Background
The Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre (IDMC) of the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is the leading global monitor and an important advocate for the rights of internally displaced people (IDPs). IDMC provides comprehensive information and analysis on the situation of IDPs displaced by armed conflicts, violence and natural disasters in over 50 countries, with regard to their rights under international law, as restated in the Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement.
Based on its monitoring and data collection activities, IDMC advocates for durable solutions to the plight of the internally displaced in line with international standards, and for an improved protection of IDPs’ rights among national authorities, donor states, international organisations and other stakeholders. IDMC carries out training activities, based on the Guiding Principles and other relevant international standards and policies, to support local, national and regional capacities to provide protection and secure durable solutions for IDPs.
Purpose of the Position
- Develop and ensure adherence to IDMC’s publication standards by all departments
- Responsible for quality and consistency in terms of language, style and presentation of all IDMC publications
- Responsible for supervising the publication process of all IDMC publications, from edition to design, lay-out and printing
Duties and responsibilities
Editing
- Work in close collaboration with internal clients including IDMC analysts, advisors, trainers/legal officers and consultants to edit, draft and proof read English-language reports, leaflets, brochures, online texts and press releases released publicly by IDMC;
- Play an active role in the planning of larger campaigns, such as the annual Global Overview, managing the editorial, production and dissemination of products alongside the head of department
- Compile and edit IDMCs email retention tools such as the IDP News Alert
- Ensure high quality standards and consistency in terms of language and style throughout all IDMC publications
- Participate in developing and promoting editorial and style guidelines and processes to internal clients
Publications
- Oversee entire publication process of all IDMC publications, from edition to design, lay-out and printing
- Sourcing, commissioning and supervising external writers, translators, designers and printers
- Manage the library of all IDMC publications
- Responsible for the distribution of IDMC publications to relevant stakeholders
- In collaboration with the head of department, advise on publication strategies, with regard to format, target groups, publication calendar and dissemination
Other
- In close collaboration with head of department, support IDMC’s press work as well as draft input to press releases and op-eds
- Provide support to the head of department with regards to developing and implementing the IDMC overall communications strategy
- Undertake any other relevant duties or projects delegated by the head of department, which are in line with the responsibilities of the post.
- Participate in external events when required
- Keep track of and report twice annually on publication and dissemination statistics
- Other tasks may be assigned as necessary according to organisational needs
Internal collaboration
- Collaborate with HoDs of Regional and Policy and Research departments to ensure timely and professional country specific inputs to publications and advocacy messages
- Ensure timely delivery against deadlines, in line with the editorial calendar
- Maintain regular contact with all departments to ensure that IDMC’s publication standards are understood and adhered to by all staff
Accountability
- The Publications Editor will be held accountable and be performance appraised against duties and responsibilities outlined in this Job Description
- The Publications Editor will be held accountable and be performance appraised against his or her facilitation of team work and synergies within the department
- The Publications Editor will be held accountable for a well-managed and productive portfolio, with a strong sense of unity and partnership with the rest of IDMC as well as NRC
- The Publications Editor will observe all IDMC and NRC policies, including NRC’s Code of Conduct and IDMC’s Operating Principles
- The Publications Editor will report to the Head of Communications Department
Qualifications
Required
- BA in communications or journalism or other relevant field
- At least 4 years’ experience of editing and publishing/journalism producing a wide range of materials for a wide range of audiences
- Excellent written skills, and a strong command of the English language
- Meticulous attention to detail for checking copy alongside excellent subbing skills
- Ability to communicate effectively at all levels of the organisation
- Internet research skills
- Proven project management skills
- Proactive approach to meeting deadlines and delivering results under pressure
- A self-starter who is able to handle multiple tasks simultaneously and is confident to use his/her initiative
- Excellent time management skills
- Proven experience in commissioning writers, translators, designers and/or printers
- Active knowledge of key international issues
- Flexible, creative and the able to work collaboratively as part of a multicultural team
Desired
- Experience of working on humanitarian and/or development or advocacy issues, or issues related to forced displacement an advantage
- Fluency in French, Arabic or Spanish a distinct advantage.
- Experience of online editorial
- A good understanding of legal and ethical issues surrounding use of pictures in publications
- A background in academic/research based editing
- A legal background and/or familiarity with key debates on human rights and/or international relations a distinct advantage
Application
The deadline for applications is Monday 26 March. Please send a cover letter and your CV by email to: recruitment@nrc.ch
The annual salary offered is in the range of CHF 76,400 and 87,700 gross (100% – 12 months’ salary) depending on education and experience, subject to taxation and social deductions.
Please note that only short-listed candidates will be informed of the status of their application and invited to participate in a written recruitment test.
Please note that IDMC/NRC staff and consultants are subject to Swiss labour and migration laws. Applicants should have a valid work permit or be allowed to work in the Schengen space. For more information on the Swiss work permit regime, please consult the website of the Geneva authorities atwww.geneve.ch/permis