Job Description

In delivering social science that makes a difference in South Africa and the region, the Research Programmes of the Human Sciences Research Council initiate and undertake policy-oriented research projects and programmes from its offices in Cape Town, Durban, Pietermaritzburg, and Pretoria. Its public-purpose mandate is set out in the Human Sciences Research Council Act of 2008.The Centre for Science, Technology and Innovation Indicators (CeSTII) is a specialist research centre within the Human Sciences Research Council that is dedicated to producing policy relevant research and statistical analysis in the domain of science, technology and innovation. CeSTII has a vision to be a thought and practice leader, as well as, an acknowledged site of excellence in its field and aims to consolidate its position as a value-adding component of South Africas national innovation system.CeSTII seeks to appoint a Freelance Desktop Publishing Consultant, that will be responsible for creating and formatting various types of documentary media. The Consultant will work collaboratively with a small team of editorial professionals, as well as research projects leaders, and be responsible to deliver work of the highest quality on various deliverables specified in the CeSTII Communication, Dissemination, Visibility and Advocacy Strategy, including CeSTII technical reports, posters, survey reports, fact sheets, infographics, social media artwork, event invitations, diagrams, and bespoke products. The CeSTII CVDA Strategy lead wants to work toward integrating the already coherent, distinctive and impactful visual identity for CeSTII with the HSRCs, underpinned by a strong understanding of brands and how they are developed and maintained. The visual identity must be very striking and differentiate the CeSTII and HSRC from other research projects in the field, while adhering to HSRC corporate branding requirements at all times. The appointment of a Consultant is being undertaken to ensure these goals are met, that design memory is retained, and to reduce the risk of fragmentation and inefficiency.Freelance Desktop Publishing ConsultantRef No: Freelance Desktop Pub Con-05/2024Minimum Requirements

• Bachelors degree or diploma in graphic design, journalism, or a related field will be advantageous
• At least eight years of desktop publishing experience on a freelance basis or in an academic publishing design studio
• Proven experience as a Desktop Publisher or a similar role (e.g. Graphic Designer)
• Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, etc.)
• Knowledge of photography, typography, layout, and colour theory
• Outstanding attention to detail
• Excellent time and process management skills
• Ability to work on both Mac and PC platforms
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Familiarity with print production and prepress processes
• Experience in Litho & Digital Printing Industry
• Ability to work under pressure
• Large format printing knowledge will be an advantage
• Ability to work effectively with an editorial team, with product teams working at different speeds and with product leaders at different levels of know-how of design and layout intricacies
• Ability to liaise with, and advise, print and digital partners about final product specifications.
• Ability to deliver on time, every time, at high quality, under pressure, and within budget.
• Possess an extremely high attention to detail, particularly graphic design detail.
• Impeccable written and spoken communication.
• Advantageous: Applicants that are able to demonstrate that they have worked on products (for example, detailed statistical or technical research reports) directly related to the core business of CeSTII.

Duties & ResponsibilitiesKey responsibilities will include:

• Format and layout documents according to brand guidelines
• Create visually appealing graphics, images, and illustrations to enhance documents
• Proofread and edit documents for grammar, spelling, and consistency
• Collaborate with marketing and design teams to ensure brand consistency across all materials
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously and prioritize workload
• Stay up to date with industry trends and best practices in desktop publishing
• Conduct quality checks to ensure accuracy and adherence to corporate standards.

Additional Information:

• The number and frequency of publications and marketing materials will vary over the two-year contract period. There will be peak and quiet periods, with the peak periods expected to arise during the first and second quarters of the calendar year.
• The contract for the above services will begin on 1 July 2024 and end on 31 June 2027, with renewal subject to budget and performance requirements being met.
• The contract value is defined as fixed and cannot be exceeded.
• As part of the application process, consultants must submit a carefully selected portfolio of evidence of relevant work completed between January 2022 and December 2023.

The HSRC offers attractive, market-related packages depending on qualifications and experience.Applications should include: * A cover letter of motivation indicating your area of expertise, your suitability for the position, and the position you are applying for.

• A detailed CV which should clearly indicate your highest qualification; and details of your citizenship.
• The details of three recent referees with telephone number, email, and institutional affiliation.
• A Certified ID copy and copies of your Qualifications.
• A carefully selected portfolio of evidence of relevant work completed between January 2022 and December 2023.

The HSRC will only consider applications that comply with the above requirements.Please register and submit your application on-line atApplication Instructions:

• Candidates can make use of their mobile devices or any browser to register on the Neptune recruitment site, as well as to make application for available vacancies;
• Candidates will be prompted to upload their documents;
• Attachments must be less than 1MB (here is an on-screen option to resize);
• The Neptune system will only allow you to upload 1 attachment. Please ensure that all documents are merged into 1 file before uploading.

Enquiries about the nature of the position, and NOT applications, may be directed to Mr Gerard Ralphs emailFor further information about the HSRC or the post, please consult our website .The HSRC is committed to accelerating the improvement in the proportion of its staff complement who are SA Citizens, black, female or disabled.Closing date: 27 May 2024. We encourage applicants to submit applications prior to this date. Applicants who have not been contacted within eight weeks should assume that their application has been unsuccessful. Only applicants who are interviewed will be advised of the outcome of their applications.The HSRC reserves the right not to make an appointment.APPLICATIONS FROM RECRUITMENT AGENCIES WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED

HSRC