Organisational overview
Afrobarometer (AB) is a pan-African, nonpartisan, nonprofit research organization that measures the political, economic, and social atmosphere in African countries. Guided by the vision of a world in which Africa’s development is anchored in the realities and aspirations of its people, AB provides high-quality data and analysis on citizens’ evaluations and experiences of democratic governance and quality of life. This is provided as a public benefit and is freely available to policymakers, policy advocates, civil society organizations, academics, news media, donors and investors, and ordinary Africans. Launched in 1999 in 12 countries, AB has completed more than 375,000 interviews in nine survey rounds in up to 42 countries. Round 10 will begin in late 2023.
AB conducts face-to-face interviews in the language of the respondent’s choice with nationally representative samples. Effective analysis and communication of survey findings, as well as capacity building for survey research, analysis, and communications skills, are integral parts of AB’s work. Among AB’s key achievements is proving that public attitudes research can be conducted even in fragile, post-conflict, and closed political environments in Africa; legitimating public opinion as a pillar of African governance and development decisions; and building a network of researchers that has earned the reputation as the go-to source for reliable data on what Africans are thinking.
ROLE OVERVIEW
Afrobarometer public attitude surveys give voice to ordinary Africans in policy-making processes on the continent. Communicating AB survey findings to the policy community and beyond is therefore a core objective of the Network. AB publications – including news releases, media briefings, dispatches, policy papers, working papers, blog posts, summaries of results, updates, and special and ad hoc publications – are one of the key means for sharing results. Most of
these documents are produced and released in English or French or both languages; a few are produced and released in Portuguese and Arabic. It is critical that these documents be produced, edited, and published in a timely way; that they consistently reflect the highest standards of accuracy and quality; and that they effectively represent the AB brand.
One of AB’s objectives is to increase the number and scope of its analytical outputs in order to reach new audiences while expanding the pool of AB-published authors. The network publishes its findings at many levels of analysis – from press releases, blog posts, and basic descriptive analyses to more advanced statistical analysis, including book chapters and journal articles –
and seeks to train and mentor authors working toward publication at many different levels.
The Afrobarometer Senior Editor will work with the Afrobarometer Publications Manager and Assistant Editor to ensure that these publication goals of the Network are met. The role will encompass a wide range of tasks, from editing and production work to the development of new outputs, identification of new outlets and publication opportunities, and mentoring of authors at a wide range of skill levels. In addition, the Senior Editor will work with others in the Network to
foster the increasing production of publications by the Network’s staff and its National Partners.
The Senior Editor will report to the Afrobarometer Publications Manager as part of the Network’s Analysis Unit. S/he will also work closely with other AB staff on the surveys, communications, fundraising, and capacity-building teams.
The Senior Editor may work remotely, although occasional travel, usually to various locations in Africa may be required.
MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Working with the support and oversight of the Publications Manager, and in collaboration with the Assistant Editor and other members of the communications and analysis teams, the Senior
Editor will be responsible for:
• Contributing to the senior leadership of the ever-growing Afrobarometer publications program. When the Publications Manager is absent, the Senior
The editor will have primary responsibility for all AB publications.
• Managing the production process for AB publications, including reviewing, editing, and formatting documents and, when necessary, coordinating reviews by other members of the Network and/or external reviewers, to ensure that all publications are consistent with Afrobarometer guidelines and templates and meet overall quality standards for content
and presentation.
• Preparing selected AB outputs, such as news releases, blog posts, newsletters, media articles, and related material.
• Verifying the accuracy and relevance of basic descriptive data reported in various AB publications as part of the review/editing process.
• Mentoring selected authors to help them through the process of finalizing and publishing their work, and promoting the production of advanced-level publications by Afrobarometer staff, AB National Partners, and participants in AB training courses (webinars, AB summer schools, etc.).
• Tracking the production, review, revision, and publication of each type of publication to ensure that publications move from initial production to publication in a timely way, and to facilitate effective tracking and reporting on outputs.
• Coordinating translation of selected publications for multi-language publication.
• Identifying new outlets and formats for AB data and analysis, and leading the
conceptualization, design, and production of new Afrobarometer analysis and
communications products.
• Helping to develop or update templates for various publications, in collaboration with the Publications Manager, Assistant Editor, and members of the Communications Team to ensure that Afrobarometer publications reflect network branding and content standards.
• Developing and helping to implement media and social media campaigns (including writing posts/tweets, drafting news releases, etc.), in collaboration with the communications and analysis teams, to support the dissemination of survey findings.
• With support as needed, and in collaboration with the communications and analysis teams, developing infographics, charts, and other materials to enhance dissemination of survey findings.
• Coordinating with the AB Digital Content Manager for the posting of finalized publications, as well as assisting with the production and editing of the website content, and maintaining an up-to-date version of the website.
• Collaborating with the capacity-building team to develop training and mentoring
strategies and approaches to foster increased publication by Network staff and partners, and occasionally serving as a trainer or resource person for writing workshops and other capacity-building events.
• Working with Afrobarometer’s Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Specialist to identify and develop impact case studies to document the impact of AB’s work, as well as special efforts and achievements of Network staff and partners, lessons learned, etc.
• Contributing to regular and ad hoc reporting on AB’s efforts, achievements, and
challenges, and the preparation of monthly and quarterly newsletters and updates.
• Other duties as requested by the Publications Manager or others.
Qualifications
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
• Fluency in English
• At least 5 years of experience in a relevant position involving extensive writing and editing.
• Strong and demonstrable skills in writing and editing
• Demonstrable capacity to understand and work with quantitative data
• Demonstrable ability to pay close attention to details of language, numbers, style, and formatting
• Ability to work independently and on deadline in a remote work environment
• Ability to work well with others in a multi-cultural environment
• Flexibility and willingness to work on a wide range of tasks
• Strong organizational and time-management skills and ability to manage multiple projects and tasks
DESIRABLE
• Experience with training and/or mentoring new and developing authors
• Professional competency in French is highly desirable, though not required.
• Competency in Portuguese and/or Arabic
• Experience editing work by authors for whom English is not a first language
• African citizenship or heritage
•Interest in and general understanding of development issues and/or democracy and governance issues in Africa
• Creativity in problem-solving and use of language, images, and technology
• Skills in data analysis (or interest in acquiring such skills)
• Skills in data visualization (or interest in acquiring such skills)
SALARY
Afrobarometer will offer a competitive salary based on the skills and experience of the successful candidate.
HOW TO APPLY
The deadline for all applications is 27 October 2023.
PLEASE READ THE MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS CAREFULLY BEFORE APPLYING.
Please send your application to kowusu@afrobarometer.org.
Include your name and position title in the subject field of your email. Example: “[Name Surname] AB Senior Editor.”
DOCUMENTS TO INCLUDE:
1. An up-to-date curriculum vitae with contact details (your email, phone, postal address, and WhatsApp number).
2. If available, a sample of your own writing or of writing to which you contributed
significantly.
3. A personal statement describing:
a. Your interest in the position and in working with Afrobarometer.
b. Evidence of how your skills, experience, and knowledge meet the Selection Criteria (minimum requirements and desirable skills/traits). If you lack experience or evidence in any area listed, please state how you would gain the knowledge or competency needed to succeed in the role.
c. Your availability for the position (notice period in your current role inapplicable) and preferred working location.
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Afrobarometer is an equal-opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or disability status.
We are also proud of our commitment to protecting staff, partners, and other stakeholders from abuse, harassment, and exploitation, and we thoroughly vet all final candidates through rigorous background and reference checks.
