The Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf) is looking for an experienced Science Communication Officer who will be responsible for the distribution and promotion of Quest science magazine, published by the Academy.
The ideal candidate should be passionate about promoting science education and science awareness , be a competent public speaker, be willing to travel within South Africa and be familiar with school science curricula. Should be able to promote and grow the reach of the Quest magazine through targeted expansion and stakeholder engagement. The candidate should also have good knowledge of websites, social media and online publishing.
The successful candidate will work with the team in the Scholarly Publishing Programme at ASSAf. The magazine has an independent Editor, an Editorial Advisory Board, an ASSAf editorial team, and reports to the Director: Scholarly Publishing Programme.
Background:
Quest – Science for South Africa, is a full-colour, popular science magazine aimed specifically at the youth in school who have an interest in the fields of Science, Technology, Education, Art, Mathematics and Innovation (STEAMi). The focus of the magazine and the position is to spark an interest in science among Grades 8 – 12 learners, undergraduate students, researchers, science communicators and the general public. The magazine is published quarterly, (in print and online) and distributed to selected schools, subscribers and science centers in all provinces.
Purpose:
1. Support and facilitate the production of four issues of the Quest magazine per annum, on a quarterly basis for publication on the last month of each quarter.
2. Drive science engagement through the promotion of science education and science awareness.
3. Promote and expand the reach of the Quest magazine through targeted marketing and stakeholder engagement.
4. Online publishing and promotion of the content of Quest through social media and Quest website.
Main Specifications and Output of the position:
• The Programme Officer: Quest Science for SA will facilitate production and publication supporting the Quest Editor, engagement with the ASSAf Team and the Layout and Design and printing service providers and assist in soliciting content for the magazine and technical aspects as the Editor may require,
• Assist with soliciting input into articles;
• Compilation of curriculum boxes and ensuring content aligns with curriculum;
• Facilitating translations of boxes into different indigenous languages;
• Maintenance of the website, uploading of various content i.e. news, Institutional Repository, videos;
• Creating and maintaining educators and distribution databases;
• Developing partnerships with appropriate stakeholders;
• Seek and implement innovative ideas and practices into the publishing of the Quest magazine;
• Conceptualising and facilitating developmental interventions with scientists, content specialists and researchers to ensure that their research outputs achieve greater societal impact;
• Ensuring that there is an alignment in the implementation of the science engagement strategy.
• Drive science engagement in the context of Quest Magazine with relevant stakeholders.
Skills and competencies
• Promoting science education and science awareness
• Competent public speaker,
• Market and grow the reach of the Quest magazine through targeted expansion and stakeholder engagement.
• Publishing (print and online)
Qualifications
An Honours degree or equivalent in education, science communication, publishing , or related fields. A Masters would be an added advantage.
Experience
Five years of related professional experience in science communication and stakeholder engagement.
The remuneration package for this position will be commensurate with experience and qualifications. All candidates who comply with the minimum requirements are invited to apply. The Academy reserves the right to not make an appointment to the post as advertised.
To apply, please submit a letter of application, a CV and the contact details of two referees, addressed to the Human Resources Manager, via email, to Lynette du Plessis at lynette@assaf.org.za by no later than 30 September 2022.
For more information, contact: Ms. Lynette du Plessis on 0716875241
Correspondence will only be entered into with shortlisted candidates.