The African Centre for Cities (ACC) at the University of Cape Town is seeking to appoint a senior urban practitioner/scholar with responsibility for the editorship of a series of State of the Cities Reports (SOCRs) as part of the State of Cities in Africa (SOCA) Project. The editor is expected to provide methodological and conceptual guidance to diverse teams of national experts, to contribute to the overall writing of the Reports and to provide guidance on format, methodology and data analysis.

Requirements include: A post graduate degree in urban development or a related field and a minimum of 15 years experience In-depth knowledge of urbanization and urban management within the developing world with emphasis on the African context Excellent editorial and writing skills with a proven record of publications Demonstrated ability to identify priority activities and assignments as well as adjust priorities when required Proven ability to meet deadlines Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work with people from diverse cultural backgrounds Willingness to travel in sub-Saharan Africa.

Responsibilities include: Develop core messages for SOCRs on a country by country basis for regional and international audiences    Ensure that final documents for publication meet the ACC's high editorial and overall quality standards and are produced in a timely manner Offer intellectual leadership, and demonstrate a strong understanding of the working environment of urban government institutions and civil society organizations Work with university-based urban planning schools to drive report production and build research capacity Demonstrate sound judgment and maintain high ethical standards in relation to urban data production Provide ongoing advice to ACC EXCO on global urban policy issues and trends Network with Africa-based and international scholars and experts on urban issues; and contribute to discussions on how to improve and refine the SOCR product line.

This is a professional half-time position for the period 1 January 2011 - December 2012.  The remuneration is between R127 403 and R268 415 per annum.

Application process:

To apply please e-mail the completed UCT Application form and all other relevant documentation as indicated on the form, as well as two writing samples of your best recent published work in PDF format to Ms Maryam Waglay, Senior Secretary, African Centre for Cities, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7700.

Tel +27 21 650 5903 fax +27 650 2032 e-mail: maryam.waglay@uct.ac.za website: www.africancentreforcities.net

The application form can also be downloaded at web.uct.ac.za/depts/sapweb/forms/hr201.doc.

An application which does not comply with the above requirements will be regarded as incomplete. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Reference number for this post: 2259

Closing date for applications: 30 September 2010

UCT is committed to the pursuit of excellence, diversity and redress. Our Employment Equity Policy is available at hr.uct.ac.za/policies/ee.php.