Objectives

The primary objective of this tender is to appoint a Service Provider capable of providing scientific editing support to ensure the correctness, quality, and adherence to international standards of SANBI’s scientific research outputs and science-based content across print and electronic media. The support aims to enhance the accuracy, clarity, and professionalism of scientific publications produced by SANBI, including manuscripts, reports, and other research materials. Additionally, the Service Provider will assist in developing SANBI staff’s scientific writing and editing skills.

Scope

The scope of work includes:

• Providing specialised scientific and technical editing services for SANBI’s scientific publications, including manuscripts, reports, and electronic media.
• Participating in relevant meetings and collaborating with SANBI’s production team, authors, reviewers, graphic designers, and stakeholders.
• Ensuring content correctness, adherence to SANBI’s house style, international publishing standards, and UK English grammar and spelling.
• Supporting the development of SANBI staff’s scientific editing skills.
• Managing the review, editing, proofreading, and finalisation of scientific manuscripts and research materials.
• Providing ad hoc editing support for short-notice print and electronic media requests.
• Supporting the editing and finalisation of publications for the SANBI open access journal, African Biodiversity Conservation (ABC).
• Ensuring all products align with SANBI’s mandate, policies, and scientific standards.

Technical Requirements

The Service Provider must demonstrate:

• Experience in scientific and technical editing within biodiversity, botanical, zoological, or related sciences.
• Knowledge of botanical and zoological nomenclature, taxonomy, and relevant scientific standards.
• Proficiency in editing scientific manuscripts, including checking figures, references, and ensuring consistency with style guidelines.
• Ability to manage online manuscript submission and review processes.
• Familiarity with scientific databases, journals, and reference materials relevant to biodiversity and ecology.
• Capacity to work collaboratively with authors, reviewers, graphic designers, and SANBI staff.
• Availability of staff with relevant scientific qualifications, preferably with a background in taxonomy, biodiversity, or related fields.
• Reliable internet access and availability during office hours.
• Understanding of SANBI’s publishing guidelines and international publishing standards.

Skills Requirements

The successful Service Provider must possess:

• Degree in a relevant scientific discipline, with emphasis on taxonomy, biodiversity, or zoology.
• At least 3-5 years of experience in scientific editing, preferably in biodiversity or related sciences.
• Strong command of UK English grammar, spelling, and style conventions.
• Experience in editing scientific manuscripts, including peer-reviewed articles, monographs, and research reports.
• Ability to check and ensure figures, tables, and references are accurate and properly formatted.
• Excellent communication and coordination skills to liaise effectively with authors, reviewers, and internal teams.
• Knowledge of scientific publishing standards and familiarity with international databases and journals.
• Proficiency in using editing, layout, and reference management software.
• Capacity to support training and development of SANBI staff in scientific editing practices.