Background

Since 2010, the conflict and economic landscape in Sudan, has significantly changed, presenting new challenges as well as opportunities. In support of the above objectives, UNDP will be producing publications, reports, proposals, and other documents which will be utilized to inform practitioners and policy makers about the productive potentials in Democratic Transition, Peace & Stability, Socio-Economic Recovery, Access to Energy & Health.

As an active development agency, UNDP produces knowledge and communications products and publications on a regular basis. A significant requirement for this is the services of a professional and highly experienced English language editor to proofread and edit UNDP knowledge materials.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the guidance of the Head of Communications of UNDP Sudan Country Office in Khartoum, the Consultant (IC) is to proofread and edit knowledge and communication materials on an as-needs basis. The publications emphasize UNDP contribution to the country’s efforts to promote growth and development, as such, the IC should have an exceptional knowledge of development industry language.

• Edit manuscripts (in track changes) to ensure clarity, consistency, and readability of the text for the intended audience
• Intended audience for publication are government, policy makers, development practitioners, private sector, donors, and general public
• 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
• 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 reviewers into draft manuscripts
• Proof-read final texts as laid out by designer to ensure text and associated graphics are error free

A.Expected Outputs

The deliverable should be submitted in soft copy via e-mail to the Head of Communications for UNDP Sudan.

B.Deliverables

Competencies

• Excellent analytical and writing skills demonstrating complete fluency in English language
• Demonstrated accuracy and attention to detail
• Ability to be flexible and respond to changes as part of the review and feedback process
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate and work well with diverse and multicultural team in Country Offices; demonstrated cultural sensitivity and sound judgment
• Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines and work under pressure.

A.Institutional Arrangements

• The consultant will work in close consultations with UNDP Sudan team and will report to UNDP Sudan SPPC/Head of Comms.  
• The deliverables submitted are subject to review by UNDP and will be accepted upon necessary amendments made by the consultant, for final approval.

Required Skills and Experience

Minimum Level of Education Required:

Master’s Degree in development studies and social sciences, journalism, communications, international relations, linguistics, public relations or other development or communications-related area of study or bachelor’s degree with three years of relevant experience.

Work Experience and Expertise:

• Five years of experience as a writer/copy-writer, editor producing/editing relevant publications and products preferably within the United Nations system or similar organization; Experience in writing for media outlets, development-related organizations, research centers, think-tanks or multilateral institutions required
• Substantive understanding of and/or background in one or more of the following areas of specialization: poverty reduction and achievement of the SDGs and the processes on development agenda; democratic governance; sustainable development, environment and energy; gender equality and women’s empowerment; and knowledge, innovation and capacity development.
• Proven record in advanced copy editing and/or producing knowledge in the area of sustainable, human development and international development
• Knowledge of UN, including UNDP terminology, language, and style an advantage.

Language:

• Complete fluency in English (written and oral).

A.Recommended Presentation of Proposal

Applicants are kindly requested to complete and sign and submit all the following documents available at 196.202.143.140/bids/doc/1845.docx

1. Duly accomplished Letter of Confirmation of Interest and Availability using the template provided by UNDP (attached as Annex A)
2. Personal History (P11), indicating all past experience from similar projects, as well as contact details (email and telephone number) of the candidate and at least two (2) professional references
3. Only shortlisted candidates will be requested to submit Financial Proposal that indicates the all-inclusive fixed total contract price, supported by a breakdown of costs, as per template provided (attached as Annex B).  If an applicant is employed by an organization/company/institution, and he/she expects his/her employer to charge a management fee in the process of releasing him/her to UNDP under Reimbursable Loan Agreement (RLA), the Applicant must indicate at this point, and ensure that all such costs are duly incorporated in the financial proposal submitted to UNDP.

B.Criteria for Selection of the Best Offer

The offers received from the candidates will be evaluated using combined scoring method. The combined scoring method assesses the offers with technical merits of the proposals – where the qualifications and methodology will be weighted a maximum of 70%, and later combined with the price offer which will be weighted a max of 30%.

Only candidates obtaining a minimum of 49 points out of 70% for the technical criteria would be considered for the Financial Evaluation.

Shortlisted candidates (ONLY) will be requested to submit a Financial Proposal.

When filling in (Annex A), please do not fill in price fields(Annex B).

The award of the contract should be made to the individual consultant(s) whose offer has been evaluated and determined as: a) responsive/compliant/acceptable, and b) having received the highest score out of a pre-determined set of weighted technical (P11 desk reviews) and financial criteria specific to the solicitation.

C.Evaluation Criteria

The points for the Financial Proposal will be allocated as per the following formula:

• “Lowest Bid Offered” refers to the lowest price offered by offerors scoring at least 70% in technical evaluation.
• The method of evaluation is a desk review of P11. Please highlight in the P11 form major report you have prepared.
• Women candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
• Contracts will be awarded to the two - three technically qualified consultants who obtain the highest combined score (technical and financial)
• Consultant should use his/her own professional equipment for photography and photo processing.
• Consultant will abide with the UNDP copyright rules and regulations. Any/all material produced for UNDP (per request of UNDP) is sole ownership of the UNDP and as such cannot be distributed or shared with any third party (media outlet, publishing agency, organization or person) except per specific request of UNDP Communications Unit.