Background

As part of the overall framework of UNDP Country Programme for Somalia, the Poverty Reduction and Environment Protection (PREP) programme responds directly to, and is consistent with, the guiding frameworks, strategies and plans at national and global levels. PREP interventions during 2011 to 2015 aims to capitalize on past successes of UNDP work in the areas of economic planning and early recovery. The programme is designed to have a medium to long-term development approach with capacity development of planning institutions, livelihoods improvement, economic recovery, private sector engagement, sustainable natural resources management, disaster risk reduction, building resilience to climate change and formulation of policies and legal frameworks central to all its interventions. It is anticipated that this in turn will contribute to sustainable human development and conflict transformation peace, inclusive governance and state building. In addition, the programme provides the platform for multi-disciplinary and stakeholder coordination in the fields of human development, public private partnership, livelihoods and natural resources management.

The first pillar to PREP programme is the Statistics and Economic Analysis (SEA) project which aims to develop institutional capacities to manage socio economic and statistics data for informed decision-making and policy actions. The project builds institutions across all levels of government and non-government institutions in Somalia. In particular, the project supports Ministry of Planning and the Statistics and Planning departments at central and municipal levels to collect data, publish annual facts and figures, make analysis, and develop strategies, policies and legal framework for national development planning and policies.

As part of the SEA 2014 annual work plan the project plans to publish the Somalia MDGs report for 2014. The draft report has been cleared for editing and publishing by the Federal Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation. Therefore, the United Nations Development Programme for Somalia in Nairobi is hereby inviting applicants for the following consultancy service.

Duties and Responsibilities

Summary of key functions:

Designing and editing the MDG Report: with a combination of creativity and excellent organisation and meticulous attention to details, the incumbent will assist the programme in making sure the editorial quality is of high standard. The consultant will be required to;

• Proofread, check language, edit and review MDGs Report and dissemination strategy in English;
• Ensure consistency and quality of the language, refine written contents and produce human interest feel that give a “human face” to the development work;
• Work closely with content creators to ensure that manuscripts are of high quality, well prepared and meet organizational expectations;
• Format the document layout (text, pagination, font size, quality check, etc.) and oversee final PDF for printing.

 Impact of Results

 The key results have an impact on the overall CO efficiency in programming and in particular the publication of the MDG Document. The information provided facilitates decision making of the management towards the MDGs report.

Competencies

Job Knowledge/Technical Expertise:

• Understands the main processes and methods of work regarding to the services;
• Proven technical expertise in editing documents and reports;
• Posesses knowledge of organizational policies and procedures relating to the position and applies them consistently in work tasks (specialized knowledge related to editorial and publication);
• Strives to keep job knowledge up-to-date through self-directed study and other means of learning;
• Demonstrates good knowledge of information technology and applies it in work assignments;

Promoting Organizational Change and Development:

• Documents ‘best practices’ in organizational change and development within and outside the UN system with attention to gender issues;
• Demonstrates ability to identify problems and proposes solutions.

Client Orientation:

• Report to internal and external clients in a timely and appropriate fashion;
• Organize and prioritize work schedule to meet client needs and deadlines;
• Respond to client needs promptly.

Promoting Accountability and Results-Based Management:

• Maintains records and any communication in regards to the editing of the MDG report

Core Competencies:

• Demonstrate corporate knowledge and sound judgment;
• Self-development, initiative-taking;
• Acting as a team player and facilitating team work;
•  Facilitating and encouraging open communication in the team, communicating effectively;
• Creating synergies through self-control;
• Managing conflict;
• Learning and sharing knowledge and encourage the learning of others. Promoting learning and knowledge; management/sharing is the responsibility of each staff member;
• Informed and transparent decision making;
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
• Treats all people fairly without favouritism.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Masters of Arts (English Major) with 7 year’s experience of proven record of editing publications in English;
• Bachelor of Arts degree (English Major) with 10 year’s experience of proven record of editing publications in English.

Experience:

• 7 years (MA) or 10 years (BA) of progressively responsibilities in publishing, designing and editorial experience is required;
• Experience in the usage of computers and MS office software packages is required;
• Proven record of similar editorial on MDGs and Human Development Reports is desirable;
• Knowledge of relevant institutional mandates, policies and guidelines is desirable;
• Somalia context knowledge is desirable.

Language:           

• Fluency in English.