Application Guide

How to Apply for Consultant Content Developer for VPF Website

at Institute for Security Studies

🏢 About Institute for Security Studies

The Institute for Security Studies (ISS) is a leading African research organization focused on human security, governance, and justice. What makes ISS unique is its evidence-based approach to policy influence across Africa, particularly through multisectoral platforms like the Violence Prevention Forum that bridge research, NGOs, government, and private sector stakeholders. Someone might want to work here to contribute to tangible violence prevention efforts in South Africa while being part of an organization that values impactful storytelling to drive social change.

About This Role

This consultant role involves developing and implementing a digital communication strategy for the Violence Prevention team and Forum, with a strong focus on creating multimedia content (videos, podcasts) that tells compelling stories about violence prevention work. It's impactful because you'll be translating complex research and multisectoral collaboration into accessible digital narratives that can influence policy and public understanding of violence prevention in South Africa.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve reviewing violence prevention research to identify compelling stories, storyboarding a 3-minute video about community-based prevention initiatives, and participating in a VPF team meeting to align content with stakeholder priorities. You'd also be assessing website analytics to inform platform improvements and coordinating with researchers to develop podcast scripts that make evidence accessible to policymakers and practitioners.

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🎯 Who Institute for Security Studies Is Looking For

  • A communications specialist with proven experience developing digital content strategies for research or social impact organizations, not just commercial brands
  • Someone who can create engaging multimedia products (specifically 2-5 minute videos and podcasts) that make violence prevention research accessible to diverse audiences
  • A professional comfortable working with multisectoral stakeholders including researchers, NGOs, government departments, and donors
  • A self-directed consultant who can manage the 10-days-per-month commitment from February 2026 to June 2027 while attending VPF events and team meetings

📝 Tips for Applying to Institute for Security Studies

1

Submit a proposal (not just a resume) that demonstrates your understanding of violence prevention in South Africa and how digital storytelling can advance this work

2

Include specific examples of multimedia content you've created for research or policy organizations, highlighting metrics on engagement or impact

3

Show familiarity with ISS's existing digital platforms and suggest concrete improvements for the VP team's communication channels

4

Address how you would balance the 10-days-per-month consulting model with the need for consistent content creation and platform maintenance

5

Highlight experience working with multisectoral stakeholders similar to the VPF's composition of researchers, NGOs, government, and donors

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your specific approach to translating violence prevention research into compelling digital stories for diverse audiences', "Examples of successful digital platform assessments and improvement strategies you've implemented for similar organizations", 'How you would manage the balance between content creation (10+ multimedia products) and strategic platform development', "Your experience with or understanding of South Africa's violence prevention landscape and multisectoral collaboration"]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Review ISS's existing publications on violence prevention in South Africa, particularly those from the VP team
  • → Explore the current VPF website and digital presence to identify specific strengths and areas for improvement
  • → Research South Africa's National Strategic Plan on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide to understand the policy context
  • → Look into other multisectoral violence prevention initiatives in South Africa to understand the landscape

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you assess and improve the current VPF digital platforms? Walk us through your methodology
2 Show us a sample storyboard for a 3-minute video highlighting VPF's work - what narrative would you focus on?
3 How would you ensure content resonates with all VPF stakeholders (researchers, NGOs, government, donors) simultaneously?
4 Describe your experience creating podcasts - what technical and editorial considerations are unique to violence prevention topics?
5 How would you measure the impact of your digital content beyond basic engagement metrics?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting generic communications portfolios without examples relevant to research, policy, or social impact organizations
  • Failing to address the specific 16-month timeline and 10-days-per-month consulting structure in your proposal
  • Focusing only on content creation without demonstrating strategic thinking about platform assessment and improvement
  • Not showing understanding of the multisectoral nature of the VPF and how communications must serve diverse stakeholders

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Institute for Security Studies!

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