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.
Please submit your CV, cover letter & 6 samples of previous work undertaken to Mary Makgato (makgato@unfpa.org) and Lindsay Barnes (barnes@unfpa.org) by 14 May 2023.
Apply via :
makgato@unfpa.org