Commissioning editor

Al-Shabaka: The Palestinian Policy Network Commissioning editor
Location Remote (US/Europe/Arab World)
Application deadline 27 July 2020
Contract type Permanent
Hours Part-time
Salary USD27,500-USD32,500
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Al-Shabaka: The Palestinian Policy Network is an independent, non-partisan, and non-profit organization whose mission is to educate and foster public debate on Palestinian human rights and self-determination within the framework of international law.

The role

Al-Shabaka is currently seeking a new commissioning editor. Al-Shabaka content is produced by its 200 policy analysts and guest authors. Its publication schedule averages two policy pieces a month. Al-Shabaka actively communicates the findings of its analysis and its recommendations to the policy community, the media, and the informed public in the form of policy memos and op-eds. The position is half-time and is remote-based, with the editor located in the US, Europe, or the Arab region.

Key roles and responsibilities

The Commissioning Editor works with Al-Shabaka staff to undertake the following functions:

  • Edit material in the Al-Shabaka style, ensuring accuracy, flow, logic, topical hook, and maximum accessibility
  • Commission and secure flow of topical, quality material from Al-Shabaka’s policy network, drawing on members’ areas of expertise
  • Review material and organize peer reviews
  • Handle exchanges with authors
  • Organize and/or review translation into Arabic (or vice versa)
  • Prepare pieces for publication and dissemination
  • Assist in the development of measures to track the influence of policy materials
  • Maintain Al-Shabaka’s publishing guidelines and style sheet
  • Work with established contract editors and train and mentor new contract editors
  • Staff the Al-Shabaka editorial committee, which provides guidance on content and supports in outreach and editorial tasks as appropriate
  • Transform pieces into a variety of additional formats, including executive summaries, policy memos, and op-eds
  • Work with partners to get op-eds and other policy materials placed in the media and public sphere

Experience and skills

  • Excellent English writing/editing skills
  • A proven track record as an editor, preferably with at least 10 years experience editing for think tanks, non-profits, or academic institutions
  • Grounding in and first-hand knowledge of the Palestinian question, including understanding of the politics and, to the extent possible, lived experience
  • Working knowledge of Arabic; advanced Arabic skills a plus
  • Excellent time management skills and reliability

Other useful information

Please email your resume to [email protected] with your name and the title of the position in the subject line. Deadline: July 27, 2020. Please also include a cover letter providing additional information regarding your work as it relates to this position as well as why you would be interested in working for Al-Shabaka.