Job Title: Sound Engineer 

Team Leader: No

Department: Production, Studio

Location: Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania

Work Remotely: No

Travel Required: None

Position: Full Time
Reports To: Studio Coordinator 

Contract Type: Project

Organization: Ubongo Learning 

Benefits: Applicable

Number of posts: 1 

 

UBONGO is Africa's leading producer of kids' edutainment. As a non-profit social enterprise, we create fun, localised and multi-platform educational content that helps kids learn, and leverage their learning to change their lives. Ubongo reaches millions of families across Africa through accessible technologies like TV, radio and mobile phones. Our show’s Ubongo Kids and Akili and Me currently air in 31 countries across Africa, in Swahili, English, French, and Kinyarwanda. We are currently adapting the shows to even more languages including Kikuyu, Luo, Yoruba, Hausa, Igbo, and Twi. This is a great time to join an organisation that’s rapidly growing across the continent, and work with a creative and impact-driven team committed to reaching as many families in Africa with life-changing edutainment. 

 

We’re looking for a competent Sound Engineer who is knowledgeable about different audio recording and editing techniques, possesses a creative mind and a good ear to record, edit and mix music and audio for our productions. Working at Ubongo won’t be easy, but it will challenge and excite you with lots of responsibilities, plenty of fun, and give you the opportunity to impact the lives of millions of kids every day. 

We’re looking for a dynamic, creative, and flexible Sound Engineer to expand and improve our Studio sub-department. You’ll work closely with our Studio Coordinator and Head of Production to set up and operate sound equipment in recordings to ensure the best acoustic result.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Record highest quality audio with actors 

Main Activities:

• Setting up and testing sound equipment at least one hour before the recording session starts. 
• Verify script in google drive and what character is to be recorded at least one hour before the recording session starts. 
• Create project files and name/rename tracks accordingly. 
• Monitor Audio quality via headphones/studio monitors during recording sessions and work to perfect the audio before releasing the voice actor. 
• Use scripts to double-check the recorded audio to see whether it is 100 percent perfect.
• Double-check the naming format if it is correct, if yes, save properly the recorded audio in the studio drive, if not, rectify and save.  

 

• Edit sound files for voice tracks and music in Logic Pro X

Main Activities:

• Confirm if there are no changes made on the script and if it matches with the script used during the recording session.
• Note in the appropriate sheet if there are any anomalies in the audio and notify the Studio Coordinator. 
• Use scripts to review the edited audios and rectify the same where need be.
• Save the edited audio in the studio drive and upload the same in the appropriate google drive folder.  
• Inform the Studio Coordinator once the audio is uploaded in Google Drive and comply with communication norms.

 

• Mix music, voice, and other audio files

Main Activities:

• Ensure you have the final version of the project file
• Put a constant gain to all audios in the project file to bring the average amplitude to the desired level.
• Enhance the sound quality and add sound effects to recordings
• Review the mixed audio and improve it where needed to guarantee the highest quality and consistency in the standard set. 
• Prepare and upload dubbing materials/packages for episodes
• Adapt audios to create radio content

 

• Sound Designing

Main Activities:

• Ensure you have the final version of the animation. 
• Work with the Animation team to synchronize video with audio tracks. 
• Create auditory elements of layers of sound and music tracks.
• Review the sound-designed project with the Studio team before uploading it to ensure the highest quality and consistency in the standard set.  
• Share the reviewed project with the Studio Coordinator
• Follow up regularly to see if there are any comments and technical audio queries to your project and work to resolve them immediately.
• Prepare and upload the dubbing file of the final sound-designed project.

REQUIREMENT:

KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE, and QUALIFICATION

 

ESSENTIALS:

 

• At least 3 years of experience in sound engineering, music composition, and mixing and mastering audios.
• Technical expertise in sound engineering techniques (e.g. studio and outdoor recording, editing, arranging, mixing, mastering).
• Competent in sound designing and foley recording.
• Working knowledge of digital audio workstations (e.g. Logic Pro, Cubase, Pro Tools, Adobe Audition) and hardware.
• Ability to use live music instruments (eg, guitar, piano, etc).
• Be fluent in written and spoken English and Kiswahili.
• A team player with excellent communication skills.
• Creativity and excellent attention to detail.
• Able to work under minimal supervision. 
• Problem-solving abilities. 
• Excellent hearing and manual dexterity. 
• Flexible and always willing to learn new skills.
• Honest, trustworthy, transparent, and conscientious.
• Have a passion for UBONGO’s vision of using media to transform education in Africa
• Someone who loves kids. They’re why we do what we do. They’re running around our office all the time. Our kids’ music and videos will become part of your life (and constantly stuck in your head).
• Be willing to wear many hats!

 

PREFERRED:

 

• Ability to direct voice actors during recording sessions.
• Experience in creating radio content

Phew! You made it through that. The good thing is that there are also perks, like delicious healthy lunch at the office, health insurance, and you get to watch cartoons at work. 

 

Please note that only applicants who apply using this online form will be considered. Those who come directly to the office with a CV or who email their CV to us will simply be referred back to this online form. 

 

So please save yourself time and effort by simply sticking to this form. THANKS!