Position of Editor: Terms of Reference

Purpose of the Job: The Editor will be a part of the Communications Team, but work very closely with other research

clusters to ensure that CEPAs standards of research quality are maintained in all of its published

material. The Editor will use the CEPA style guide and writing guidelines, and peer review

mechanisms to facilitate this process. The Editor will periodically review the guidelines to ensure

relevance.

The Editor will direct the publication strategy of CEPA and work with Team Leaders to identify

possible outputs from the ongoing research agenda. The Editor will ensure that CEPAs publications

maintain a balance of outputs between those that increase the body of knowledge and those that

influence policy.

The Editor will work with Sinhala and Tamil staff to ensure that CEPA trilingual policy is met.

The Editor will work to improve the writing capacity of researchers within the organisation.

Main Job Functions

CEPA Publication Strategy and Outputs

o Provide editorial support to CEPA teams on written material; reports, media

articles, blogs, press releases etc.

o Facilitate finalising of reports and other written material

o Coordinate book reviews and any other publication related events, such as book

launches, together with the Manager of the CEPA Resource Centre.

o Maintain a list of printers and liaise with printers, including working with printing

staff regarding layouts, edits and formats

o Strategise, plan and budget the yearly/half yearly publication schedule for CEPA

o Monitor CEPAs publication schedule

o Liaise with research staff on scheduled publications

o Monitor and highlight research areas/studies that can be turned into

communication outputs that are relevant to the external environment

CEPA Guidelines and Style Guide for Writers and Editors

o Refine and update CEPAs existing guidelines and style guide

o Promote and create awareness of these guidelines within the organisation

o Ensure that all CEPA publication processes adhere to these standards

CEPA Research Quality

o Ensure that CEPAs research quality standards are followed in the Reporting Stage

of the Research Cycle

o Coordinate with the rest of the CEPA team to ensure research quality standards are

kept and processes are followed with regard to Reporting.

o Ensure that Guidelines for External Peer Review are followed.

o Ensure that Guidelines for Internal Peer Review are followed.

o Work with CEPA team members to improve their writing skills through mentoring

and assisting in writing

CEPA Website and other online platforms

o Provide editorial support for content on the CEPA, Poverty Portal and Re-imagining

Development websites

CEPA Media Strategy

o Review and edit any press material developed by CEPA teams

o Coordinate with Sinhala editor to ensure that all Sinhala media articles are reviewed

and edited before publication

CEPA Website and other online platforms

o Work with CEPA teams to develop revised and/or new content for the CEPA website

CEPA Media Strategy

o Review and edit any press material developed by CEPA teams

Related activities

o Provide support to members of the Communications team and other CEPA teams on

a mutually agreed basis

Working Environment CEPA provides a pleasant physical working environment, with sufficient resources to carry out the job and constructive support from a team of highly motivated professionals.

Equipment and other Resources needed to do the Job

Staff support, work space, Computer and connectivity support

General Education and Experience Educational qualifications and skills:

Essential

Advantageous

BA in English, Sociology, Classics MA in the Social Sciences or English or in the Publishing fields

Excellent English language and writing skills skills

Training in Editorial and Communications

Experience:

Essential

Desirable

Work experience in the editorial, publishing fields

Knowledge of the printing, publishing industry

Excellent organisational skills Knowledge of social science research Good communication and inter-personal skills

Behavioural Competencies Competency Level Self Motivation Makes additional effort to produce work of more than acceptable

standard, Is enthusiastic in approach tackles all aspects of the job with enthusiasm, Rarely needs reminding of tasks or deadlines

Planning and Organizing Generally delivers work on time, to accurate and well presented standards, Is able to deal with problems as they occur

Knowledge Management Actively participates in professional networks within and outside CEPA, Will frequently offer and circulate information to others, shares contacts and learning, Seeks to expand own use of management information and IT systems to increase personal effectiveness

Conceptual Thinking Has deep understanding of sector, is able to contribute insights and ideas, Is able to develop an idea into a solution

Team work Seeks opportunities to assist team colleagues-seeks synergy, Is effective member of several networks and teams

Managing relationships Sensitive to reasons for others behaviour, Does not take business issues personally

Disclaimer: The information written in this Job Description indicates the general nature and level of work to be performed. This Job Description is not designed to contain or be interpreted as comprehensive of every job duty, responsibility, or qualification required by an employee assigned to this job. While employed in this position, an employee maybe required to perform other assignments not listed on this Job Description.