Background
ALNAP (Active Learning Network for Accountability and Performance in Humanitarian Action) is a global network dedicated to improving humanitarian performance through learning, accountability, and evidence. Every three to four years, ALNAP publishes the State of the Humanitarian System (SOHS) report—an independent, evidence-based assessment of the size, shape, and performance of the international humanitarian system. The last SOHS report can be accessed via this link.
The SOHS is written for a diverse global audience of humanitarian stakeholders. Its primary readers include:
- Policymakers and donors – including governments, multilateral agencies, and philanthropic funders who shape humanitarian policy and allocate resources
- Operational agencies and practitioners – such as international and national NGOs, UN agencies, Red Cross/Red Crescent societies, and local responders who design and deliver humanitarian assistance.
- Researchers and analysts – in think tanks, academia, and research institutions who assess trends, performance, and impact in the sector.
- Advocacy and coordination bodies – networks and coalitions that influence policy and practice.
We are seeking an experienced Editor to support the development, editing, and final production of the SOHS report. Applications are welcomed from consultants based in any country and consultants from crisis affected countries are particularly encouraged to apply.
Objectives
The objective of this role is to ensure the SOHS report is:
- Written in a style that is accessible, engaging, and impactful
- Structured and presented in a way that serves the report’s core audiences and enhances the impact of the content
- Consistent in tone, terminology, and messaging within and between chapters
- Aligned with ALNAP’s editorial guidelines and style guide
- Clear, concise, and evidence-based, while capturing the complexity of humanitarian action
Scope of work
The scope of work will be reviewed and refined by the ALNAP Secretariat lead and the successful candidate. The below presents the broad expectations. The editor will work closely with the lead authors of the SOHS and ALNAP’s communication team to:
- Support the authors with coaching, editorial guidance, and feedback during drafting
- Advise on best practices in writing and structuring a report for clarity, accessibility, and engagement
- Contribute to planning and refining the structure and narrative arc of the report
- Ensure coherence across multiple sections and chapters written by three different authors
- Liaise with authors to address inconsistencies or unclear sections
- Provide general guidance before the writing begins on tone, style and structure of the full SOHS report
- Conduct a full structural and stylistic edit of the draft report and the summary
- Align style, tone, and voice with ALNAP’s editorial guidelines and brand
- Clarify complex or technical content while preserving nuance and accuracy
- Ensure references and citations are complete and correctly formatted
- Provide input into the layout-ready version – proofreading the typeset document
Deliverables
- A workshop with the authors refining the structure and narrative arc of the report
- Short guidance notes on adapting ALNAP’s style guide for the SOHS report and tips on writing best practice
- Edited drafts of each chapter in the SOHS report in tracked changes (Word document)
- Consolidated editorial queries
- [Potential deliverable] Final proof/review of layout-ready version
Timeline
Start date: October 2025
End date: September 2026
Exact deadlines, estimated hours and milestones to be agreed upon with the successful candidate.
Indicative milestones
- October – December 2025: Preparatory work with authors
- January – March 2026: Supporting editing of initial draft chapters
- April – June 2026: Finalising the full edited report (bulk of the time commitment will sit here)
- July – August: [Potential] Proofreading
Required qualifications and experience
- Proven experience editing large (flagship) research or policy reports
- Proven experience working with multiple authors to create a single voice
- Exceptional writing and editorial skills in English
- Ability to synthesise and clarify technical content for the report’s intended audience
- Experience supporting authors and contributing to content development
- Knowledge of the humanitarian sector
- Strong communication, collaboration and time management skills
- Flexibility and ability to work iteratively
Contract
Fixed-term consultancy contract (phased based on needs and project timeline).
Remote working with coordination meetings during UK working hours.
Application Process
Interested candidates should submit:
- CV highlighting relevant experience
- A brief statement which includes:
-- editorial approach with reference to consistency and clarity between the three authors, structural coherence, tone/style alignment, narratives/ storyline development, guiding or working iteratively with the authors, editorial tools etc.
-- suitability for the role , referencing the qualifications and experience section
-- At least two samples of similar editorial work with references
-- Fee expectation: hourly rate for each service (guidance/advice, copyediting, proof reading) and an estimated words per hour rate.
Please note, successful candidates may need to complete a small test before final selection.
Deadline for applications: 12 September 2025
Applications should be sent by email to [email protected] by midnight UK time on 12 September 2025. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for interview.
Submissions will be reviewed and interviews held on a rolling basis and the post may be filled before the deadline. We encourage early applications.
If you have questions about the scope or qualifications for this work, please get in touch with [email protected]
The duration of the contract will be from October 2025 to September-2026. Indicative time commitments requested within that period are outlined below.