Job Vacancies at HSRC

Job Advert Summary    

In delivering ‘social science that makes a difference’ the Research Programmes, Units, Institutes and Centres of the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) undertake policy-oriented research from its offices in Pretoria, Cape Town, Durban and Pietermaritzburg.  Our public purpose mandate is set out in the Human Sciences Research Council Act of 2008.

The Publishing unit of the Human Sciences Research Council requires the services of freelancers in the various functions below. The names of successful applicants will be placed on a database, which signifies that the freelancer has been approved by HR in terms of the criteria required for the particular function and is therefore employable. It does not, however, signal the existence of a contract or even a guarantee of work. Work will be assigned directly to freelancers by the relevant Editorial Project Managers on a project-by-project basis, depending on the project requirements and freelancer availability, and will include a project specific brief. The database will be valid for the period 01 November 2023 to 31 October 2026. Time frames and remuneration will be project specific.

Digital Image Enhancement

 Ref No:07/2023

The Publishing unit of the Human Sciences Research Council requires a freelancer to digitally enhance the quality of photos and artwork so that the technical specifications for publication are met. In addition to the responsibilities and requirements set out below, there may be a project-specific brief.

Minimum Requirements    

• Proven experience in working with the relevant technology
• Attach a portfolio of your work
• In your CV, include a list of publications in which your work has been published (state publisher and date of publication)
• Include examples of pre- and post-digitally enhanced artwork

Duties & Responsibilities    

• Enhance the quality of artwork, including archival material, by means of Photoshop and/or other relevant technology.
• Implement the feedback from the project manager.
• Once signed off, submit print ready files in JPEG or TIFF or another agreed file format.

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Copy Writer  Ref No:07/2023

The Publishing unit of the Human Sciences Research Council requires a freelance copy writer to provide high quality marketing content for its scholarly publications. In addition to the responsibilities and requirements set out below, there may be a project-specific brief.

Minimum Requirements    

• Proven experience in copy writing
• In your CV, include a list of advertorial copy and/or promotional material where you were responsible for the content.
• Attach three diverse examples, e.g. one report, one advertorial, one media overview

Duties & Responsibilities    

• Generate content for advertising, marketing or promotional material and shape the content for specific audiences such as media overviews, advertorials and editorials

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Book Reviewer (Non-Fiction)  Ref No:07/2023

The Publishing unit of the Human Sciences Research Council requires a freelance non-fiction book reviewer for its scholarly publications. In addition to the responsibilities and requirements set out below, there may be a project-specific brief.

Minimum Requirements    

• Proven experience in reviewing a minimum of THREE non-fiction trade book manuscripts
• In your CV, include a list of relevant projects, including publication date and publisher, but do not exceed twenty items
• Include two to three examples of book reviews you have done
• A major in English language/literature/linguistics or a tertiary qualification in any of the social- or health sciences would be an advantage but is not essential

Duties & Responsibilities    

• Using the manuscript supplied, submit a report (one to two pages) on the quality and publishing viability of the manuscript under consideration.
• Assess, among other issues, the tone, style, content, structure and clarity of the argument.
• Suggest remedies for identified shortcomings

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Editorial Project Manager  Ref No: 07/2023

The Publishing unit of the Human Sciences Research Council requires a freelance editorial and production project manager for its scholarly publications for its database. In addition to the responsibilities and requirements set out below, there may be a project-specific brief.

Minimum Requirements    

• Proven experience in project management of a minimum of FIVE academic and/or general non-fiction trade book manuscripts
• In your CV, include a list of relevant projects, including publication date and publisher, but do not exceed twenty items
• A major in English language/literature/linguistics or a tertiary qualification in any of the social- or health sciences would be an advantage

Duties & Responsibilities    

Using the manuscript and budget supplied, brief and manage freelancers for one or all of the following functions as specified in the brief:

• Cover design
• Editing
• Typesetting
• Proof reading
• Illustrations and/or maps
• Indexing
• Translation
• Permissions
• Draw up schedules
• Quality control each stage of the editorial and production process
• Maintain and submit all administrative records as per the brief