Consultancy: Editor - HIV/AIDS Section, PD - NYHQ, Requisition# 510077

UNICEF seeks an experienced editor (consultant) with excellent skills in science and advocacy publications. The ideal candidate will also have demonstrated experience in developing evidence-based advocacy publications that are compelling and reader-friendly. Current experience in HIV and AIDS internationally is highly desirable.

UNICEF works in 190 countries and territories to protect the rights of every child. UNICEF has spent 70 years working to improve the lives of children and their families. Defending children's rights throughout their lives requires a global presence, aiming to produce results and understand their effects. UNICEF believes all children have a right to survive, thrive and fulfill their potential – to the benefit of a better world.

Background & Rationale

The HIV/AIDS Section is seeking a consultant editor to support the team in the editing of various high-visibility products throughout 2018. These products are intended for purposes of UNICEF advocacy on behalf of children and adolescents in the context of the global HIV/AIDS epidemic. Products include the following:

1. HIV/AIDS within UNICEF’s Strategic Plan, 2018-2021 (short publication): Describing UNICEF’s work on behalf of children, adolescents and young women in the context of the global HIV/AIDS epidemic, UNICEF’s HIV/AIDS Programme and Strategic Vision in 2018-2021, UNICEF’s work in partnership and results achieved to date. This short publication is intended for use in communication and advocacy with a non-specialized audience.
2. Misc. editing assignments: The consultant will provide support for editing a range of HIV/AIDS-related content for up to 25 days within the contract period (i.e., for editing of donor reports, fundraising materials, regional reports, etc.).

Expected results

In consultation with the section and the supervisor, and based on the evidence and inputs provided by the section, the consultant will provide the following for each of the deliverables:

(1) up to three versions of outline, and
(2) up to three versions of edited text. Outline and edited texts will be circulated by the section for peer review and comments; the consultant will incorporate the comments into the subsequent version. Third version will be considered final. With the section and the supervisor, the consultant will establish a process and a timeline for obtaining and incorporating comments and finalizing the edited texts in close collaboration with the technical and advocacy teams. The consultant is expected to produce edited texts that are scientifically and technically accurate, have strong advocacy appeal and reflect the views of UNICEF and contributing partners. Work is expected to meet UNICEF publication standards (i.e., accurate, current, relevant) and be based in evidence; the consultant is expected to cite the sources of all factual statements using standard bibliographical format. The consultant is expected to deliver edited texts of high quality and on time.

UNICEF will be responsible for the following:

(1) Convening reference groups that will review the edited texts (comprised of advocacy and technical experts within UNICEF and the UN);
(2) Providing the consultant with country examples for elaboration, and access to the UNAIDS/UNICEF data sets;
(3) Managing the texts to final, approved, complete publication, including through stages of fact-checking, copy-editing, design and layout, image curation, production (for print and digital publishing), translation, printing and distribution.

Responsibilities

• Ensure that the edited texts are lively, clearly written and phrased in ways that engage their intended audiences.
• Incorporate information from a number of sources into the draft while maintaining a consistent writing style, tone of voice and balance.
• Follow relevant editorial style and standards.
• Uphold high standards of quality and professionalism.
• Regularly inform the supervisor of progress towards the deliverables, including any delays or issues that might affect timely completion of the work.

Duty Station ; Remote-based

 Travel : None envisaged

 Timeframe:  Start date:  1 February 2018                                End date: 1 July 2018

Performance Indicators for Evaluation of Deliverables

• On time delivery of assignments
• Accuracy
• Quality
• Attention to detail

Key competences, technical background, and experience required Deadline

• First University Degree (Bachelor's) in relevant field including international development, public health, social sciences, political science, journalism and communications;
• At least 10 years’ experience as an editor with excellent science and advocacy editing skills;
• Experience in developing digital publications and advocacy communication materials;
• Good understanding of HIV and AIDS and children living with and affected by HIV and AIDS;
• Strong analytical skills;
• Excellent editing skills (experience in research and editing on gender and children will be considered a strong advantage); Excellent, clear and concise English writing skills and style.

Payment Terms:

The following payment schedule is based on the consultant’s daily fee, to be agreed upon before entering into the contract: