collapse

About Dabanga

Dabanga is a national, independent, Sudanese news and information broadcaster. Founded in 2008 to report on the Darfur crisis, Dabanga has expanded to provide coverage of all corners of the country. Via shortwave radio, satellite television and online platforms, Dabanga has gained a widespread and diverse audience, and has a particular strength in serving marginalised and hard-to-reach communities. When the 2019 ‘people’s revolution’ brought about the end of the al-Bashir led regime, Dabanga was at the forefront to broadcast trusted news and information. Today within the context of the current situation in Sudan, with operational support from Free Press Unlimited in the Netherlands, Dabanga is providing a platform to ensure democratic accountability, with grassroots coverage of social, economic and political issues.

As Sudan works for peace and transitions to democracy, Dabanga is committed to serving as a vital information and communication loop between citizens and those in power. Dabanga’s programming is focused on educating and informing people about democracy, providing a space for informed debate, and holding those in power to account. Radio programmes are broadcast via shortwave and satellite TV in Arabic to Sudan. News articles are written in Arabic and English, published daily on Dabanga’s website, social-media channels, and distributed via WhatsApp groups. Through its network of stringers, reporters and sources in Sudan, Dabanga produces daily news and talk-based shows about politics, human rights, health, gender, youth, transitional justice, and civil society.

Funded by donors around the world, a key strategic goal of Radio Dabanga is to develop a sustainable business model that allows Dabanga to follow its vision and mission, enabling all citizens across Sudan to exchange knowledge, news, and information. This means diversifying its income streams and income generation through commercial sales. To provide a more diverse offering, Dabanga would also like to expand its broadcast programming to include external content sourcing and curation.
 

Your role

As the External Content and Commercial Sales Lead at Dabanga, you will play a pivotal role in executing our station's external content strategy and driving revenue through commercial sales initiatives. This multifaceted position requires a dynamic individual with a passion for broadcasting, strong digital skills, and drive to convert sales and develop content. You will serve as the central point for all commercial and external content, possessing a keen eye for quality content and a strong sales drive, along with the ambition to enhance Dabanga’s strategy.

The position is based in the office in Amsterdam. Candidates who have experience with and knowledge of the Sudanese context are preferred. You must have work authorization in your location that does not require sponsorship from Dabanga.
 

What you will be doing

1. External Content and commercial Strategy implementation: you will be central in the implementation of a commercial and external content strategy that aligns with our station's, satellite channel and online platform’s brand and objectives. You will have space to implement the strategy from the ground up.

2. Content Partnerships: Identify and cultivate strategic partnerships with external content creators, influencers, and organizations to enhance our station's programming, build commercials and broaden our audience reach. Overseeing the sourcing and curation of compelling content for broadcast, podcasts, social media, and other digital platforms in close collaboration with the Head of Programmes and Head of Online.

3. Commercial Sales: Drive revenue growth through the sale of advertising airtime, sponsorships, and promotional packages to businesses and advertisers. Develop and maintain strong relationships with clients and advertising agencies to maximize sales opportunities.

4. Market Analysis and Insights: Stay informed about industry trends, audience preferences, and competitive landscape to identify new opportunities for revenue generation and content development.

5. Budget Management: Collaborate with senior management to develop and manage budgets for content production and commercial sales activities, ensuring efficient allocation of resources and adherence to financial targets.

6. Collect feedback and continually monitor commercial and external content to ensure it is clear, understandable, and making an impact, providing insights to management, client and editorial team.

7. Review content created by clients ensuring they are in keeping with our commercial and editorial guidelines, processes and standards.

8. Participate in all team meetings, workshops, strategy sessions, regular communications, etc., as established by the team leadership.
    

What we are looking for

• Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business Administration, Communications, or a related field. University of Applied Sciences/University level of working and thinking.

• Experience of at least 5 years in broadcasting, content development, and commercial sales or business development.

• Comprehensive understanding of advertising sales principles, negotiation techniques, and market dynamics.

• Affinity with journalism and press freedom; experience working in an international environment.

• Outstanding communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.

• Aptitude for building and nurturing relationships with key stakeholders.

• Innovative thinker with a strategic mindset, capable of devising creative solutions to boost revenue growth and audience engagement.

• Proficiency in MS Office Suite and CRM software.

• Experience in international media development and familiarity with the African media landscape would be advantageous.

• Strong verbal and written communication abilities in English; fluency in Arabic is a plus.

• Demonstrated commercial mindset focused on achieving targets.

• Positive attitude, resilience, and ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively.

• Flexibility, adaptability, and proactive problem-solving approach.
   

What we offer

• Part time, 16 hours per week.

• Initial fixed-term contract with Dabanga Foundation for 12 months, with the potential for a permanent position based on performance and continued funding.

• Work at our vibrant creative hub located in Amsterdam or hybrid home office.

• 25 days of leave per year (full time position), pro rata based on working time.

• Company-provided phone, laptop.

• A good work-life balance; flexible public holidays.

• A vitality contribution.

• A good pension scheme.

• Thrive in a dynamic and collaborative work environment.

• Receive a competitive monthly gross base salary ranging from 1500- €2000 based on experience.

• Additional to base salary, a performance-based commission at 2,5% of converted contract rate.

• Make a meaningful difference in the lives of Sudanese people heavily affected by ongoing conflict.

The salary is dependent upon relevant professional experience (min € 1500,- and max € 2000, gross per month based on a part time employment, excluding 8% holiday allowance). The salary range is €4375 - 4600 full time).
 

Interested?

If you are a motivated and results-oriented individual with a passion for broadcasting and commercial sales, we invite you to apply for the Lead External Content and Commercial Sales position at Dabanga. Join our team and be part of an exciting new venture for our team.

Please apply by sending your English CV and short cover letter (both in PDF format) no later than 30 April, 2024 to Ruth Bezu at ruth@dabangasudan.org. For questions about the position you can contact Brandon Oelofse brandon@dabangasudan.org

We reserve the right to contact selected applicants before the deadline date. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted. If we appoint a suitable candidate before the given closing date, we reserve the right to remove the vacancy from our website before that date.

Dabanga – Radio TV Online is committed to ensuring gender equality, inclusion and diversity within our organisation. People of all gender identities, sexes, sexual orientations, colours, religions, national origins, abilities and age are eligible for this position. An assessment and screening can be part of the selection process. If this is not your dream job, support Dabanga by sharing this vacancy within your network.