Position: Managing Editor – South African Journal of International Affairs (SAJIA)

Location: Johannesburg (preferred) or Cape Town

Contract: Fixed Term 24 months

Salary: R600,000-R700,000 per annum

Reporting to: Editor-in-Chief

About SAIIA
The South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) is an independent, non-profit public policy think tank dedicated to leveraging rigorous research and policy engagement to advance a well-governed, peaceful, economically sustainable, and globally engaged Africa. For over nine decades, SAIIA has been at the forefront of shaping policy debates on Africa's international relations, governance, and economic development.

The South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) is seeking a highly qualified Managing Editor (ME) to join the editorial team of the South African Journal of International Affairs (SAJIA)—a leading, peer-reviewed journal focused on Africa's international affairs.

This role offers an exciting opportunity to shape high-quality scholarship, support thought leadership across the continent, and contribute to SAIIA's mission to advance a well-governed, peaceful, economically sustainable, and globally engaged Africa.

About the Role

Working closely with the Editor-in-Chief and Book Review Editor, the Managing Editor will oversee the full editorial process, from call for papers to publication. You will manage peer review, ensure academic quality, coordinate issue production, and support the strategic dissemination of journal content.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage article submissions, peer review, revisions, and language editing
• Issue calls for papers and support special issue workflows
• Maintain daily oversight of ScholarOne and CATS systems (training provided)
• Liaise with authors, reviewers, guest editors, and the publisher (Taylor & Francis)
• Proofread typeset articles and prepare issues for publication
• Collaborate with SAIIA's media team to promote journal content
• Create social media posts (LinkedIn, Bluesky, X) to amplify article visibility
• Support SAIIA events and webinars linked to journal issues and themes

Required Qualifications & Skills

• PhD in International Affairs or a related discipline
• Strong knowledge of Africa's international relations landscape
• Excellent command of written English and academic editing
• Experience with academic research methods and publication processes
• Proficiency in MS Word and Excel; familiarity with cloud platforms advantageous
• Confidence using social media for research communication (training available)
• Ability to manage deadlines, multitask, and communicate professionally

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit a comprehensive CV with a cover letter clearly stating why they believe they are the best candidate for this position as one document when applying on the SAIIA website https://saiia.org.za/work-with-us/ by 16 January 2026.

Incomplete or late applications will not be considered. Please note that only short-listed candidates will be called in for an interview.

Preference will be given to South African citizens and employment equity candidates. SAIIA reserves the right not to make an appointment.

Contact information

Shannon Gard