Consultancy: Editing and Proofreading of Documents, Child Protection Section, PD, NYHQ, Requisition #511041

To produce professional and attractive global products, UNICEF is soliciting the services of an institution/individual consultant with experience in editing, copy editing and layout of UN and/or UNICEF documents. The services are required for a 100-day period over the next 11.5 months.

UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential.

Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone.

And we never give up.

Background & Rationale

UNICEF’s Strategic Plan 2018-2021 (SP) seeks to contribute to the realization of the rights of all children, especially the most disadvantaged. In particular, through Goal Area 3, UNICEF aims to ensure that ‘Girls and boys, especially the most vulnerable and those affected by humanitarian situations, are protected from all forms of violence, exploitation, abuse and harmful practices’. The emphasis on this area of work within the SP and in the context of Agenda 2030 means UNICEF must prioritize documentation of results at global, regional and country levels for enhanced visibility, advocacy and fundraising purposes. To document results, UNICEF Child Protection Section NYHQ must develop a wide array of global products (see below for a non-exhaustive list).

To produce professional and attractive global products, Child Protection Section NYHQ requires the services of an institution/individual consultant with experience in editing, copy editing and layout of UN and/or UNICEF documents. The services are required for a 100 day period over the next 11.5 months. All products must adhere to the guidelines in the UNICEF Brand Book and UNICEF Style Book.

In this context, the Child Protection Section produces a wide range of global products. The range includes, but is not limited to, the following products (with examples indicated):

• Corporate reports and documentation (e.g. https://www.unicefusa.org/sites/default/files/EVAClong.UN0139859.pdf and https://www.unicef.org/publicpartnerships/files/2016arr_childprotection.pdf)
• Brochures (e.g. https://data.unicef.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Civil-Registration-web-version-v2.pdf)
• Infographics (e.g. http://www.who.int/violence_injury_prevention/violence/inspire/INSPIRE_infographic_EN.pdf?ua=1)
• Policy and programming guidance and technical materials (e.g. http://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/10665/207717/1/9789241565356-eng.pdf?ua=1)
• Materials for resource partners (e.g. https://www.unfpa.org/sites/default/files/pub-pdf/UNFPA_UNICEF_FGM_16_Report_web.pdf)
• Advocacy briefs and thematic one and two pager documents (e.g. see attached pdf VAC TOC flyer)
• Evaluation and research papers (e.g. https://www.unicef-irc.org/publications/pdf/MCSDVAC_revised12072017.pdf and http://data.unicef.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/FGMC_Lo_res_Final_26.pdf)
• Potential video, graphic and animated products (e.g. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pEaNwDtQRwI)

Purpose

To produce professional and attractive global products, UNICEF is soliciting the services of an institution/individual consultant with experience in editing, copy editing and layout of UN and/or UNICEF documents. The services are required for a 100-day period over the next 11.5 months.

Expected results: (measurable results)

Complete substantive editing and copy-editing of the documents to professional publications. Before finalizing the edited manuscripts will be sent to the contract supervisor with changes and comments using the track changes feature in Microsoft Word for initial review, feedback and subsequent revision and finalization.

More specifically, the institution/individual consultant will:

• Restructure and rewrite the areas of text as needed to promote clarity, continuity and internal consistency and incorporate reviewers’ comments;
• Shorten overly long sentences, ensuring proper rhythm within each paragraph. Insert breaks where required to shorten paragraphs that are too long;
• Redraft incorrect or unclear passages where necessary, in consultation with the relevant office, and insert any omitted text;
• Provide accuracy and consistency in capitalization, spelling, abbreviations/acronyms, notes, bibliography, titles, graphs, and tables (including their notes and sources), as per the UNICEF Style Book;
• Ensure that the organization of the work promotes forward momentum and that the language is crisp and engaging;
• Ensure that arguments are presented in a balanced manner; that citations are included for statement/passages where required;
• Ensure that the language used is impactful; that repetitious text and jargon are eliminated; and that potential sensitivities (e.g. political, gender, culture) are flagged and ways of resolving the issue(s) proposed;
• Develop and ensure consistency in overall layout; and
• Review the final text.

Duration

The expected period of assignment is from 1 March 2018 to 31 January 2019.

 Expected deliverables and timeline

 Key competences, technical background, and experience required

Consultant(s) either individual or provided by institution should meet the following qualifications:

The consultant(s) must have significant writing and copy editing background in child rights, child protection, child protection programming in emergencies and other kind of UNICEF publications. The consultant editor(s) will be responsible for undertaking editing and copy editing in a timely and high-quality manner.  It is expected that the consultant(s) will demonstrate capacity to fully manage and capably perform and deliver outcomes in negotiated time.

• University degree (Bachelor's) in social sciences or related technical field.
• At least five years of work experience as an editor or writer
• Demonstrated outstanding drafting and editing skills in English language and ability to convey policy messages in a clear and concise but sensitive way
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of child protection
• Ability to effectively grasp and incorporate comments from multiple authors to fit a defined publication style and format
• Sets high standards for quality of work and consistently achieves project goals
• Previous experience working with an international organization
• A good background knowledge of UNICEF mandate and mission as its programmes
• English mother tongue or equivalent level, knowledge of other UN languages is an asset.

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.

Remarks

With the exception of the US Citizens, G4 Visa and Green Card holders, should the selected candidate and his/her household members reside in the United States under a different visa, the consultant and his/her household members are required to change their visa status to G4, and the consultant’s household members (spouse) will require an Employment Authorization Card (EAD) to be able to work, even if he/she was authorized to work under the visa held prior to switching to G4.   
At the time the contract is awarded, the selected candidate must have in place current health insurance coverage

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization