Position: Editorial Coordinator, Women in Islam Journal

Description: The Strategic Initiative for Women in the Horn of Africa (SIHA Network) is looking for a consultant to work with the Women in Islam team in finalising Issue 7 of the Journal.

Start Date: Immediately

Duration: 3 months

Location: Within the Horn of Africa or Remote

INTRODUCTION

The Strategic Initiative for Women in the Horn of Africa – SIHA Network – is a coalition of civil society organisations from the Greater Horn of Africa. Founded in 1995, the organisation advocates for social change and gender equality in the Horn region and works specifically on protecting women’s human rights, promoting women’s access to justice, supporting economic empowerment and activating women’s political participation. SIHA’s secretariat/HQ is located in Kampala, Uganda.

The Women in Islam Journalis published annually by SIHA Network. The journal explores the complexities of gender relations in Muslim communities in the Horn of Africa and beyond. It is devoted to providing a space for Muslims and non-Muslims from all walks of life to discuss social, political, and cultural challenges associated with the intersection of Islamic religion and gender. Women in Islam aims, in particular, to promote alternative, progressive interpretations of Islamic traditions and texts on the topics of gender equality and justice. It endeavours to provide accessible knowledge and argument for the daily struggle of regular women and men against religious fundamentalism.

The journal seeks contributions from scholars and activists from around the world and has as a central goal the presentation of complex ideas in an accessible format. For the posting of Editorial Coordinator, it is essential that candidates bear in mind the fact that the journal is to reflect the voices and concerns of SIHA as an organisation comprised of groups of women and their communities from across the Horn of Africa. The journal is published in both Arabic and English and distributed worldwide.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Editorial Coordinator (EC) is responsible for coordinating the production of the SIHA Journal: Women in Islam. The EC collaborates closely with the SIHA Regional Director to oversee the journal's editorial content and production timelines. This role involves liaising with writers, illustrators, translators, and other relevant contributors, supporting the promotion and distribution of the journal. The EC also ensures that the journal adheres to high-quality standards and achieves optimal readability.

KEY TASKS & RESPONSIBILITIES

Determine editorial content and topics of interests together with SIHA Regional Director
Generate ideas for content and search for relevant articles/reports to adapt or republish
Liaise with existing and potential contributors to collect articles
Review, assess and select submissions together with SIHA Regional Director
Commission articles from in-house and external contributors on identified topics
Supervise, advise and support contributors in the development of articles
Provide content editing, copy-editing and proofreading
Ensure that articles conform to high professional standards and are ready for publishing
Coordinate the translation of articles in English and Arabic
Liaise with artists and illustrators and solicit artwork for the journal
Manage legal and ethical compliance (including copyright compliance)
Supervise the design and printing process
Support the promotion of the journal (communications, launching events)
Assist in the distribution and marketing of the journal (liaise with publishers, etc.)
Attend relevant journal-related events (fairs, launches, etc.)
Organise meetings with contributors, designers, and publishers as necessary
Ensure that deadlines are met by contributors, translators, and designers
Respond to SIHA editorial staff enquiries and calls as necessary

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR PROFILE:

Key skills required:

§ Highly organised

§ Fluency in English with exceptional writing and editing skills

§ Excellent communication and the ability to work with a distributed team and external

§ contributors to the journal

§ Background in journalism, editing or publishing

§ Self-motivated and able to work independently

§ Commitment to women’s rights and equality; understanding of the Horn of Africa

§ region; knowledge of Islam and Muslim cultures

Additional skills preferred:

§ Basic knowledge of graphic design and an understanding of the printing process

§ Training in publishing software

§ Photography skills and experience working with images

§ Knowledge of Arabic.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

To apply, please submit your CV and cover letter using our online form on Airtable via this link: https://airtable.com/appHNyMhgTH7cHVt3/shrhYlGrQkYgI5VLX

All submissions must be completed by Tuesday, 23^rd July 2024.

Due to the urgent need to fill this position, SIHA may reach out to shortlisted candidates before the stated deadline. Given the expected high volume of applications, we will only contact those who are shortlisted.

Strategic Initiative for Women in the Horn of Africa (SIHA) Network jobs

Editorial Coordinator, Women in Islam Journal