Terms of Reference Community Manager – French WACREN is dedicated to enhancing research, education, and innovation across West and Central Africa by establishing National Research and Education Networks (NRENs). As part of these efforts, WACREN spearheads the LIBSENSE initiative, a continent-wide program promoting open science tailored to the African context. Building on these objectives, WACREN has partnered with EIFL (Electronic Information for Libraries) and AJOL (African Journals Online) on “Collaboration for sustainable open access publishing in Africa” project, supported by Wellcome, aimed at bolstering the quality and sustainability of Diamond open access (OA) publishing across Africa. Diamond OA, a scholarly publishing model that charges no fees to authors or readers, aligns with broader efforts to support the UNESCO Recommendation on Open Science. WACREN is engaging a Community Manager to set up and manage a Francophone No-fee OA publishing in Africa Community of Practice (CoP) dedicated to strengthening Diamond OA publishing on the continent. CoP provides a platform for members to share experiences, discuss opportunities for collaboration and partnerships, and collectively advocate for sustainable and equitable OA publishing models. Key Responsibilities Lead engagement and growth of a Francophone No-fee OA publishing in Africa Community of Practice (CoP). Host regular meetings and webinars on key diamond OA themes, preparing and sharing relevant resources and meeting summaries, while encouraging active member contributions to support community-driven publishing. Periodically conduct a survey to assess member needs and identify capacity-building priorities related to Diamond OA publishing, and use the results to plan targeted training sessions and invite relevant experts. Collaborate with partners such as EIFL, AJOL, and other stakeholders to strengthen the OA ecosystem and support policy advocacy. What’s in It for You? Opportunity to contribute to a continent-wide publishing initiative. Collaboration with leading organisations in open access and scholarly communication. Professional growth through exposure to policy, community-building, and research infrastructure initiatives. Monthly stipend or remuneration, depending on engagement modality, part time. Eligibility Criteria Strong proficiency in French (native/fluent) with working knowledge of English. Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Social Sciences, Education, Library & Information Science, or a related field. Proven experience in community management, outreach, or engagement, preferably in research, education, or publishing contexts. Strong understanding of open science principles, open access publishing, and scholarly communication. Experience organising events, webinars, or workshops and managing online communities. Proficiency with social media platforms and digital communication tools. Role Details Duration: 1 year, renewable (aligned with the project lifecycle). Focus Areas: Community engagement, Diamond OA publishing, communication and outreach. Location: Remote, with occasional travel as required. How to Apply Interested candidates should submit the following documents to vacancy@wacren.net with the subject line: “French Community Manager – <Your Name>” Deadline: January 23, 2025 CV outlining relevant experience. Cover letter (max. 500 words) expressing your motivation and suitability. Two professional references. Selection Process Applications will be reviewed by a selection committee. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interviews. Only French speaking candidates with working knowledge of English will be considered. Why Apply? This role offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of Diamond OA publishing in Africa. By joining WACREN and its partners, you will contribute to building sustainable, inclusive, and community-driven research ecosystems across the continent. Apply and be part of Africa’s open science transformation.
