Reality TV Show Manager (Producer) - The Hustle-Reality TV Show at Search For Common Ground

Search for Common Ground (SFCG) is an international non-profit organization that promotes the peaceful resolution of conflict. With headquarters in Washington, DC and Brussels, Belgium, Search’s mission is to transform how individuals, organizations, and governments deal with conflict - away from destructive approaches towards cooperative solutions. With more than 600 staff worldwide, Search implements projects in more than 30 countries across the globe.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Reality TV Show Manager (Producer) - The Hustle-Reality TV Show

Location: Abuja, Nigeria
Project Location: Sokoto, Katsina and Zamfara States, Nigeria

Position Summary

• Search is seeking an experienced Reality TV Show Manager who will be responsible for overseeing a 24 month project and TV series titled, ‘The Hustle’, handling all aspects of the delivery of the reality TV show from pre-production to post-production. 
• “The Hustle” is an innovative reality TV show that will  empower diverse youth from Katsina, Zamfara, and Sokoto states; ii) enhance their entrepreneurial skills through positive action; and iii) address some of the root causes of conflict and poverty in the region which will all contribute to improved economic empowerment and stronger social cohesion. 
• The programme will equip young people with the skills and opportunities to create sustainable businesses, while encouraging collaboration across ethnic, religious and social divides to promote a positive image of the youth in these states. 
• By addressing some of the root causes of conflict and poverty in the region, The Hustle seeks to promote economic empowerment and social cohesion, while building a new positive perception of youth.

Background of the Project

• The North West region of Nigeria, particularly Katsina, Zamfara, and Sokoto (KZS) states, faces a complex and multi-dimensional crisis characterized by widespread criminality and violence, socio-economic challenges, and a deteriorating social fabric. 
• Since 2021, the region has become notorious for insecurity, banditry, and kidnappings and is frequently portrayed in a negative light in the media. This constant focus on violence has not only shaped public perceptions, but has also contributed to widening the social divide between northern and southern Nigeria.
• The North is often blamed for security problems that threaten the country, leading to a sense of alienation that further isolates Northerners from the rest of the nation. The situation is exacerbated by deep-rooted poverty, high unemployment, and a significant skills gap, particularly among youth. Many young people lack access to quality education, vocational training, investment, and economic opportunities, limiting their employment and professional prospects and making them vulnerable to recruitment by armed groups and criminal networks. 
• The problem is compounded by the negative stereotypes and mistrust from their elders who, despite young people's resilience and potential, sideline youth, disregard their abilities, and prevent them from playing a meaningful part in society. 
• Despite their resilience and potential, young people often find themselves sidelined, confronted with negative stereotypes and mistrust from their elders who disregard their abilities and prevent them from playing a meaningful part in society. 
• Such social exclusion and conditions exacerbate the cycle of poverty and violence, as young people struggle to break free from the limitations of their circumstances, leading to frustration and perceptions of exclusion which in turn threatens social stability. 
• These problems are particularly acute among youth from marginalized groups such as women and ethnic or religious minorities.
• Search for Common Ground is recruiting for the position of Reality TV show Manager for an anticipated 24-month action, “The Hustle” which will be a reality TV programme designed to capitalize on the positive contributions of young people when supported to work together, address existing conflict drivers within North West Nigeria while fostering healthy competition to demonstrate that while conflict is inevitable violence is not. 
• The Hustle will provide a platform for young people from various backgrounds to come together, collaborate, develop their entrepreneurial skills, and pitch innovative business ideas. It will act as a catalyst for positive change by focusing on the economic empowerment of diverse youth and encouraging collaboration across societal divides. 
• By showcasing the value of collaborative leadership and humanizing the journeys of young Nigerians, especially in the North West, it will break down barriers, promote mutual understanding, and build relationships based on shared goals and aspirations. 
• Through these interactions, the initiative will help shift negative perceptions, highlight the positive contributions of North West youth, foster a sense of unity, and offer new socio-economic prospects. 
• As participants collaborate with a range of stakeholders and benefit from tailored support to bring their projects to fruition, they will gain entrepreneurial experience, navigate complex social dynamics, and change both local and national perceptions of their role in addressing the region's challenges. By highlighting their potential as innovators and contributors to society, the programme will challenge negative stereotypes and foster a more inclusive and optimistic discourse about the region's future. 

