How to apply for Copy Editing and Graphic Designer Consultant

About International Planned Parenthood Federation

IPPF is a global healthcare provider and leading advocate for sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), delivering lifesaving services in crisis-affected areas through IPPF Humanitarian. Working here means contributing to human rights-based, survivor-centred care for some of the world's most vulnerable populations. The organization's commitment to trauma-informed and inclusive services makes it a unique place for professionals passionate about humanitarian impact.

About the role

As a Copy Editing and Graphic Designer Consultant, you will finalize IPPF's Clinical Management of Rape and Intimate Partner Violence (CMR/IPV) toolkit, comprising a 40-page protocol and a 16-page pocket guide. Your work will ensure these critical resources are professionally edited, visually compelling, and ready for dissemination to frontline humanitarian responders. This role directly supports the delivery of quality CMR/IPV services in crisis settings, making your design and editing skills instrumental in saving lives.

A typical day

A typical day might involve reviewing the latest draft of the CMR/IPV protocol for consistency and clarity, then switching to InDesign to refine the layout and visual elements of the pocket guide. You might have a virtual check-in with IPPF's humanitarian team to discuss feedback and ensure alignment with their brand guidelines. Later, you could be proofreading final PDFs and preparing them for digital dissemination, all while managing your schedule to meet the project deadline.

Who International Planned Parenthood Federation is looking for

• Proven experience in copy editing and proofreading technical documents, preferably in humanitarian or health sectors, with a keen eye for detail and consistency.
• Strong graphic design skills, including layout, typography, and production of digital publications, with proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop).
• Familiarity with SRHR, gender-based violence, or humanitarian response terminology and sensitivity to survivor-centred, trauma-informed language.
• Ability to work remotely, manage tight deadlines, and collaborate with a global team, while adhering to IPPF's brand and style guidelines.

Tips for this application

• Submit a portfolio that includes before-and-after samples of copy editing and graphic design work on technical or humanitarian documents, highlighting your ability to handle sensitive content.
• In your proposal, outline a clear timeline for editing, designing, and producing both documents, demonstrating your understanding of the 40-page and 16-page formats.
• Mention any experience with SRHR, GBV, or humanitarian toolkits, and explain how you would ensure the language is survivor-centred and trauma-informed.
• Provide a detailed cost breakdown for your services, including editing, design, and final digital production, as this is a consultancy contract.
• Tailor your cover letter to IPPF's mission, showing genuine interest in their work and how your skills can contribute to their humanitarian goals.

What to cover in your cover letter

['Your specific experience in editing and designing technical documents for humanitarian or health organizations, with examples of similar toolkits or publications.', 'Your understanding of survivor-centred, trauma-informed language and how you would apply it to the CMR/IPV toolkit.', 'Your proficiency in design software and ability to create visually appealing, accessible digital publications that meet professional standards.', "Your commitment to IPPF's mission and the importance of delivering high-quality resources to frontline responders in crisis settings."]

Research before applying

• Explore IPPF's website, particularly their Humanitarian division, to understand their approach to SRHR in crisis settings and their current CMR/IPV initiatives.
• Review existing IPPF publications and toolkits to familiarize yourself with their branding, tone, and design style.
• Research the Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC) guidelines on GBV in emergencies and other relevant standards to understand the context of the toolkit.
• Look up the consultant's role in similar projects to understand expectations around deliverables, timelines, and collaboration with global teams.

Likely interview topics

Based on the job description, expect questions about:

• How would you approach editing sensitive content related to rape and intimate partner violence to ensure it is respectful and trauma-informed?
• Can you describe your process for designing a 40-page protocol and a 16-page pocket guide to ensure they are visually consistent and user-friendly?
• What experience do you have with SRHR or GBV terminology, and how would you verify the accuracy of technical terms?
• How do you manage feedback from multiple stakeholders while adhering to tight deadlines in a remote consultancy?
• What digital formats would you recommend for disseminating the toolkit, and how would you ensure accessibility for diverse audiences?

Common mistakes to avoid

• Submitting a generic application without tailoring your portfolio or cover letter to demonstrate experience with sensitive humanitarian content.
• Underestimating the importance of trauma-informed language and treating the content as purely technical, which could alienate the organization.
• Failing to provide a clear timeline and cost breakdown, as this is a consultancy and IPPF needs to assess your ability to deliver on time and within budget.