In this role, you will review and screen written drafts early in the review process to assess whether they need a substantive edit. Where required, you will substantively edit manuscripts to ensure that review drafts are well-structured, readable and understandable. Following WRI’s Knowledge Product Guidelines and research teams, you will ensure that manuscripts contain essential sections such as an executive summary, an introduction that explains research goals, context and relevance, a clear methodology section, and logically structured findings, discussion and conclusions linked to the questions and analysis presented in the paper.

You will work with program teams on specific publications as a technical writer, contributing to the writing of clear, well-structured drafts that meet WRI’s research standards for KPs.

Screening of draft manuscripts for pre-review

· Screen and review draft KP manuscripts to determine whether they are ready for review in terms of writing: the draft is understandable and readable, standard of written English is acceptable, structure follows WRI guidelines, and contains required sections with essential information provided.

· Provide constructive feedback and mentoring to authors and research teams where writing-related revisions are necessary and can be carried out by research teams themselves, to enhance their ability to edit and strengthen their own work.

Substantive editing of WRI India KPs for effective research communication

· Undertake substantive edits of WRI publications that do not meet research standards. Such editing will involve re-organizing and rewriting to ensure a logical narrative flow; clear, understandable writing; an appropriate tone for the target audience, clear messaging, and overall readability (elimination of jargon and/ or superfluous content, filling in gaps in necessary information, evidence and explanation). Also, substantive editing will also include review of visuals, typically graphical presentation of data, for clarity, readability and relevance.

· Provide light substantive editing services when deemed necessary to strengthen the quality of writing, structure and effectiveness of message communication at the final stages of publication, in addition to copy-editing.

· Provide feedback and substantive editing support for research-based communications products

· Support programs to share and communicate WRI’s published research internally and externally, in partnership with programs

Technical Writing

· Work with program research teams on manuscript writing for specific publications, to meet research and writing standards for WRI Knowledge products

· If applicable, review and support translation of KPs (or Executive summaries) and research materials into Indian languages to reach broader audiences

Requirements: 

· Master’s degree in a relevant writing-intensive discipline in the humanities, sciences or social sciences

· Excellent written communication skills in English, with experience writing and editing research or research-based publications

· At least 5 years experience in editing, reviewing and technical writing for a non-specialist audience

· Excellent analytical and review skills.

· Ability to work flexibly, quickly, and under tight deadlines, while providing constructive and patient feedback to authors

· Demonstrated knowledge of environmental and development issues, and support for WRI’s goals..

· Inter-personal skills and confidence to work with, and influence senior staff, in the pursuit of high standards of research excellence.

· Experience with research methods in the social and environmental sciences

· Knowledge of other Indian languages will be a plus