The project goal is supported by the following specific objectives:

• Objective 1: Enhance diverse young people's entrepreneurial and peacebuilding agency within their communities.
• Objective 2: Raise awareness of young people's positive leadership and social and economic contributions to their community.
• The project’s expected outcomes include stronger entrepreneurial and peacebuilding skills among participants and increased public recognition of youth as vital contributors to social and economic development. 
• By featuring youth-led business ideas and peacebuilding efforts, the programme will help bridge societal divides, inspire broader social change, and create sustainable business models that address the structural drivers of conflict in North West Nigeria. 
• The programme will be disseminated through a comprehensive media campaign, including TV broadcasts and digital platforms. By combining entertainment with educational content, The Hustle will help to shift perceptions and inspire young people across Nigeria to positively contribute to their communities through entrepreneurship and collaboration. 

Roles and Responsibilities

• Talent Management
• Production Coordination
• Budget Management
• Logistics & Travel
• Communication & Reporting
• Problem-Solving

Overall Show Management:

• Overseeing all aspects of the production process, from pre-production to post-production.
• Ensuring the show is produced on time, within budget, and to the highest possible quality standards.
• Casting and managing contestants, including recruitment, screening, contracts, and on-set support.
• Building and maintaining positive relationships with contestants.
• Addressing any contestant concerns or issues that may arise during filming.
• Coordinating with various production departments, including camera crews, sound engineers, editors, and location managers.
• Ensuring all logistical and operational aspects of production run smoothly.
• Monitoring and managing the production budget, ensuring all expenses are within approved limits.
• Identifying and mitigating potential budget risks.
• Arranging travel and accommodation for contestants and crew members.
• Managing all logistical aspects of filming, including location scouting, permits, and equipment rental.
• Communicating effectively with all stakeholders, including producers, directors, executives, and sponsors.
• Preparing regular progress reports on production status, budget, and any potential challenges.
• Identifying and resolving production challenges and issues effectively and efficiently.
• Maintaining Brand Consistency:
• Ensuring the show maintains a consistent brand identity and tone throughout production.

Deliverables:

• On-Time Production: Deliver the completed reality show according to the agreed-upon schedule and budget.
• High-Quality Production: Ensure the highest possible quality standards are maintained throughout production.
• Contestant Satisfaction: Maintain positive relationships with contestants and address their needs effectively.
• Production Reports: Provide regular progress reports on production status, budget, and any potential challenges.

Qualifications & Experience

• As job descriptions cannot be exhaustive, the position holder may be required to undertake other duties broadly in line with the above key duties.
• Proven experience as a Reality TV Show Manager/Producer or in a similar role within television production and on social media platforms.
• Strong understanding of reality TV formats, production workflows, and industry best practices.
• Excellent organisational, planning, and time-management skills.
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability to motivate and manage a team.
• Excellent communication and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
• Strong budget management and financial acumen.
• Ability to travel extensively as required

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Film/Television Production, Communications, or a related field.
• Master's degree in Television Production, Project Management, or a related field (preferred but not always required).
• Formal training in project management, production management, or related areas.

Core Competencies:

• Demonstrate integrity and promote Search values and ethical standards;
• Promote the vision, mission, and strategic objectives of Search;
• Demonstrate capacity to adapt to a multicultural context, tolerance, and respect for issues related to gender, religion, race, and nationality;
• Proficiency in the use of MS Office 
• Demonstrate capacity in developing concept notes and Terms of Reference for activities and hiring of consultants.

Other Relevant Requirements:

• Good knowledge of the local languages will be an asset.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Flexibility and adaptability in a fast-paced environment.
• Commitment to youth empowerment and community development.
• Organisational skills and attention to detail;
• Ability to respond flexibly to opportunities and requests sometimes with little notice;
• Ability to manage competing priorities in a rapidly changing environment;
• Treats all people fairly without favoritism and solves problems in collaborative ways.

Application Closing Date
22nd May, 2025.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online