Job Vacancy at Health Systems Trust

Job description

PURPOSE:

Health Systems Trust wishes to appoint a Copy and Content Editor who will be responsible for copy and content editing HST’s communication products and reports for internal and external dissemination. This includes publications; project, corporate and research reports; marketing materials; abstracts and other writings destined for publication in professional journals, at conferences, in print and online media. Editorial and writing capacity building support for project staff is also a key part of the role.

The position is based in Durban office; however, consideration will be given for the incumbent to be based in the Midrand or Cape Town offices.

This is a fixed-term contract position, renewable based on funding.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Review and edit funding proposals ensuring high quality copy and content standards to leverage revenue generation.
• Provide editorial services to external fee paying clients where appropriate to contribute to revenue generation.
• Review and edit HST publications including project, research and other corporate reports for internal and external dissemination.
• Review drafts and provide advice to authors of abstracts and other thought leadership outputs for publication and presentation at conferences.
• Review and edit print and online marketing materials to ensure compliance with HST style, high quality, brand fidelity and appeal to target audience.
• Liaise with authors/ commissioning managers to provide editorial feedback, ensure tasks are executed to specification and resolve any emerging queries.
• Contribute to development of systems for efficient work flow management to ensure jobs are completed within agreed timeframes.
• Provide input for regular updating of HST style manual.
• Provide capacity building support for staff including training, coaching, mentoring, development of writing tips and guidelines.

REQUIREMENTS:

Qualifications

Minimum Bachelor’s degree with a major in journalism, communication, English or other relevant discipline.

Experience

• At least 3 years’ experience working as a copy editor, journalist, writer or other related communications role.
• Experience of editing and proof reading publications in the publishing, NGO or government sectors.
• Desktop publishing skills and experience are advantageous.

Competencies and Skills

• Ability to work independently with minimum supervision and in a team
• English language proficiency both verbal and written. Ability to engage with complex public health and other scientific/ technical texts written for diverse audiences.
• Excellent computer skills including MS Office, Adobe Acrobat and other multimedia tools.
• Strong project management skills with ability to multi-task, prioritise and work on several publications / projects simultaneously.
• Good interpersonal and client relationship skills to work effectively with diverse internal and external stakeholders at various levels.
• A valid driver’s licence, willingness to travel and work outside normal office hours.

REMUNERATION

A salary package commensurate with the successful candidate’s experience and qualifications and in line with HST’s Job Grading System will be offered

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 8 May 2017

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Job description

PURPOSE:

Health Systems Trust wishes to appoint an Editorial Specialist to play a leading role in quality assuring HST’s communications products by ensuring that the content, look and feel of publications, reports and marketing materials are of the highest quality. S/he sets professional editorial standards and monitors adherence to the HST Style Manual and corporate brand policy.

The position is based in KwaZulu-Natal, Durban. This is a fixed-term contract position, renewable based on funding.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Contribute to development and implementation of business development and communications strategy.
• Coordinate editorial function including scope definition, capacity allocation, task scheduling and monitoring of work flow.
• Manage outsourcing of editorial services where appropriate and supervising outsourced assignments.
• Provide editorial services for HST’s flagship print and electronic publications, high profile reports, major proposals, high priority promotional materials and to fee paying external clients.
• Engage with authors or commissioning managers including eliciting feedback and resolving queries.
• Regular updating of HST Style Manual and other relevant policies, procedures and protocols for quality assurance.
• Contribute to and support the development of innovative marketing materials to enhance visibility and appeal of HST’s work.
• Originate and support innovative knowledge management initiatives.
• Contribute to HST website refreshment by channelling content in relation of area of work to the Communications Assistant for uploading.
• Contribute to organisational governance processes including planning, budgeting, monitoring and reporting.
• Develop creative ways of encouraging a culture of writing among HST staff.
• Conduct writing workshops/retreats to support thought leadership outputs like journal papers, conference abstracts and presentations.

REQUIREMENTS:

Qualifications

• Minimum Bachelor’s degree with a major in communication, journalism, English, publishing or other relevant discipline.
• Master’s degree will be added advantage

Experience

• At least 5 years’ experience working as a copy writer and/or editor, preferably in the publishing industry and/or in public health within a NGO or government setting.
• Good understanding of public health issues to engage with complex research and implementation texts for mainstream and academic audiences.
• Experience in facilitating training and other capacity building initiatives.
• Ability to use a variety of creative narrative forms to produce outputs for different technical fields.
• Marketing and communications experience.
• Strong project management skills with ability to prioritise and work on several publications/projects at the same time.

Competencies and Skills

• English language proficiency, both verbal and written
• Proven expertise in writing, editing and proof-reading documents with technical content for diverse audiences such as public health professionals.
• Good self-organisation, ability to cope under pressure and meet deadlines
• Good interpersonal and client relationship skills to work effectively with diverse internal and external stakeholders at various levels
• Ability to work independently with minimum supervision and in a team
• A valid driver’s licence, willingness to travel and work outside normal office hours.

REMUNERATION

A salary package commensurate with the successful candidate’s experience and qualifications and in line with HST’s Job Grading System will be offered.

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 12 May 2017