Junior Production Coordinator/Editor (On-Site)

Job Description

About the role (on site)

We are seeking a highly organised and detail-oriented Junior Production Coordinator/Editor (Journals Publishing) to join our publishing team. This role is ideal for a recent graduate or early-career publishing professional who enjoys working with complex workflows, maintaining high quality standards, and coordinating multiple stakeholders.

The Junior Production Editor supports the production process from manuscript acceptance through to publication. The successful candidate will coordinate production activities, manage schedules, liaise with external service providers, perform quality checks, and ensure that published content meets AOSIS standards for accuracy, presentation, accessibility, and metadata quality.

This is an onsite role in Durbanville, Cape Town.

Key responsibilities

Production coordination

• Coordinate manuscripts through copyediting, typesetting, proofreading, author corrections, and publication.
  
• Maintain publication schedules and monitor production progress against deadlines.
  
• Communicate with authors, editors, proofreaders, typesetters, and other production partners.
  
• Track manuscripts and production milestones using workflow management systems.
  

Quality assurance

• Review copyedited and typeset files against AOSIS house style and production standards.
  
• Verify the accuracy of author corrections and proof changes.
  
• Perform pre-publication quality checks on PDF, XML, HTML, EPUB, and related publishing outputs.
  
• Escalate quality concerns and workflow issues when required.
  

Metadata and publishing compliance

• Verify publication metadata for completeness and accuracy.
  
• Check author affiliations, ORCID iDs, funding information, references, citations, and acknowledgements.
  
• Support DOI registration and Crossref deposit activities.
  
• Assist with indexing and repository compliance requirements.
  

Workflow administration

• Maintain accurate project records and production documentation.
  
• Prepare routine reports on publication progress and production status.
  
• Process and track production-related invoices and purchase orders where required.
  
• Support continuous improvement initiatives within the publishing workflow.
  

Minimum requirements

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Publishing, English, Journalism, Communications, Information Science, Humanities, or a related field.
  

Experience

• 0-2 years' experience in publishing, editorial coordination, academic administration, content production, or a related environment.
  
• Recent graduates with relevant internships or practical publishing experience are encouraged to apply.
  

Technical skills

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Word and Excel.
  
• Strong document formatting and proofreading skills.
  
• Basic understanding of digital publishing workflows.
  
• Ability to learn publishing and workflow management systems quickly.
  

Advantageous experience

The following will be considered beneficial:

• Experience with scholarly or academic publishing.
  
• Familiarity with Open Journal Systems (OJS), or similar platforms.
  
• Knowledge of XML, HTML, Crossref, ORCID, DOI registration, and scholarly metadata.
  
• Experience working with copyeditors, proofreaders, or typesetters.
  
• Understanding of open access publishing and Creative Commons licensing.
  

Personal attributes

We are looking for someone who:

• Has exceptional attention to detail.
  
• Is organised and methodical.
  
• Can manage multiple projects simultaneously.
  
• Communicates professionally and clearly.
  
• Works independently while contributing effectively to a team.
  
• Takes ownership of tasks and follows them through to completion.
  
• Enjoys process improvement and structured problem-solving.
  

Requirements

Application Instructions

Please submit your CV and a short motivation letter. Please included the names, email addresses and telephone details of three referees we may contact.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Other important information:

• All shortlisted candidates may be required to participate in relevant skills assessments and psychometric tests as part of the selection process.
  
• Applications will only be considered after the closing date or if they comply with at least the minimum requirements.
  
• Ms Hannah Boast hannah@personastaff.co.za, for application-related enquiries.
  
• AOSIS is committed to equality, employment equity and diversity. In accordance with the Employment Equity Plan of AOSIS and its Employment Equity goals and targets, preference may be given but is not limited to candidates from under-represented designated groups.
  
• All candidates who comply with the requirements for appointment are invited to apply.
  
• All candidates agree to undergo verification of personal credentials and criminal and credit checks (if applicable).
  
• AOSIS reserves the right not to fill the advertised positions.
  
• Applicants should be South African citizens, permanent residents with a bar-coded ID, or possess a valid work visa or permit.
  

Requirements
Qualifications and experience Education: Bachelor’s degree in Publishing, Journalism, Communications, English, Humanities, or a related field. Experience: 1 to 3 years in publishing operations, editorial coordination, or administrative support roles. Technical skills: Proficiency in digital tools such as ClickUp, Excel/Sheets, and SharePoint, and familiarity with publishing platforms. Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with professional email etiquette. Attention to detail: Demonstrated ability to manage complex workflows and ensure quality control. Preferred attributes Experience with open-access publishing and Creative Commons licensing. Familiarity with metadata standards (DOI, ORCID, ROR, Crossref). Background in academic institutions, libraries or research administration. Ability to work independently, manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines. Who we’re looking for This role is ideal for someone who is: Systematic: You enjoy administration, following checklists/SOPs, ticking boxes, and making sure nothing falls through the cracks. Reliable: You take ownership of your work and deliver on time without being chased. Process-minded: You want to understand how workflows can be improved – not just follow them. Calm under pressure: You can juggle multiple books, authors, and deadlines with composure. Collaborative: You are comfortable working with editors, authors, and colleagues across departments.