- BACKGROUND
The Zimbabwe Council for Higher Education (ZIMCHE) was established by an Act of Parliament, Chapter 25:27, promulgated in 2006. It is an agency of the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development mandated to promote and co-ordinate education provided by institutions of higher and tertiary education, and to act as a regulator in the determination and maintenance of quality standards in Higher and Tertiary Education Institutions (HTEIs).
National efforts to modernise and industrialise the country’s economy through a heritage-based Education 5.0 as championed by the Government of Zimbabwe through the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development and informed by the NDS1 and the National Vision 2030, findings of the 2018 National Critical Skills Audit and the Zimbabwe National Qualifications Framework (ZNQF) have resulted in the development of Minimum Bodies of Knowledge and Skills (MBK/S). The MBKS are essential in ensuring the quality, depth and breadth of the content of degree programmes offered in our universities are the same. Universities have an opportunity to add their distinctive feature(s) by adding 20% of their own content. The MBK/S are critical for ensuring the delivery of a harmonised quality, assured Zimbabwean higher education system encompassing a programme skills-qualifications mix anchored on a Heritage Based Education 5.0 philosophy.
- DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The MBK/S capture regulations for programmes offered across all disciplines and consists of 10 volumes covering the following disciplines:
- Agricultural Programmes – 150 pages
- Applied and Natural Sciences – 538 pages
- Arts and Humanities – 581 pages
- Built Environment – 116 pages
- Commerce and Law – 534 pages
- Education – 849 pages
- Engineering – 363 pages
- Health and Life Sciences – 491 pages
- ICT – 135 pages
- Social Sciences – 367 pages
The ZIMCHE is, therefore, looking for an institution or individual(s) to ensure that the quality of writing with respect to English grammar, punctuation and clarity, consistency and conformity to MBK/S template and terminology conforms to the singularities and particularities of business or academic writing of the highest standards given the nature of the MBK/s as quality assurance documents. Thus, an excellent command of the English language and familiarity with academic terminology is required. Knowledge of teaching and research in higher education is also essential.
The editorial service is required to carry out the following:
Producing high-quality texts - editing language and/ proofreading, including (1) correcting typographical errors, punctuation, spelling, grammar, and vocabulary; (2) making corrections to ensure stylistic consistency and clarity of expression, re-writing, where necessary in keeping with the spirit of the original text; (3) checking against the original text for accuracy, as well as for all the above-mentioned elements is essential.
The selected editor(s) will:
- Ensure that texts are professionally written, logically structured and in the right style for the intended audience.
- Ensure consistent and accurate use of terminology of humanities, social sciences, Science, technology and mathematics (STEM) and correct grammar and spelling.
- Check facts, ensure error-free texts, and raise any related queries with the Chief Director(s).
- Ensure that photos, figures, charts, graphs, boxes, and tables are correctly identified.
- Ensure that the formatting is consistent.
- Rectify any typographical and/or mechanical errors in the text.
- Ensure correlation between the list of acronyms and their occurrence throughout the text.
- Ensure that footnotes are consistently numbered, appropriately positioned, and formatted.
SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES REQUIRED
Education:
University degree in English, literature, journalism, or another relevant field. A master’s or doctorate degree is desirable.
Experience:
5 years of proven and specialised experience in editing/proofreading texts. Short-listed candidates shall be required to submit evidence or a portfolio of their previous related work.
Language:
Fluency and excellent command of the English language.
Mode of Application:
Expression of interest should be accompanied by, a detailed CV names and addresses of at least three contactable referees to:
The Director Human Resources, ZIMCHE, P.O. Box H100 Hatfield or 21 J.M. Nkomo Road, Hatfield, Harare not later than 28th of February 2024.
The application should be emailed to humanresources@zimche.ac.zw indicating the position being applied for in the subject line.
Offer ended on March 28, 2024
