UNDP Jobs - 55777- Writers/Editors on Socioeconomic Development issue

Writers/Editors on Socioeconomic Development issues (Arabic)

Location :

Manama, BAHRAIN

Type of Contract :

Individual Contract

Starting Date :

Application Deadline :

25-Apr-15 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

National Consultant

Duration of Initial Contract :

Up to 3 years (maximum of 261 working days)

Languages Required :

Arabic

Expected Duration of Assignment :

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

As a trusted and neutral multilateral partner serving 177 countries and territories around the world, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is uniquely positioned to advocate for transformative change, connect countries to the knowledge and resources they require to promote sustainable human development and to coordinate the efforts of the United Nations at the country level.

UNDP has established a quality assurance process for producing knowledge and advocacy products and, to assist in meeting editorial and production standards in line with this process, Bahrain Country office is setting up an LTA for development writers/editors with experience in the substantive areas of our work including: poverty reduction, achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), Democratic Governance; Environment, Energy and Sustainable Development; Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment; HIV/AIDS, Health and Development; and Knowledge Management, Innovation and Capacity Development.

UNDP Bahrain is implementing the Government plan 2015-2018 through different development projects. In this regard UNDP Bahrain Country office shall enter into a non-exclusive long term agreement (LTA) with the selected consultant(s) and shall provide specific deliverables and time frames for each task, as and when required. Prospective individuals are requested to take note of the following:

Long Term Agreement is a mutual arrangement between UNDP and an individual to provide the required services at prescribed prices or provisions over a period of 12-24 months, with potential extension of one year. UNDP reserves the right to rescind the agreement during that period should performance of the consultant not meet its requirements.

Under a Long Term Agreement, UNDP does not warrant that any quantity of services shall be purchased during the term of this agreement. Where a request for services arises, UNDP shall directly contract the consultant based on its need to carry out those activities. A specific Term of Reference (TOR) outlining the outputs for each assignment shall be provided and an Individual Contract would be issued to the consultant, detailing the time frame.

Duties and Responsibilities

The writer/editor assistants (s) shall report to the country office Deputy Resident Representative (DRR), Programme Officers, task/project manager and/or the author(s) of the concerned knowledge materials. Task/project managers will likely differ from task to task. The main areas of work are as described below:

Editing of knowledge and advocacy products:

Draft and/or edit manuscripts to ensure clarity, consistency and readability of the text for the intended audience;
Under the guidance of the UNDP task manager and authors/specialists, assemble all chapters/sections; suggesting re-writing 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, bibliography, tables, annexes, boxes, etc.), depending on the product and the tasks set in the Terms of Reference;
Point out 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 feedback received from internal and external peer reviewers into draft manuscripts;
As appropriate, work closely with the consultant graphic designer to develop ideas for infographics, charts and images that creatively convey key messages/data in the manuscript;
Proof-read final texts as laid out by designer to ensure text and associated graphics are error free.
Creative writing targeting external audiences and the media:
Summarize, draft and edit succinct communications pieces in close cooperation with UNDP task managers;
Produce draft succinct opinion articles for UNDP public website and other media channels, including blogs, based on key knowledge products, publications and other products under the responsibility of UNDP researchers and senior policy advisors; and
Support the substantive revision of opinion articles and other materials aimed at media outreach in coordination with the author(s), and communications focal points within relevant UNDP teams.

Competencies

Functional Competencies:

Strong interpersonal and communication skills;
Ability to work in a team;
Ability to work under pressure and stressful situations;
Strong analytical, reporting and writing abilities;
Strong social media skills and background with a good creativity and ability to take initiative;
Professional copywriting and editing skills, including articles, reports, social media content, press releases, etc.;
Good understanding of web metrics and experience producing analytics reports;
Good understanding of usability, optimizing content for the web and search;
Good IT skills, including confidence with web-based applications, and basic knowledge of HTML, as well as video and photo editing and design software.

Corporate Competencies:

Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
Highest standards of integrity, discretion and loyalty.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Bachelor Degree in journalism, communications, development studies and social sciences, international relations or other development or communications-related area of study;

Experience:

Minimum 3 years of experience as an editor producing/editing relevant publications and products;
Experience in editing materials for media outlets, development-related organizations, research centres, think-tanks or multilateral institutions required;
Proven record in advanced copy editing and/or producing knowledge in the area of sustainable, human development and international development is an advantage;

Language Skills:

Excellent command in written and spoken Arabic is essential.

Application Process:
Interested applicants should follow UNDP standard online application procedure, mindful of the following instruction:

Submit all the documents to the email address wea.bh@undp.org on or before 25 April 2015;

Applicants must submit Technical proposal, including;

A brief description of why the individual considers him/herself as the most suitable for the assignment;
Samples works done (minimum 3 and maximum of six) of work you consider to be the best and most relevant;
Personal History Form (P11), including references (template is available at: http://www.bh.undp.org/content/dam/bahrain/docs/P11_Form_ICs.doc )
Financial Proposal

Selection Process:

Short-listed candidates will be requested to participate in an interview with the selection panel;
The Financial Proposal with a Daily fee shall be submitted.

The selection of the Individual Consultants will be evaluated based on the following:

Quality of sample product submitted;
Price - Financial Proposal with a Daily Fee;
Relevant Experience.