About Zathu Pa Wailesi

The National Youth Council of Malawi (NYCOM) is a statutory corporation established under the National Youth Council of Malawi Act (No. 22 of 1996). The Council’s functions, as outlined in the Act, include:

• Developing, promoting, encouraging, and controlling all forms of youth activities in Malawi
• Registering youth organizations
• Organizing and promoting scholarships for youth workers, members of youth organizations, and officials
• Developing and instituting guidelines for cooperation between the Government of Malawi and stakeholders involved in youth-related programs
• Promoting training courses for youth

NYCOM’s vision is to help build a Malawi where young people can develop their full potential and contribute to sustainable national development. Its mission is to encourage, promote, and coordinate youth development while empowering young people to participate effectively in community development and governance.

NYCOM recently signed a licensing agreement with Girl Effect, a charitable company registered in England and Wales, allowing NYCOM to manage the Zathu brand in Malawi.

Zathu is a youth-focused brand targeting 10–25-year-olds, originally launched in Malawi in April 2017. Zathu programs aim to create positive social norms for girls and boys using storytelling across multiple platforms, including radio programs, music, events, and print products.

Zathu Pa Wailesi (ZPW) is a weekly radio show aired on multiple radio stations. It consists of three segments:

• Drama
• Timve Kwa Inu (TKI) – inspiring real-life stories
• Advice from the Agony Aunt

Zathu also produces digital content shared through its website, SoundCloud page, and Facebook page.

Context of the Role

Zathu is seeking a young and vibrant male Co-Presenter/Producer for the Zathu Pa Wailesi radio program. As a co-presenter, you will work as part of a dynamic production team delivering 30-minute weekly programs.

The role also involves:

• Presenting live during Zathu Pa Wailesi roadshows and events
• Participating in publicity and brand-related activities as a public-facing representative

The position is based in Lilongwe but may require frequent travel to various locations to collect stories and content.

Overall Responsibilities

• Drafting program scripts for Zathu Pa Wailesi
• Leading the conceptualization, scripting, and production of Timve Kwa Inu segments
• Ensuring programs and segments are produced on time and aligned with agreed themes
• Delivering final productions of high technical and editorial quality in line with the Zathu Pa Wailesi brand
• Representing the Zathu brand and its values responsibly at all times

Key Responsibilities

• Developing production timelines and schedules
• Preparing program themes, synopses, and outlines
• Overseeing studio and field recordings
• Presenting Zathu Pa Wailesi talk shows on radio
• Researching new content and conducting interviews

Required Skills

• Radio presentation and interviewing skills
• Fluency in English and Chichewa
• Experience operating recording equipment
• Strong media relations skills
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills
• Scriptwriting for youth radio programs
• Creativity, innovation, confidence, and quick thinking
• Strong computer literacy

Desired Experience

• At least 3 years of continuous radio work in a busy and reputable audio studio

Performance Standards

• Strong forward planning skills
• Ability to meet strict and multiple production deadlines
• Commitment to high-quality technical sound
• Clear understanding and representation of the Zathu Pa Wailesi brand
• Understanding of the social, economic, and cultural influences affecting young people in Malawi

Desired Qualifications

• A degree in Journalism, Media and Communications, Mass Media, or a related field
• Exceptional candidates with a relevant diploma and a proven track record may be considered

Equal Opportunities

NYCOM is committed to equal opportunities regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender, gender identity, or expression.

The organization is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce that reflects and serves the communities it works with.

Safeguarding

Applicants may be required to undertake safeguarding checks. Shortlisted consultants will be assessed against NYCOM’s organizational values at the interview stage. The successful consultant must adhere to NYCOM’s safeguarding policy. NYCOM has zero tolerance for all forms of violence against children, youth, beneficiaries, and staff.

Tax

This is not an employed role. The services of the Co-Host and Producer will be engaged under a service contract on a “works for hire” basis. Applicants are responsible for understanding their tax obligations in line with local tax legislation.

Disclaimer

NYCOM reserves the right to determine the structure of the recruitment process, the number of shortlisted applicants, amend the timetable, or withdraw this tender at any stage without prior notice and without liability to compensate or reimburse any party.

• Drafting program scripts for Zathu Pa Wailesi
• Leading the conceptualization, scripting, and production of Timve Kwa Inu segments
• Ensuring programs and segments are produced on time and aligned with agreed themes
• Delivering final productions of high technical and editorial quality in line with the Zathu Pa Wailesi brand
• Representing the Zathu brand and its values responsibly at all times
• Developing production timelines and schedules
• Preparing program themes, synopses, and outlines
• Overseeing studio and field recordings
• Presenting Zathu Pa Wailesi talk shows on radio
• Researching new content and conducting interviews
• Presenting live during Zathu Pa Wailesi roadshows and events
• Participating in publicity and brand-related activities as a public-facing representative

• Radio presentation and interviewing skills
• Fluency in English and Chichewa
• Experience operating recording equipment
• Strong media relations skills
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills
• Scriptwriting for youth radio programs
• Creativity, innovation, confidence, and quick thinking
• Strong computer literacy

• A degree in Journalism, Media and Communications, Mass Media, or a related field
• Exceptional candidates with a relevant diploma and a proven track record may be considered