Business Development and Communications Unit EDITORIAL SPECIALIST

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Business Development and Communications Unit EDITORIAL SPECIALIST

Employer:
Health Systems Trust
Closing Date:
8 May 2024

Business Development and Communications Unit

EDITORIAL SPECIALIST

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.
APPLICATIONS/ENQUIRIES
Interested applicants should forward a detailed CV, stating the position applied for, together with the names and contact details (telephone numbers and e-mail addresses) of at least three contactable referees, to hr@hst.org.za.
 
PLEASE NOTE:

  • Shortlisted candidates will be requested to submit certified copies of all qualifications and identity documents.
  • Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
  • E-mail users are requested to set the delivery option of their message on both ‘Return Receipt’ and ‘Confirm Delivery’.
  • Correspondence will be limited to shortlisted candidates.
  • All shortlisted candidates will be subjected to reference and credential checks.
  • If you have not been contacted within 30 days of the closing date of this advertisement, please accept that your application has been unsuccessful.
  • HST reserves the right to not fill this position.

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS:  8 May 2024

HEALTH SYSTEMS TRUST PROMOTES EMPLOYMENT EQUITY.

People with disabilities are encouraged to apply.