At CIVICUS, we recognise the power of effective communication to advance human rights and social justice. CIVICUS exists to defend people power. As a growing global alliance of over 15,000 members in more than 180 countries, we work together to monitor violations of basic civic freedoms, call out the perpetrators of violations and strengthen the power of people to organise by supporting a more accountable, effective and innovative civil society. We strive to promote excluded voices, especially from the global south.
Description of the role
The purpose of this consultancy is to provide editing support to CIVICUS, including (but not be limited to) research reports, either written or commissioned by CIVICUS, country updates for the CIVICUS Monitor platform and other research materials produced by CIVICUS. Additionally, the consultant can be requested to edit research materials published by the EU SEE network of over 80 civil society partners (EU System for the Enabling Environment for Civil Society - Early Warning and Monitoring Mechanism).
Three types of editing and writing will be required (and candidates are to give different rates according to the type of activity required):
* Copy-editing (correction of grammar, vocabulary, syntaxis, punctation)
* Deeper content editing of reports. These reports will need additional thorough editing, including stylistic coherence.
* For CIVICUS written or commissioned research reports, the editor will be required to edit according to CIVICUS' writing and style guidelines, to be provided by CIVICUS' Editor-in-Chief.
* For EU SEE materials, in particular those originally written in French, Spanish or Portuguese, thorough editing might be required for machine-generated translations (Deepl).
* Copywriting, including the drafting and refinement of original content to ensure it is engaging, clear, audience-appropriate, and aligned with the intended tone and messaging.
The successful applicants will be added to CIVICUS' Preferred Supplier List for a period of two years.
The workload required from the editor may depend on CIVICUS' internal research planning and the need for editing services (in particular for EU SEE research products).
Requirements
* Fluency in English and excellent editing skills
* Minimum of five years' work experience as an editor, ideally in the civil society sector.
* Ability to meet clearly defined deadlines.
* Ability to work as part of a team and to work remotely across time zones.
For complete job description and to apply, visit:
https://civicus.org/index.php/component/content/article/8330-terms-of-reference-editor?catid=379&Itemid=2658
HOW TO APPLY:
Interested candidates should email (subject line 'TOR Editor') with their CV, a cover letter illustrating their editing experience, and proposed rates (preferably hourly and day rates), highlighting what kind of editing services can be provided (copy-editing, copywriting, deeper content editing of reports) and writing samples. The deadline for applications is 5 June 2026. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Shortlisted candidates may be required to undertake a practical short editing exercise.
To submit proposals
To submit an expression of interest, please submit the following, with the subject line "Editor proposal- Your Name"
* Budget/cost estimate (Hourly and daily rate)
* CV and list of examples of previous assignments
* Writing samples
* All proposals need to be expressed in USD, unless the consultant is based in South Africa, in which case the proposal needs to be in South African Rand (ZAR)