Background

The Human Development Report Office (HDRO) produces annually the editorially independent, global Human Development Report for UNDP. Since inception in 1990 the report has acted as a highly visible and influential people-centered contribution to development thinking. Each edition is launched around the world by UNDP HQ and offices as contributions to public debate and policy making at national and global levels; picked up by global and national media, and the analysis – and annually updated human development indices and data sets are used by governments, civil society and development partners in their policy formulation and advocacy.  HDRO also supports the development, quality assurance and promotion of regional and national human development reports.

UNDP’s Human Development Report Office requires the services of an experienced Writer-Editor to assist in the production of communication and press materials related to the 2014 edition of the Human Development Report. The consultant will report to the Deputy Director through the Communications Advisor of HDRO and will work in UNDP offices in New York City and/or from a home office.

The “2014 Human Development Report. Sustaining Human Progress: Reducing Vulnerabilities and Building Resilience” stresses the importance of identifying and addressing severe vulnerabilities by building resilience and enhancing people’s capability to cope with shocks. “Sustaining Human Progress” is not only about promoting people’s choices but also securing and enlarging human development achievements.  Hazards and shocks—financial, natural or otherwise —will occur inevitably, but measures can be taken to contain how far these events translate into reduced human development.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Writer-Editor will:

  • Draft and copy-edit press materials related the 2014 Human Development report, including global and regional press releases, FAQ, briefing notes and other public information products;
  • Incorporate and consolidate the revisions made by HDRO and other UNDP bureaus to these materials;
  • Assist in the coordination with UNDP Regional Offices for the preparation of the regional press releases and kits;
  • Provide other editorial and media support as required.

Competencies

Core Values:

Ethics and Values:
  • Demonstrating/safeguarding ethics and integrity;
Organizational Awareness:
  • Demonstrate corporate knowledge and sound judgment.

Functional competencies:

  • Familiarity with economics and development terminology and concepts and international affairs;
  • Ability to work with cooperatively in a multicultural and international environment;
  • Excellent writing skills;
  • Efficiency, accuracy, organizational skills, self-management, ability to prioritize, and attention to detail;
  • Demonstrated commitment to timely delivery of projects.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

  • Master's degree or equivalent professional experience in journalism.
Experience:
  • Minimum of 7 years of relevant professional work experience, with references;
  • Professional experience as a deadline news writer and/or editor for English-language media;
  • Familiarity with economics and development terminology and concepts and international affairs;
  • Familiarity with Human Development Report desirable.
Language:
  • Fluent in English;
  • Writing skills and verbal fluency in another UN language is an asset.
Evaluation of Applicants:
 
Applications will be evaluated based on a cumulative analysis taking into consideration the combination of the applicants’ qualifications and financial (fee) proposal.
 
Due to large number of applications we receive, we will inform only the successful candidates about the outcome or status of the selection process.