Commissioning Editor: Education at The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC)

MAIN PURPOSE OF POSITION

• To plan, acquire, commission, research, develop and oversee the production, transmission and aggregation of local children’s programming. Ensure all programmes acquired, produced and delivered are of exceptional quality, within specific channel mandates, brand, market needs and revenue generation. Ensure total adherence to mandate and editorial code of conduct

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Ensure that all programmes acquired are in line with the SABC’s  Education Public and Social Development mandate, SABC Corporate Goals, Editorial Polices and any new licensing conditions
• Manage the value chain of the acquisition of local children’s content across the formats and sub-genres required by the SABC audio-visual platforms
• Provide effective input and support to the development of Local Production’s planning and content strategies based on market & competitive research
• Ensure all programmes acquired, commissioned and produced are done utilizing market research in trends, innovations, meet required mandate targets and revenue goals
• Lead the editorial and creative execution of the programmes  in both linear and digital platforms
• Provide creative and business direction to internal stakeholders towards the promotion, aggregation, broadcast, commercial exploitation and marketing of the programmes
• Editorial oversight of programmes  ensuring that programmes are delivered in line with policies, technical requirements, budget, contractual obligations, quality and channel needs
• Provide programme formats, sub-genres and ideas for tendering
• Develop partnerships with external stakeholders to deliver content quality, innovation and pricing
• Work closely with all commissioned companies in the development and production of programmes
• Responsible for approval of all phases of development, production, delivery and aggregation including but not limited to format bibles, talent, creative execution, production design, key creatives and transmission versions
• Communicate all creative and production information to relevant internal stakeholders for promotion, broadcast and commercialization
• Set all contractual terms and conditions in line with SABC’s policies and procedures and ensure timeous delivery of all contractual obligations, terms and conditions and deliverables
• Ensure Video Entertainment’s universal access strategies are applied to all produced programmes
• Advise the independent production industry of Video Entertainment’s requirements and ensure programmes comply with legal, contractual and copyright requirements.
• Ensure that commissioned programmes meets Channels language requirements
• Regular performance reviews of all content and design, implementation and reporting of target and target improvement
• Assist channels with the scheduling, parental guidance and ICASA reporting on all programmes
• Conceptualise and provide creative input into programmes that generates the required audiences and revenue objectives
• Keeping abreast of industry trends locally and in internationally to inform production strategies in R&D, Development, Production, Post-Production and Aggregation.
• Oversee the channel cost per minute for the production requirements together with Production Management
• Ensure that Production companies deliver productions within approved budget and implement risk mitigation strategies per production
• Manage all cash flow aspects of delivery through the approval against “Delivery Requirements”
• Manage financial risk by ensuring all signed invoices are approved against approved deliveries.
• Monitor and report on the operational risk and compliance matters with regards to all productions.
• Ensure all commissioning processes are followed in terms of proposal evaluations, shortlisting and pitching.
• Approve talent aligned to SABC’s talent strategy, marketing objectives and channel brand and identity
• Ensure all timelines and processes are followed in terms of Standard Operating Procedures within division
• Oversee and report on Occupational Health and Safety matter on productions
• Manage the communication and PR on all programmes in consultation with the producer and SABC Marketing
• Implement Risk Management Plan in line with organizational Risk Framework in relation to all productions.
• Provide monthly production reports on all productions detailed risks, delivery, mandate and editorial matters.
• Ensure that all mandates reporting documentation received by production companies. These include Final Control Sheets (FC sheets), Delivery Requirements Specifications (contract annexure) and language requirements on all productions.
• Foster relationships with business partners through collaboration, coaching, educating and appreciating of business priorities.
• Manage internal and external relationships to support efficient content delivery.
• Address all Broadcasting Complaints Commission of South Africa (BCCSA) complaints.
• Ensure producers’ delivery towards Video Entertainment’s Transformation Plans.
• Provide industry development support when required on productions.
• Seek editorial partnerships with external parties to ensure rigor in terms of cost efficiencies, language, culture, history and environment.

REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s Degree (NQF 7) in Content disciplines / Television production or related qualifications.
• 5 Years television production experience and/or broadcasting experience.
• 3 Years editorial and production management experience in the Educational content genre and sub-genres
• Strong editorial skills and format creation
• Editorial experience in scripted content would be an added advantage
• Knowledge of commissioning processes and the allocation of resources to reach objectives on time and within budget
• Strong understanding of production and broadcast technology
• Good project management skills.
• Ability to act on research and to understand local and global broadcast trends
• Ability to effectively work with clients, suppliers and independent producers
• A good communicator, motivator and problem solver
• PC literacy is essential (Ms Word, Excel and Power Point)
• Ability to work independently and in a team
• A self-starter willing to take the initiative
• Understanding of the broadcasting regulatory framework in South Africa
• Production management, design and finance knowledge
• Ability to strategise in a competitive environment
• A broad understanding of the broadcasting industry with specific knowledge of content in the Public Education
• An understanding of developmental trends in the Public Education sector
• The ability to initiate and drive as well as organise, plan and control is critical to ensure efficient operations
• A keen sense of deadlines is essential
• Must be willing to travel
• Valid driver’s license

Deadline:8th February,2026