Scope of work:
The selected national and international consultants will work under the direction of the Regional Communications Advisor to write, edit and/or proofread English language documents, ensuring high quality content for publication purposes, in line with the following:
Writing
- Gathering information on project-specific areas related to UNFPA’s work
- Writing drafts, editing and proofreading the drafts
- Checking for conceptual or grammatical errors in drafts
- Demonstrating excellent writing ability
- Revising drafts as needed
- Adhering to deadlines
- Coordinating deliverables with UNFPA project staff
Basic copyediting
- Ensure consistency of editorial style
- Enter editorial changes to text and tables electronically using track changes
- Check grammar (verb–subject agreement, dangling participles, incorrect or unclear use of pronouns, etc.) and punctuation for correctness and consistency
- Check spelling for correctness, conformity to the UN Editorial Manual, and consistency
- Eliminate jargon, wordiness and inappropriate abbreviations
- Check references, cross-referencing, titles, names, captions, organizations, event titles, etc.
- Propose editorial changes in documents for greater clarity or impact
- Check and add web links as appropriate
- Ensure consistency in brand style
- Check for proper sequencing (such as alphabetical order) in lists and other displayed material
- Prepare a list of proposed changes to figures or enter changes manually on a printed copy and scan the latter
- Eliminate abbreviations as far as possible and ensure that essential abbreviations are spelled out at the first mention
- Delete excessive italic, boldface, and quotation marks
- Check spelling and presentation of Member States’ names in accordance with the official list of Member State names
- Check proper names (for cities, international conventions, conferences, nongovernmental organizations, named individuals, etc.)
- Edit chapter titles, sections, subsections, lists and table, figure and text box captions for brevity, consistency and parallel construction, and check numbering
- Ensure that UN referencing style has been used for reference lists and bibliographies, and that the information for each reference is complete
- Check that the titles of references cited correspond to the subject matter in the text at the point of citation
- Check that any tables, figures, text boxes, annexes, and web annexes are correctly cited in the text
- Check for and eliminate or query discriminatory language
- Edit or prepare a table of contents
- Prepare instructions for the graphic designer, if needed
- Revise the material to take account of comments of reviewers.
Substantive editing
Perform all the tasks for a light edit, in addition to the following:
- Rewrite text where necessary to improve flow
- Change text and headings to achieve parallel structures
- Ensure consistent style and tone
- Ensure previews and summaries reflect content
- Flag unclear or incorrect statements
- Monitor the overall structure for logical flow and balance and advise/consult on how to rectify if necessary
- Rewrite, reorganise, or shorten the text to improve logical structure or argument and make communication more effective
- Draft new text as needed
- Eliminate unnecessary and repeated material
- Make suggestions on layout, as appropriate
- Revise the material to take account of comments of reviewers and additional material supplied by the author(s).
Proofreading
- Ensure consistency of written and visual content in line with the UN online editorial manual as a style guide
- Review text files and page proofs and correct typographical or formatting errors
- Ensure that page numbers, chart labels and captions are error-free
- Ensure that changes made at the proof stage are accurately made by the designer.
Experience
Essential:
- A Master’s degree and at least 7 years’ relevant experience as a writer and/or editor at national or international level; alternatively, a Bachelor’s degree with 9 years of experience.
- Experience editing for United Nations agencies and/or intergovernmental organizations.
- At least 6 samples of relevant previous work submitted with application.
Desirable:
- Knowledge of sexual and reproductive health and rights programming, particularly for adolescent girls and young women, is an advantage.
- Experience of writing and/or editing UNFPA publications and/or communication materials.
Skills:
Essential:
- In-depth knowledge of current editorial techniques, procedures and publishing standards.
- Excellent writing and editorial skills, and attention to detail.
- Proven ability to work effectively and tactfully in an interdisciplinary, multicultural, and multilingual environment.
- Ability to work under pressure and respect deadlines.
- Excellent administrative skills, and proven ability to use Microsoft Office applications and to conduct Internet searches.
Desirable:
- Some degree of specialisation in one or more of the fields of activity of UNFPA.
How to apply:
Please submit your CV, cover letter & 6 samples of previous work undertaken to Mary Makgato ([email protected]) and Lindsay Barnes ([email protected]) by 14 May 2023.
