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 finalizing Issue 7 of the Journal.

Start Date: As soon as possible

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 organizations from the Greater Horn of Africa. Founded in 1995, the organization 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 endeavors 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 organization 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.)
• Organize 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 organized
• 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.