UNDP Jobs - 35316- International Consultant: Writers and Editors (IC

International Consultant: Writers and Editors (IC on a Retainer Basis)

Location :

Khartoum with intensive visits to the project sites as mentioned in the TOR, SUDAN

Type of Contract :

Individual Contract

Starting Date :

15-Feb-2013

Application Deadline :

06-Feb-13 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

International Consultant

Duration of Initial Contract :

One year on retainer basis

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

One year on retainer basis

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence. UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

Background

Since 1965, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has strived to make a concrete difference in the lives of the people it serves in 166 countries.

As a trusted multilateral partner UNDP is uniquely positioned to help advocate for change, connect countries to the knowledge and resources and to coordinate the efforts of the United Nations at the country level.

UNDP Sudan’s policy advice, technical support, advocacy and contributions to strengthen human development are aimed at one end result: real improvement in the lives of Sudanese people and in the choices and opportunities available to them. As the lead development agency in Sudan, UNDP supports strategic capacity development to promote inclusive, transparent and efficient governance systems. Through partnerships with national and sub-national government and civil society, UNDP strives to eliminate poverty, enable recovery, and sustain the environment, and advance peace and social cohesion in Sudan.

Through partnership with the government of Sudan and donor community, UNDP has managed to expand its development services in Sudan, focusing and consolidating its niche around support for strengthening democratic governance, crisis prevention and recovery, rural and urban poverty, and biodiversity conservation and addressing the roots causes of climate change. Further, UNDP is contribution to a UN-wide effort for speeding up national progress on eradication of malaria, tuberculosis, and HIV/AIDS and development of policy recommendations through nationally-led tools such as the National Human Development report.

Duties and Responsibilities

Context of the Assignment:

As an active development agency, UNDP produces knowledge and communications products and publications on a regular basis. UNDP has recently established a quality assurance process for all publications. To assist in meeting the editorial and production standards in line with the new process, UNDP is setting up a Roster of writers/editors with experience in documenting the substantive areas of poverty reduction, democratic governance, environment and energy, capacity development, HIV and AIDS and gender equality and women’s empowerment.

In particular, the consultant is expected to work closely with the Communications Unit to produce a number of success stories (In English) demonstrating UNDP impact on the ground. The stories shall be used on UNDP print publications, web site, and social media, etc.

Key Outputs/Deliverables:

The consultant writer/editor shall report to the UNDP Communications Unit. Depending on the nature of the task assigned, the scope of work could include the following:

The writing shall explain the significant milestones of UNDP’s recent work in Sudan and speak with an impact-orientation, highlighting significant UNDP success stories by tracking diverse beneficiaries of UNDP’s support at the institutional and community levels. Currently, UNDP works in all Darfur states, all East Sudan states, River Nile state, and Khartoum state, therefore, the consultant is expected to travel to the project sites in these areas to get first hand exposure and testimonies from local communities. All travel arrangements will be handled by UNDP and in accordance to UN security guidelines.
The consultant is expected to work closely with the communications team to produce a flagship product underscoring UNDP work in Sudan, a quarterly newsletter, promotional material (brochures, fact sheets, pamphlets, etc).
Draft/edit the manuscript to ensure clarity, consistency and readability of the text for the intended audience.
Under the guidance of the communications team, assemble all chapters/sections suggesting rewriting as necessary, adding/editing boxes of interest, tables and charts bringing the manuscript to full completion including all necessary components (table of contents, foreword, preface, introduction, tables, annexes, boxes, etc. depending on the product.
Point out and correct factual inconsistencies, inconsistencies in arguments, political nuances, faulty logic, and awkward or unclear passages and suggest solutions.
Ensure all references are in order, requesting source information for tables and figures when such information is missing.
Ensure timely incorporation of timely feedback from internal and external peer reviewers into the draft manuscript.
As appropriate, work closely with the consultant graphic designer to develop ideas for graphics and charts that creatively convey key messages/data in the manuscript.
Proof –read the final texts as laid out by the designer to ensure both text and associated graphics are error free and ready for prin

Budget and Timeline:

The duration of this Individual Contract (IC) will be one year on retainer basis, renewable for another two years according to the supervisor recommendation and as needs arise. The selected contractor will be contracted on a needs basis. Payment will be calculated based on working days of the contractor.

Competencies

We are looking for a results-oriented, creative, confident and self motivated person who is able to work independently; follow through initiatives and meet deadlines; and is a good team player.

The candidate should be a passionate and skillful writer, excellent in written and verbal communications and is competent in use of desk top publishing software is preferred. Experience in using Adobe InDesign CSB is desirable.

We also require a person who is strong in advocacy, presentation, networking with media houses and negotiation skills. Competencies in use of computer and internet/information software provide an added advantage.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

The assignment requires one with a post graduate university degree in journalism.

Experience:

Creative writing and at least 5 years of proven record of working in the field of corporate and development communications with international organization.
Understanding and experience of working in development, environment, poverty, crisis prevention, and governance and rule of law issues would be as asset.

Language Requirements:

Native English speakers are encouraged to apply.