Editorial Assistant

About the Position

We are on the lookout for an enthusiastic wordsmith with a keen eye for detail, basic copy-editing and proofreading skills, and the ability to multi-task and adhere to tight production deadlines without flinching under pressure. If you fit the bill, this could be the opportunity for you to join a leading think tank at the forefront of applied economic and policy-based research, as an Editorial Assistant.

The National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER) is India’s oldest and largest independent economic think tank, set up in 1956 to inform policy choices for both the public and private sectors. Over the past 65 years, NCAER has served the nation well with its rich offering of applied policy research, unique data sets, evaluations, and policy inputs to Central and State governments, corporate India, the media, and informed citizens. It combines rigorous economic analysis and policy outreach with deep data collection capabilities, particularly for large-scale household surveys. As an increasingly networked institution with a growing number of overseas and domestic non-resident, visiting researchers, NCAER maintains extensive research links in India and outside.

The Editorial Assistant will assist the Editor in curating, compiling, and producing the institution’s diverse knowledge products, including journals, project reports, Annual Reports, working papers, policy briefs, newsletters, and website and social media content, as well as any other assignments that may arise from time to time. S/he will be a keen learner with strong English language, communication and inter-personal skills, and the capacity to work both independently as well as under guidance and as part of cohesive institutional teams.

Key Roles and Responsibilities

The Editorial Assistant will provide support in the following tasks being undertaken by the institution:

• Copy-editing of research outputs, including journal articles, reports, papers, newsletters, and manuscripts for publication, among others.
• Proofreading of materials before and after submission to press.
• Interacting with faculty and stakeholders to compile and collate material for publication.
• Producing error-free print and digital content in a time-sensitive manner.
• Generating content for social media and the website based on the institutional research and outreach activities.
• Preparing communication outputs for advocacy and policy events, including invites, press releases, and social media dissemination.
• Performing any other tasks or activities emanating from the institution’s mission of carrying out evidence-based primary and secondary research.

Requisite Skills

• Written and verbal proficiency in the English language, including use of grammar and syntax.
• Acumen for attention to detail for identifying and rectifying errors in all types of literature to ensure accuracy and consistency of content.
• Competence in usage of MS Office, PowerPoint and other editing and writing digital tools.
• Awareness of US and UK editing styles and nuances.
• Familiarity with various style guides for textual and reference citations in research.
• Willingness to learn and ability to work as a team player.

Qualifications and Experience

• A University degree in Economics, English Literature, Mass Communications, Journalism or related field from a reputed institution.
• 1-3 years of relevant professional work experience, including copy-editing and writing of company literature. Experience of having worked on economics data and research projects would be an advantage.
• Freshers with a Master’s degree and exceptional writing and editing ability will also be considered.
• All candidates will be expected to undergo a copy test.

Compensation

A competitive salary commensurate with NCAER policies, and experience and skill sets of the candidate. The organisation offers ample opportunities for growth and career advancement for deserving candidates.

Appointment Term

The appointment will be for three years, renewable based on satisfactory performance.

How to Apply

Interested applicants should send the following to hr@ncaer.org by 8^th May 2023 with the subject line “Application for Editorial Assistant”. The position will remain open until filled.

• A detailed CV, along with the names and contact details of three references;
• A portfolio containing a few samples of edited and writing work; and
• A cover letter delineating why the candidate is suitable for this post, and what s/he would bring to the institution.