Editor/Writer (Consultancy) - Planning and Monitoring Evaluation Unit - WCARO

UNICEF West and Central Africa Regional office produces a number of key documents, including communication materials that documents key children’s issues, reports, advocacy briefs, position papers, guidelines, case studies etc. The publications and documents need to have a high quality standard of content with excellent English and French writing. The ambition is to establish a consultancy with at least 2 individual English writers and editors and 2 individual French writers and editors.

If you are a committed, creative professional and are passionate about making a lasting difference for children, the world's leading children's rights organization would like to hear from you.

For 70 years, UNICEF has been working on the ground in 190 countries and territories to promote children's survival, protection and development. The world's largest provider of vaccines for developing countries, UNICEF supports child health and nutrition, good water and sanitation, quality basic education for all boys and girls, and the protection of children from violence, exploitation, and AIDS. UNICEF is funded entirely by the voluntary contributions of individuals, businesses, foundations and governments.

Purpose of the Assignment

The overall objective of this consultancy is to establish a standby arrangement with at least 2 English and 2 French writers and editors to be available at short notice to assist with the writing and copy editing of documents in English or in French – with a focus on improving overall structure, clarity and style that conforms to the UNICEF Style Book.

 The contract will specifically include the following services:

• Copy editing and copy writing of technical documents;
• Writing of documents based on reports, studies and notes provided by UNICEF
• Proof-read, write and edit original copy and content on UNICEF-related activities and programme, such as:

• Reports and publications, such as annual corporate reports, brochures, meetings reports etc.
• Key messages and briefs on programme issues.

Assignment Tasks / Expected Deliverables

Description of assignment: Editing or develop, formatting and finalisation documents for review and final clearance by the supervisor of the consultancy. This includes compliance with the UNICEF style and branding guidelines, grammatical accuracy, factual accuracy and coherence. 

 The deliverables for each assignment and scope will be discussed, clarified and agreed in writing before the onset of each assignment.

Qualifications of Successful Candidate

Education

• University degree in communication studies, journalism, social sciences or a related arts and humanities field;
• Additional training in proofreading and editorial writing an asset.

Years of relevant experience

• Minimum of 8 years of proven experience (both at national and international levels) in writing and editing reports and other communication materials in English or French ;
• Good interpersonal skills, including initiative, flexibility and patience
• Organizational and coordination skills;
• Computer proficiency including Internet and Microsoft office;
• Ability to work independently and to meet tight deadlines to deliver products on time;
• Fluency in English (oral and written) or French (oral and written), preferably both
• Strong knowledge and understanding of the international development environment and related reporting styles and requirements)
• Significant experience in writing, editing and proof-reading original content for a wide range of formats and media.
• Significant experience with social and development issues relevant to UNICEF’s work.
• Ability to deliver timely and high quality products under tight deadlines.

Competencies of Successful Candidate

 To view our competency framework, please click here. 

Consultants interested in the above assignment should submit application, accompanied by profile, expression of interest and a cover letter. 

In additional to application and Curriculum Vitae (CV), interested applicants are required to submit two samples of previous work that remonstrated ability to edit/write.

Please indicate your proposed professional fee at daily rate in US Dollars.

 Please indicate your ability, availability and daily/monthly rate (in US$) to undertake the terms of reference above (including travel and daily subsistence allowance, if applicable).  Applications submitted without a daily/monthly rate will not be considered.

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages qualified female and male candidates from all national, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of our organisation.