JOB DETAILS:
Background
Many of SoCha’s deliverables are written products, such as reports, briefs, plans, and newsletters. To maintain professional standards, our quality assurance process includes thorough technical review and editing. We also use editing to coach writers who may not have had formal writing training and/or may speak English as a second or foreign language. Following a period of growth, SoCha is seeking additional experienced editors to add to our pool of consultants.

SoCha editors are expected to be able to provide a combined editing service. This means incorporating elements of substantive editing into copy editing, fixing formatting and layout errors, and providing clear explanations to enhance learning and understanding. The aim of the editing process is to create a final document that is a valuable resource for the reader, that meets all client requirements, and that showcases SoCha’s technical excellence and commitment to quality.

To make accurate edits, check facts, and give helpful advice, you will need experience and understanding of one or more international development and humanitarian sectors (such as public health, economic growth, governance, climate change adaptation, gender equity, or water, sanitation, and hygiene). Ideally you will also have experience and understanding of evaluations or other social science reporting, including different data collection and analysis methods and the role of evidence and accuracy. Our main client is USAID, so familiarity with the agency’s style guide and other preferences will be beneficial but is not essential if you have proven ability to learn and apply other style guides.

This is a remote role and with no travel.

Scope of Work
• Provide accurate editing (including formatting) of a range of assigned deliverables. These will predominantly be longer-form reports, but could include shorter documents, such as newsletters, and presentations.
• Consistently apply USAID’s style guide and branding as well as SoCha’s in-house quality assurance tools.
• Provide clear and actionable advice and recommendations on how the writing team can improve the assigned document.
• Meet all agreed deadlines and scopes of work. This will include making accurate assessments of the time needed to complete a task.
• Communicate clearly and promptly with SoCha regarding availability, expectations, scope of work, and other requirements.

Minimum Qualifications and Experience
Essential
• Degree in a relevant subject.
• At least five (5) years editing experience for an international firm or organization.
• Proven advanced Microsoft Word skills.
• Proven ability to follow a style guide and other branding requirements.
• Proven ability to meet agreed deadlines and expectations.
• Proven ability to use editing to build writing and language knowledge.
• Experience working with speakers of English as a second or foreign language.
• Experience with at least one international development or humanitarian sector.
• Experience working in a low- or medium-income country.
• Ability to, occasionally, work at short notice and on weekends.

Desirable
• Professional editing qualification.
• Experience with editing or writing deliverables for USAID.
• Experience providing English or writing training.
• Experience making documents Section 508 compliant.
• Strong Google Docs, SharePoint, and PowerPoint skills.
• Other languages, with a preference for French.
• Other communications-related skills, such a writing or graphic design.
• Located in Africa, Europe, or Asia (for time zone overlap with project offices).